A rich, illustrated - and entertaining -- history of the iconic Grand Central Terminal, from one of New York City's favorite writers, just in time to celebrate the train station's 100th fabulous anniversary.

In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks. In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception, amazing history, and the far-reaching cultural effects of the station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters.

Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub truly foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country, and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad.

Featuring quirky anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information, this book will allow readers to peek into the secret and unseen areas of Grand Central -- from the tunnels, to the command center, to the hidden passageways.

With stories about everything from the famous movies that have used Grand Central as a location to the celestial ceiling in the main lobby (including its stunning mistake) to the homeless denizens who reside in the building's catacombs, this is a fascinating and, exciting look at a true American institution.

In stock

SKU 1-5024

Description / Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America Book

A rich, illustrated - and entertaining -- history of the iconic Grand Central Terminal, from one of New York City's favorite writers, just in time to celebrate the train station's 100th fabulous anniversary.

In the winter of 1913, Grand Central Station was officially opened and immediately became one of the most beautiful and recognizable Manhattan landmarks. In this celebration of the one hundred year old terminal, Sam Roberts of The New York Times looks back at Grand Central's conception, amazing history, and the far-reaching cultural effects of the station that continues to amaze tourists and shuttle busy commuters.

Along the way, Roberts will explore how the Manhattan transit hub truly foreshadowed the evolution of suburban expansion in the country, and fostered the nation's westward expansion and growth via the railroad.

Featuring quirky anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information, this book will allow readers to peek into the secret and unseen areas of Grand Central -- from the tunnels, to the command center, to the hidden passageways.

With stories about everything from the famous movies that have used Grand Central as a location to the celestial ceiling in the main lobby (including its stunning mistake) to the homeless denizens who reside in the building's catacombs, this is a fascinating and, exciting look at a true American institution.

What's The Story

Grand Central Terminal opened to the public at 12:01 am on February 2, 1913 following a decade of construction. The imposing building, designed by the architectural firm Reed & Stem in collaboration with Warren & Wetmore, resembled a classical monument with oversized columns, large arched windows and detailed ornamentation. Grand Central was the realization of Cornelius Vanderbilt's dream for a grand depot uniting New York's long distance trains with local transit. Built in the Beaux Arts style, it houses one of the nation's most extraordinary interiors with Tennessee marble floors and Botticino marble details crowned by a vaulted ceiling that arches over the 80,000 square foot Main Concourse. The famous astrological mural, originally painted by the Hewlett-Basing Studio, dramatically depicts the October-to-March constellations of the zodiac on a cerulean blue sky. The 2,500 gold-leaf stars, 59 of which have been enhanced in brilliance with fiber optic illumination, glitter in golden splendor upon more than 750,000 visitors each day.

We found other products you might like!

Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
Bear on a Bike Book
$7.99
MTA Slant End R40 F Train 2 Car Set Wood Train
$29.95
So Many Feelings Sticker Book
$12.95
MTA Motorized Subway Car
$49.95
Silver Subway Car Ornament
$50.95
2017 Travels Thru New York City - MTA Arts & Design Art Card
$25.00
Long Island Rail Road Power In Color, 1952 to 2015 Book
$59.95
NYC Subway Wooden Z Train
$15.95
New York City Subways Book
$24.99
Subway Train Dangle Keychain
$5.95
Frequently bought together
Ascending Wooden Train Track
$4.00
R-32 Retirement Run Poster
$10.00
MTA Bears Keychain
As low as $5.95
Bear on a Bike Book
$7.99
MTA NYC Subway Knit Hat
$17.99
Kids Mets Willets Point Tee
As low as $21.00
New York Central's West Shore Book
$59.95
GCT Ceiling Bow Tie
$48.00
Lizzie Demands A Seat Book
$17.99