East 42nd Street at
Park Avenue
(212) 935-3960
See 360 Degree Picture of Main
Concourse
Grand
Central Terminal is the world’s largest and busiest
transportation building, occupying forty-nine acres and
servicing over 426,000 commuters on a daily basis. The main entrance
to the station is located at East 42nd Street
at Park Avenue; believe me, you really can’t miss it. Tours
are available for free on Wednesday afternoons (12:30 in front
of the information booth inside the terminal’s main level,)
but to be honest, this is less of an exhibit and more of a
utility for New York’s many, many commuters.
The
terminal was officially opened in 1913 and has recently
undergone a massive, three hundred million dollar renovation to
restore its outward appearance above and beyond that of the
original. It has a dramatic Beaux Arts façade which is made
even more striking by three 75-foot arched windows which are
separated by massive, fluted columns.
Doors
on Vanderbilt Avenue and on 42nd Street lead into the
main concourse, an absolutely huge amphitheater of sorts,
dominated by a map of the stars (on the ceiling, of course) and
restaurants on the balconies which afford spectacular views of
the surrounding area. Underground, over 60 tracks usher trains
upstate and to Connecticut through the services of the
MetroNorth Commuter Rail.
The
Grand Central Terminal’s renovated dining concourse has over
two dozen food vendors, as well as the aforementioned
balcony-located restaurants. Among them is a relatively new
Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, our personal recommendation. As
stated earlier, the balcony seating looks out over the main
concourse, which is 470 feet long, 160 feet wide, and 150 feet
high (just to give you an idea of how big the thing really is).
The
place tends to get a little dicey around rush hour, as you can
well imagine, so you may wish to steer clear if you’re not
entirely sure where you’re going. If you have a destination in
mind, by all means take advantage of one of the most efficient
and beautiful terminals anywhere. For more information, please
call (212) 935-3960. Donations to the Municipal Art Society are
accepted in lieu of tour admission prices.
