Uncovering the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal in New York City

Grand Central Terminal is not only regarded as one of the most stunning train stations globally, but it also stands out as one of New York's most intriguing landmarks. With over 750,000 daily visitors, it serves as a bustling hub for locals, commuters, and tourists alike.

Constructed in the 1870s under the vision of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, this terminal was designed to represent wealth and influence during an era when railroads revolutionized travel. After thriving in the steamship industry, Vanderbilt shifted his focus to railroads, initiating the creation of what was then known as Grand Central Depot to facilitate rail traffic in the city. The stunning Beaux-Arts structure we admire today replaced the original depot in 1913, showcasing luxurious materials such as Tennessee and Botticino marble, brass, opal, and Guastavino tile. While this iconic site may seem well-explored, these 11 secrets may still astonish you.

1. A Hidden Bar Awaits Inside

While the Oyster Bar is well-known, there's also an elegant lounge tucked within the terminal. Enter through Vanderbilt Avenue and ascend to the balcony level, where you'll discover a stunning bar featuring stylish waitstaff serving Jazz Age-inspired cocktails, including delightful creations like the Prosecco-infused Grand Central Spritz.

This hidden gem is called The Campbell. Originally the office of tycoon John W. Campbell, it fell into neglect after his passing in 1957. However, it was beautifully restored in 2007, showcasing exquisite rugs, porcelain vases, a grand stone fireplace, leaded glass windows, and inviting sofas. It’s undoubtedly one of the best-kept secret bars in New York.

2. Two Priceless Clocks Are On Display

On the exterior of the station, you’ll find the world’s largest Tiffany clock, measuring 14 feet across. Crafted from brass and stained glass, it is encircled by a 1,500-ton statue of the Roman gods Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva, sculpted by French artist Jules-Félix Coutan.

In the grand hall, a remarkable four-faced ball clock perched atop the information kiosk boasts an estimated value of $20 million. Each face is crafted from opal and encased in brass, crowned with a brass acorn—the emblem of the Vanderbilt family.

3. Everywhere You Look: Oak Trees and Acorns

The Vanderbilt family's saying goes: "Great oaks from little acorns grow." To highlight their investment in the stunning 1913 station, Cornelius Vanderbilt's descendants commissioned French artist Sylvain Saliéres to create ornate decorations featuring oak leaves and acorns. These motifs adorn the intricate carvings in Vanderbilt Hall, the arches of the main concourse, and the grand bronze chandeliers scattered throughout the station.

4. The Mysterious Origins of the Whispering Gallery

Nestled near the Oyster Bar is the Whispering Gallery, an acoustic wonder where two people positioned at opposite ends of the vaulted archway can exchange words, their voices bouncing back like a secretive game of telephone that others cannot hear. The striking vaulted ceiling features Guastavino tiled arches, reminiscent of the Oyster Bar, yet the origins of this incredible acoustic phenomenon remain a mystery.

5. The Ceiling of Constellations Is Inverted

In the main concourse, the ceiling was initially intended to be a skylight. However, as budget and time constraints emerged, artist Paul Helleu stepped in to create a stunning mural instead. Although a Columbia University astronomer verified the artist's celestial design, the painters accidentally placed the plans on the ground while working, leading to the constellations being depicted in reverse.

6. Tennis Courts Are Hidden Within the Station

Few know that the Vanderbilt Tennis Club resides on the fourth floor, accessible to the public. For a fee of $200 to $300 per hour (depending on the day), anyone can book court time and enjoy the fitness center. Racquets are also available for rent.

7. Windows Conceal Secret Walkways

Although this secret is closely guarded, the large windows visible from the main concourse hide walkways that provide aerial views of the station. These pathways allow employees working in the offices above to move about without battling the crowds below. Public access is highly restricted, and the walkways can only be accessed with a key pass.

8. A Hidden Entrance to the Waldorf Exists

Beneath the station lies a two-story train shed containing 33 miles of tracks—more than double the length of Manhattan. VIPs seeking to avoid the public eye have utilized a clandestine route known as Track 61, which leads to an elevator directly into the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is rumored to have used this track to conceal his polio from the public. Track 61 is reportedly still reserved for U.S. presidents during their visits, providing an emergency escape route from the hotel.

9. An Unlisted Top-Secret Room Exists

It wasn't until the 1980s that officials admitted the existence of a covert room called M42, yet its precise location remains a closely guarded secret. This 22,000-square-foot chamber lies 10 stories beneath the main concourse and is absent from all blueprints and maps of the station. At one point, trespassers risked being shot by guards if they ventured down there. The room housed rotary converters that once managed the electricity powering the trains on the East Coast. If compromised, as the Nazis allegedly aimed to do during WWII, it could have paralyzed the entire railroad system.

10. The Station Was Almost Demolished

By the mid-20th century, cars and airplanes had overtaken trains as the preferred means of transport. As a result, the Penn Central railroad, which managed Grand Central, sought to demolish it. Plans for skyscrapers to replace the station emerged, but fortunately, those proposals never materialized. Following the destruction of the beautiful original Penn Station in 1963, preservationists rallied to protect Grand Central from a similar fate. Notably, Jackie Onassis and renowned architect Philip Johnson joined forces to create the Committee to Save Grand Central Station, ultimately achieving success.

11. Construction Extended Into the 21st Century

While much of what we admire about Grand Central was established in 1913, significant construction continued into the 21st century. The East Side Access Project, completed in February 2023, expanded the station with a new terminal at a cost of approximately $11 billion, allowing the Long Island Railroad to directly serve Grand Central. This development greatly benefits east side commuters who previously had to navigate through Penn Station. The newly built LIRR station, located beneath Park Avenue, connects to seven subway lines operating through Grand Central and features 40 miles of newly laid tracks.