New York Central Station (Manhattan) is one of the main attractions of the city. Every day there is an average of 750,000 people, and only a third of them are passengers. The main station is considered the oldest in the city, it ranks first in the world in the number of tracks and platforms - 67 and 44, respectively.
The building is very beautiful and has interesting architectural features. It is unique in its kind. At the moment (2016) the premises are already 103 years old, but the “Grand Central”, as it is called by the locals, does not cease to please the eyes of Americans and tourists.
Grand Central Terminal: description and architectural features
The building was rebuilt three times in its entire history.
- The very first Grand Central Depot station lasted only 8 years, from 1871 to 1879.
- The second, Grand Central Station, was located at this site from 1899 to 1913.
- The latter was named Grand Central Terminal, it was opened in 1913.
The design of today's station was done by well-known American companies at that time . The first was engineering, the second - architectural.
The development of a construction plan began in 1904. When engaged in the project, the companies had to consider the wishes of the authorities. The main requirement was to hide the railway tracks in the tunnel in order to rid the townspeople of soot and excessive noise.
The idea was not just difficult for those times, but extremely difficult to implement. Nevertheless, the designers managed to achieve the desired result, even if it took a whole decade. The grand opening took place on February 2, 1913.
The services of Grand Central are used by everyone who lives here or comes to New York. Central Station covers an area of 19 hectares. It has two underground levels on which paths and platforms are located. On the upper floor - 41, and on the lower - 26.
Unique architecture is a separate issue. In 2011, the station was recognized as the most outstanding in the world. This title was awarded to him by the authoritative Travel & Leisure magazine, and precisely due to its architectural features. In addition, annually the number of tourists visiting Grand Central is 22 million people, and this is the sixth attraction in the world in terms of number of guests.
And finally, about the architecture itself. Few have heard about such a style as bezar. It is a mixture of baroque and renaissance. Railway Station in New York is one of the few buildings made in this architectural style. It is difficult to describe all the beauty that bezar bears in itself. The combination of rigor and symmetry with bas-reliefs, stucco molding and other decor. This is just what is best to see once.
The interior is dominated by vaulted ceilings. The main hall, somewhat similar to a temple, gives a lot of impressions to visitors: this room is 84 x 38 m in size and 37 m high. The windows have an arched shape, as well as many columns in the hall.
Nearby is Winderbilt Hall. The Christmas Market is held here annually and exhibitions are organized. And in Campbell's Apartment, where the style of the 13th century Florentine palace predominates, there is a cocktail bar and restaurant of the same name.
A cult place in New York
Pope John II once said that New York is the capital of the world. And the railway station is a cult place in this city. Indeed, just looking at him recalls the many films and animated series shot here. For example, in Madagascar, on Grand Central, they caught a group of animals looking for Marty. He can also be seen in the movie "13" with Statham, "Kiss for Good Luck" with Lindsay Lohan and many other films.
Meeting place can not be Changed
Where to date if you don't know New York at all? Central station! This is an ideal place, and many people make an appointment under the legendary watch, and then continue to walk around the station or leave it. But even being within the walls of this institution, you can find something to your liking.
Conquer hunger
The Oyster cocktail bar and restaurant, which was mentioned above, is a popular place in New York, considered the most “delicious” in the whole city. It serves fresh oysters, cut right in front of customers. And they are offered amazing wine that improves the taste of seafood dishes. A large assortment of various goodies and a pleasant noble drink will refresh and make the evening memorable.
It is worth noting that this institution can not be compared with the forecourt eateries. Restaurant Oyster is a nicely decorated room with relatively low prices. Here you can even see a Hollywood star in a tracksuit or other casual clothing.
For lovers of shopping
This station in the United States has many shops and boutiques where you can purchase a wide variety of goods. Products for every taste, electronic devices from Apple, clothing and accessories, and during Christmas holidays in the territory of Grand Central, large fairs with interesting goods and theatrical performances unfold.
Travel Tips
The metropolis is dangerous for tourists because many thieves roam its streets. Therefore, you need to be more careful:
- not to take with you that amount of money that is a pity to lose;
- if you have to carry something of value, it’s better to hide it;
- It is recommended not to visit the dark streets, so as not to run into criminals, and generally be extremely careful in the night and evening.
New York is a major city, and crime rates are not low either.
The station is convenient in that it is a great place for tourists to relax. In addition, there are free toilets. Between visiting the sights, you can eat or buy some snacks if restaurant prices hit the budget. And then continue the walk.
New York Central Station: Address
The Grand Central is located in midtown Manhattan: 89 E 42 nd Street (also called metro station). The following metro lines lead here: 4/5/6/7 / S. You can get to it by buses under the numbers M42, X22, X68, X22A and X31.
Secret, or Secrets of NY Central Station
Grand Central's pride, a watch with opal dials, is estimated at around $ 10-20 million. And if you look at the ceiling of the main hall, you can see the universe. It is decorated with a fresco that depicts zodiac signs and 2500 stars, 60 of which are equipped with backlight.
One of the halls (Vanderbilt) was named after its owners, people who donated about 6.5 million dollars for the construction. The family motto reads: "The great oak grows from a small acorn." Therefore, as a tribute to the memory, the station building is decorated with stucco molding with similar images.
Caring for the health of citizens of the country, workers, cleaning the ceiling of the main hall from tobacco raid (they constantly smoked at the station), a small part of it, located next to the cancer claw, was left as it is. The goal is to show people how harmful smoking is to their health.
There is even a secret basement, and rather big. Its area is about 200 thousand square meters. Part of this territory is occupied by a secret room, which is not even on the drawings. Generators are installed in it, and there is also a red button, when clicked, all trains stop. Continuing the topic of secret rooms, it is worth mentioning the platform, the whereabouts of which no one from outsiders knows. It was created back when Roosevelt, when the president needed to hide his state of health from citizens of the country: he was defeated by paralysis resulting from polio. So, he quietly got to his residence. Now this platform exists to ensure the safety of the president in the event of a threat.
It will also be interesting to know that the clock on the bulletin board is in a hurry for 1 minute. And this was done on purpose - so that passengers are not late. What can you do is business New York. The central station is very interesting, a walk along it will give a lot of pleasant impressions, and maybe souvenirs, if you look at shops and boutiques or get to the Christmas market.