Anniversary

Check out this week’s events here.

40 Years Rescued, 20 Years Renewed

Grand Central Terminal’s 105-year journey has been as much about survival as it has reinvention. This year, we’re celebrating the anniversaries of two milestones that, perhaps more than any others, are the very reason Grand Central stands today.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that preserved the building’s historic landmark status, prohibiting the construction of a 55-story office tower that would have obscured the façade and demolished the Main Concourse. The historic campaign to rescue Grand Central was led by several notable New Yorkers organized by The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), including former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for whom the renovated main entry foyer on 42nd Street and Park Avenue is named. By effectively saving the building, the ruling opened discussions to consider major improvements to Grand Central, which had been falling into disrepair.

While the Supreme Court ruling saved the building, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s multi-phase restoration served as its rebirth. For the restoration, the MTA retained Beyer Blinder Belle as its architectural consultant to assist in returning the neglected building to its original splendor. Significant renovations included the cleaning of the vaulted constellation ceiling and building’s marble and Caen stone, a new Main Concourse East stairwell which appeared in the original design but had never been built, heating and air conditioning capabilities, and an infusion of quality restaurants, food vendors, and shops. The renewed Terminal officially reopened its doors to admirers, shoppers, and diners on October 1, 1998, and was celebrated with a Rededication Ceremony, marking the turning point of when the once grand building became a destination again.

To celebrate the anniversary, Grand Central Terminal and New York Transit Museum are partnering with The Municipal Art Society of New York, which is celebrating its own milestone – 125 years of protecting and preserving the city’s legacy spaces and encouraging thoughtful planning and urban design. Grand Central will host an exhibit by The Municipal Art Society of New York reviewing 40 years of Grand Central history in Vanderbilt Hall later this year.

Celebrate With Us

Join us this year from June 26 – October 1 for a whole season of event programming, to celebrate where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. The events and activities underscore the Terminal’s impact on New York and its continued vitality as a treasured public space. Unable to join us in person? Follow along as we tell stories 40 years in the making on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The best way to stay abreast of what’s going on? Subscribe to our email newsletter for special announcements, event reminders, and stories celebrating 40 years rescued, 20 years renewed.

While you’re here, we invite you to explore the timeline of these last 40 years, a look back on the transformative work of the restoration 20 years ago with stunning Then and Now photos, and discover how we’re celebrating this landmark of a year.