Grand Central Terminal (GCT), also referred to as Grand Central Station or simply Grand Central, is a prominent commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It serves as the southern terminus for the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines, connecting the northern parts of the New York metropolitan area. It also links to the Long Island Rail Road through the Grand Central Madison station and connects to the New York City Subway at Grand Central–42nd Street station.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
- Phone: +1 212-340-2583
Historical Significance
Grand Central Terminal was opened in 1913, built by and named for the New York Central Railroad. It replaced two earlier stations, the first of which dates back to 1871. While the terminal served intercity trains until 1991, Amtrak consolidated its New York operations at Penn Station, focusing Grand Central on commuter services. In 1975, Grand Central Terminal was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP Reference Number: 75001206) and became a National Historic Landmark in 1983.
Architectural Design
The terminal’s Beaux-Arts design includes numerous artistic elements and has earned several landmark designations. The Main Concourse, with its iconic celestial ceiling, is a major highlight. Notably, a small dark patch on the ceiling was intentionally left uncleaned to showcase the once-heavy grime caused primarily by cigarette and cigar smoke.
Key Features
- Area: 48 acres (19 ha)
- Tracks: 67 total (30 upper level, 26 lower level) with 43 in passenger service and additional sidings for train storage
- Platforms: 44 total (43 island platforms, 1 side platform)
- Notable Spaces: Library, event hall, tennis club, control center, and a sub-basement power station
Cultural and Social Impact
Grand Central Terminal is among the world’s most-visited tourist attractions, drawing 21.6 million visitors in 2018 (excluding train and subway passengers). The terminal is often featured in films and television, known for its bustling Main Concourse where people commonly gather.
Preservation Efforts
Grand Central Terminal was nearly demolished over 40 years ago, but thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s passionate efforts, it was saved and declared a landmark. In recognition of her role, the main entrance vestibule at 89 East 42nd Street was dedicated as the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foyer in 2014.
Shopping and Dining
Grand Central Terminal houses over 65 restaurants and lifestyle stores, including several women-owned businesses such as Bien Cuit, Cafe Grumpy, Inaya Jewelry, Jet Set Candy, and Paper Source.
Recent Events
In response to congestion pricing concerns in New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference at Grand Central Terminal defending the implementation of congestion pricing and highlighting the importance of reducing traffic.
Fun Fact
During restoration in the 1990s, a 9×18-inch patch of grime was intentionally left on the celestial ceiling as a reminder of the pollution and heavy smoking that once affected the terminal.
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