Grand Central Station Ceiling

Grand central terminal was new york central s grand entrance into manhattan opened in 1913.

Grand central station ceiling. Since its 1913 opening the main concourse has had a stylized star map on its lofty ceiling. Tucked at the edge of. A few fun facts if you will.

Okay it is what it seems it also however holds some secrets. Grand central features permanent works of art including the celestial ceiling in the main concourse the glory of commerce work and the statue of cornelius vanderbilt in front of the building s south facade and the two cast iron eagle statues adorning the terminal s facades. The mural above the concourse at grand central terminal is one of the most gawked at ceilings in new york city but even daily commuters may have missed a peculiar feature.

Even before grand central terminalofficially opened on february 2 1913 new yorkers were teased with descriptions of the starry mural that had been painted on its vaulted ceiling with the new york times telling of its effect of illimitable space and how fortunately there are no chairs in the concourse or some passengers might miss their trains while contemplating this starry picture. Gone are the cracks and water damage the grime and the soot and gone are the cigarettes. Architect whitney warren of warren wetmore the terminal s architects french artist.

Because of penn station s loss gct was saved in the late 1960s and today is completely restored. The band of sky that is depicted is in fact our current winter sky with the constellation figures copied from johann bayer s renowned 1603 star atlas. What we have now in grand central including the divine ceiling is a jewel of a station.

And in new york city s grand central terminal astronomy is well represented. As well vanderbilt hall is regularly used for temporary art.