December 09, 2005
Inside Grand Central
I just finished watching a fascinating 2-hour documentary on Grand Central Terminal in NYC on the National Geographic Channel (although I missed the first 45 minutes). It airs again at 6pm EST on Saturday, and I hope to catch the part I missed. As a commuter who goes through Grand Central twice a day, five days a week, I have a special connection to the terminal.
The show covers the entire history of the terminal: from its opening in 1913 and the golden age of railroading to its decline in the 1950s and '60s; the threat of demolition in the late '60s and early '70s to renovation in the late '80s and through the '90s; and the challenges it faces today (i.e. terrorism).
I remember going through Grand Central whenever I'd go into New York while in college in the late '80s, and having to avoid homeless people camped out in the horrendously dirty terminal. Today, you'd never know that it had reached that depressing state. The limestone, marble and gold leaf gleam, and I have not grown tired of looking at the October night sky ceiling. (I try to avoid looking like a tourist, but sometimes I can't help myself. Usually I'm in too much of a hurry to take a lot of time, but sometimes I get lucky.)
If you're planning on watching it, I won't spoil some of the interesting tidbits that may (or may not!) fascinate you. If you have New York in your travel plans, take a half hour or so and wander about Grand Central. It's well worth it!
Click here to see a "live" view from the National Geographic website.
And now, to bed!
Show Comments »
If they still do them, the guided tour of GCT is worthwhile. I did it with my dad when I was just a kid, and they take you deep into the areas you don't normally see.
Back then, GCT was a dump (the ceiling was black with dirt, the windows still had the WWII blackout paint on them, and there were bums everywhere.) it was pretty disgusting and, depending on the hour, unsafe.
The post-restoration GCT is a wonderful place to be. (And how good is the famous Oyster bar restaurant? man that makes me hungry...)
Posted by: Alex Nunez at December 9, 2005 01:30 PMI was a tourist and thoroughly enjoyed going through the terminal. And in the same vein, the main concourse at Ellis Island is impressive.
Posted by: Two Dogs at December 12, 2005 05:51 PMGreat work!
Posted by: Andy at August 5, 2006 08:30 PMThank you!
Posted by: Steven at August 5, 2006 08:35 PM
