During my stay in Stamford i used to commute a lot to New York by train, which is why i share a very old relationship with Grand central station. Every time when the crowd pushed me to the main hallway i would spend time looking up in the ceiling. The zodiac constellations shining royally against the green was never a tiring sight for me, never minding the slight neck sprain I came out with.
After four long years, here i am again standing right under my favorite green. This time as a mother of one year old girl, Anika. Its hard to figure out what runs fast, time or the train.
The moment i stepped through the chandelier lit concourse a whirlpool of memories encompass me, when i used to travel carefree with Jyotsna, a friend of mine who was my neighbor cum travel buddy. Right then i knew i was missing her chats and it has been a really long time since i said hello to her. I video call her up and send her a warm virtual hug.
After four long years, here i am again standing right under my favorite green. This time as a mother of one year old girl, Anika. Its hard to figure out what runs fast, time or the train.
Grand Central Station was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1869. After an accident in 1902, steam trains were banned since it used to cause excessive smoke which blurred the driver's view. The electrification of the railway resulted in a new and larger station. Buildings and apartments were included in this grand design and on February 2nd 1913.
There are 44 platforms with 67 tracks. The tracks are on two levels, with 41 tracks in the upper and 26 tracks in the lower level.
There are 44 platforms with 67 tracks. The tracks are on two levels, with 41 tracks in the upper and 26 tracks in the lower level.
The main hall have large arched windows at either end allow light to stream onto the marble floors which are made of semi-transparent rock crystal, cut two inches thick.. Two stairways at opposite ends of the concourse lead to the mezzanine level where large chandeliers hang.
Father and daughter never spare a chance to dance.
The central information point with its famous four sided clock, has become everyone’s meeting point as they arrive or depart on the trains. The clock may be worth more than $10 million, according to auction house estimates. That's because of the four opal faces on the clock.
Some of the beautiful old ticket booths are closed as a result of todays’ modern vending machines but their elegance remains. A large American flag hangs high over the hall since 9/11 and remains to this day.
Stairs lead down to two levels of platforms, forty four in all, that make Grand Central the largest train station in the world (according to platform numbers).
The famous Oyster Bar and Restaurant is on the dining level just below the main concourse.
Here you will discover the deepest secret just outside under the arched entranceway. If you stand in one corner and whisper into the wall, your friend standing in the other corner will be able to hear everything you say, loud and clear.
Reminds me Gol Gumbaz in India where the unique structure is built in such a way that a small whisper gets amplified and is carried across a distance of more than 40 meters in the vast dome and can be heard clearly.
Another secret involves the amazing painted ceiling. Painted by French artist, Paul Helleu, the ceiling features zodiac constellations. Look up and you will see that the zodiacs on the ceiling have been painted backwards. You can learn more about the Grand Central Station secrets here if curiosity is till eating you.
Coming out of the station one cannot help marveling the sculpture of Minerva, Hercules and Mercury designed by French sculptor Jules-Felix Coutan standing atop the large Tiffany glass clock with glistening Chrysler Building standing tall and bright nearby.
Grand Central Terminal
89E 42nd Street
New York
