Today, Grand Central Station is so much more than just a transportation hub. A Supreme Court ruling in 1978 ensured the preservation of not only Grand Central, but also landmarks across the country. Huge criticism came from prominent figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and future New York Mayor Ed Koch. Even after the New York City Landmarks Preservation Committee awarded Grand Central landmark status in 1967, they continued to seek bids from architects for tower blocks to replace the Beaux Art building. The owners wanted to redevelop the terminal and there were plans to demolish it and build a modern skyscraper on the site instead. However, by the 1950s, the glory days of long-distance rail travel were over and passenger numbers were in dramatic decline. Famed for its marble staircase, huge windows, Tiffany glass-clock and celestial ceiling, it was originally celebrated for its grandeur. Grand Central Station is technically the US Post Office down the street or the subway station just underneath. Opened to the public in 1913, its official name is actually Grand Central Terminal. And in its shadow people will be whizzing round on the city’s best-known, and smallest, ice rink.Ī Midtown Manhattan landmark, Grand Central Station is one of the world’s most majestic stations. If you head to Rockefeller Plaza during the festive period, you’ll spot New York’s most famous Christmas tree. Meanwhile, Paul Manship’s 18 foot Prometheus overlooks the sunken plaza, and Lee Lawrie made the famous bronze Atlas statue. The grand lobby of 30 Rockefeller Plaza is decorated with a giant mural by Spanish artist José Maria Sert. Public and private spaces throughout the complex have always been prominent stages for contemporary art. Alternatively, head to the 70 th floor and you’ll find the open-air observation deck known as Top of the Rock. If not, you can commiserate with drinks at the swanky Rainbow Room, on the 65 th floor. So, if you’re lucky – and can be bothered to queue for hours on end – you might be able to bag tickets to see a live recording of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers or even Saturday Night Live. It has long been the headquarters of NBC. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is – by design – the most famous of all the Center’s buildings. Built in the art deco style, it was America’s first multiuse retail, entertainment and office space. Commissioned by John D Rockefeller Jr at the height of the Great Depression, its construction provided employment for 40,000 people. The reception houses the world’s first digital clock, while the ceiling is covered by Edward Trumbull’s Transport and Human Endeavour. It’s purportedly the largest mural in the world.Ĭomprising 19 high rises, spread over 22 acres, Rockefeller Center is a city within a city. However, during business hours, visitors are permitted to explore the ornate lobby, with its elegant marble walls. Although the iconic New York building has recently been sold to new owners, there still aren’t plans to open one. It continues to function as an office tower and there hasn’t been a public observation deck since the original closed in 1945. A favourite among locals and tourists alike, the Chrysler Building is instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive sunburst crown. It was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. Upon completion it held the title of world’s tallest building for a mere 11 months. The 925-foot, 77-storey tower served as Chrysler’s company headquarters from 1930 until the mid-1950s. It was designed by William Van Alen for automobile mogul Walter P. The art deco Chrysler Building is perhaps the most beautiful of all New York buildings.
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