Took a tour of the world’s largest train station, Grand Central. One word. AWESOME. I wish that I’d taken this tour ten years ago. I’d have an even greater appreciation of this magnificent piece of history.
Ok, the first thing I learned is that we all call it Grand Central Station which is incorrect. It’s Terminal. A station is a stopping place along a route, while a terminal refers to either end of a railroad. Go figure. I’ll still be incorrect and call it station. It just flows better to me.
I learned a lot, but here are some of my favorites:
1. The “whispering gallery” is located near the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Here, the acoustics of the low ceramic arches can cause a whisper to sound like a shout. Sound impossible? Well we tested it, it works and it’s really cool. To test it yourself, you and a friend will have to stand in opposite corners of the large arched entryway. Now face the corner and whisper. Your friend will be able to hear your voice as if you were right next to them. According to experts, this happens because the whisperer’s voice follows the curve of the domed ceiling. According to the guide this is a popular spot for marriage proposals.
2. The ceiling over the Main Concourse, with its famous mural of the stars, is one of the most famous features. However, eagle-eyed visitors will notice that the zodiac on the ceiling is depicted backwards. Some have speculated that this was a mistake by the artist, but the real reason is the painter was inspired by a medieval manuscript that showed the heavens as they would have been seen from outside the celestial sphere.
3. The famous ceiling has another secret. If you look carefully on the east side, you will see a patch of dark on the carefully-restored blue of the mural. This patch shows the color of the ceiling before restoration. It was left as a reminder of how much work was done. For me, knowing about that one little patch of dark to compare the before and after was worth the tour.
4. Interesting that all of the light fixtures have bare light bulbs. Simple reason? In the early 1900’s electricity was new and not widely used by normal households, so the New York Central Railroad wanted to give the sense of grandeur, luxury, and opulence to its train terminal, and did this by showing off the nickel and gold- plated chandeliers with electric light bulbs.
There are many more wonderful tidbits. Take the tour! It’s offered every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
You’re gonna run out of thing to do soon! Left you a message in your pub crawl post.
I will be old with a cane before I run out of things to do in this city!! Ha! Sent you a note via your email about getting together. Sounds fabulous!
Hi Robin,
I’ve been following your chronicling NY escapades around town and find your writing most entertaining. Your tours and ventures remind me of my own when I lived in Rome many years ago, although I didn’t chronicle them. I had to go all over, check out the little details, and see everything beyond the tour books! New York, despite not having the developed existence as Rome does offer these various “curiosities.”
This one on the Terminal is interesting, that whisper thing is a hidden gem. About the size being the largest I was surprised, having thought the terminal in Milan was as grand. Did the guide ever mention Jacqueline Onassis’s efforts to save it back in the 80’s? I admired her so much for that. I didn’t know about the patch on the ceiling and will look up for that one the next time.
Thanks for your efforts, keep enjoying yourself,
best,
Glen
Hey Glen! So nice to hear from you. I hope you and your family had nice holidays. I’ve been thinking of you when I’ve passed up those rides on 30 degree days. Maybe I’ll be in shape for that next winter, but not this one. Still have that Arizona blood running through my veins, ha! Yes, the tour guide told us about Jackie and pointed out the plaque that acknowledges her prominent role she played in the restoration process. I’ve read several of her books as she has always fascinated me. On a side note, I must also tell you what an impression you made on Glenna by showing up at the boat house to tell her good bye on that Tuesday that we celebrated with a luncheon at the New Leaf. She was blown away by that. But then you are such a stand up kinda guy so I expected nothing less! We did miss you at lunch. It was a lovely place. I’m hoping for some 40 plus degree days soon so I can return to those fabulous rides. I’m also looking forward to that personalized Brooklyn tour when it’s warmer as well. Thanks for the kind words on the blog. I’m so living the dream and enjoying every minute in this fantastic city! Looking forward to seeing you soon!