Grand Central Terminal is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Besides being one of the most traveled transit hubs in the country, it is a cultural icon that not only is featured in movies and television shows but holds a wealth of restaurants, stores, and exciting adventures, all just a quick PATH ride and walk away from Stevens.
Grand Central is a Beaux-Arts-style structure with monumental halls that soar above commuters’ heads and meticulously detailed sculptures in the molding and grand facade. The current Grand Central was built in the early 1900s to replace an older Grand Central Station. Construction started in 1903, and it was, at the time, the largest terminal in the world by track number and size of the building.
As a student, Grand Central has many wonders to behold. The first and the cheapest is to admire the grandeur of the building. Walking outside the building shows its magnificence, including statues of Roman gods, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and allusions to French and Italian buildings. The Grand Concourse, inside, is 100 feet tall, featuring towering arches, the backside of the facade, and an intricately detailed skyscape featuring a pantheon of constellations.
Beyond the grandeur of the main rooms, Grand Central is so large it is possible to spend a day exploring the labyrinth of terminals, halls, and rooms. Going down to 90 feet below the Grand Concourse, the newly built Grand Central Madison station features its own dining and retail hubs. Back closer to the ground, there is an endless set of restaurants, shops, and artwork exhibits around the structure’s ground level. However, there are also upper floors of the building. On the top floors of the building, CBS held studios where they recorded shows like The Goldbergs and the famous news show See It Now.
Going through all of Grand Central would take months of non-stop exploring. Luckily, there is a guided tour run that hits all of the highlights. Additionally, being a transit hub, getting to Grand Central is easy. The 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subways, M1, M2, M3, M4, M42, M101, M102, M103, and Q32 buses all have stops at Grand Central, making it very well connected to all of the New York City.
Grand Central Terminal is a transit hub and a cultural and architectural masterpiece offering countless exploration and adventure opportunities. From the grandeur of the building’s exterior to the intricate details of its interior, there is an endless array of wonders to behold. The infinite dining, shopping, and entertainment options make it a must-visit destination for students and tourists alike. With its convenient location and easy accessibility, Grand Central Terminal is a destination that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in New York City.
