Another Beaux Arts monument is quite close to the library – Grand Central Station on 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Recently restored, the cavernous main hall is now a destination in itself. Years of grime have been cleared in renovating the painted ceiling, which is lit with stars forming the most famous constellations of the night sky. No wonder alien visitors, like Kevin Spacey’s character in the movie K-Pax, choose to materialize here. That film is one of many that feature this iconic backdrop, from the chase scenes in North by Northwest and Carlito’s Way, to mellower moments, like the scene where Barbara Streisand’s own son Jason, in the role of her character Lowenstein’s son, plays the violin in The Prince of Tides.
The four-sided clock in the center of the hall is the customary rendezvous spot. If you like, you can download a file from the official Grand central Station web site which will take you on a self-guided tour of the station, including such features as the “kissing room” and the “whispering room”. The Transit Museum (free admission) is also housed in the building, and often features special multimedia presentations.
You can roam around for free, but temptations to spend abound. After-work crowds jam not only the platforms, but the two bars at either end of the main hall. Rich aromas from Zaro’s Bakery fill the hall, and a lower level features a glamorous version of the food court. Unless you want to indulge, stay away from Michael Jordan’s steak house and the classic Oyster Bar. There are a multitude of shops to browse through, including a toy store, bookstore and lots of places to buy last minute gifts.
To reach Grand Central Station, take the 4, 5 or 6 train, or take any line that stops at 42nd Street and change for the 7 or the S shuttle that travel across town under 42nd Street.