Grand Central Terminal is not the first station building constructed on this site in Manhattan . It was designed as a terminal station. The Grand Central Depot was completed in 1871 , where trains from three railroad companies stopped. Of this depot, only the railway hall remained during the overhaul carried out in 1899 to 1900. It was completely rebuilt between 1903 and 1913 . Grand Central Terminal has been the largest railroad station in the world since it reopened on February 2, 1913, with 44 platforms and 67 tracks spread over two floors. More than 150,000 people attended the station's opening celebration.

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A Parisian artist was added to the creation of the bronze and stone sculptures, he added marble to the floor and walls, as well as sculptures of Mercury and Hercules, which adorned the 42nd Street facade.

You've also surely seen his sumptuous clock made by the Seth Thomas Clock Company, a renowned designer based in Connecticut. And for the youngest, the animated film "Madagascar" will bring back memories of this station.

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The two-story underground terminal and station, stretching from Forty-Second to Fifty-Sixth Streets between Madison and Lexington Avenues, replaced the first Grand Central built in 1871 by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt and his railroads New York Central and Harlem.

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THE BASEMENT

The basement of Grand Central Terminal is home to more surprises than you might think. Restaurants, shops, stalls, snack bars, shops, grocery stores... enough to entertain you while waiting for your train. Starbucks, Shake Shack or luxury boutiques will make you pass the time.  

Note that there are also two tennis courts in the station, but you have to pay between $90 and $260 PER HOUR to be able to play a match. Up to you!