Grand Central Station Madison

The unveiling of Grand Central Station’s Madison Terminal represents a major achievement in New York City’s transportation history. Serving as a commuter rail terminal for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in the Midtown East area of Manhattan, this amazing state of the art facility is a product of the ambitious East Side Access project. The terminal, which started construction in 2008, officially opened its doors to the public on January 25, 2023.

A modern architectural underground wonder

During its inaugural week, I took the opportunity to capture the following images while the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) team put the final touches. The terminal was mostly empty of commuters and in pristine conditions.

The design and engineering of Grand Central Madison brought an innovative approach to the project that has resulted in a terminal that not only meets the demands of modern-day commuters but also serves as a stunning architectural landmark in its own right.

Connecting New York City

One of the primary objectives behind the construction of Grand Central Madison was to alleviate congestion at Penn Station, the longstanding West Side terminus for Manhattan-bound LIRR trains. By providing commuters with a more efficient means of travel to and from Manhattan’s East Side, the new terminal has significantly reduced travel times and improved overall transit accessibility for thousands of New Yorkers.

Designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing Grand Central Terminal complex, Grand Central Madison boasts a striking modern aesthetic characterized by sleek steel, limestone, and glass architecture. The terminal spans an impressive area of 700,000 square feet, with 120,000 square feet dedicated to passenger facilities and an additional 25,000 square feet reserved for retail space.

One of the most notable features of Grand Central Madison is its integration of permanent works of art, echoing the artistic legacy of the original Grand Central Terminal. Renowned artists such as American Kiki Smith and Japanese Yayoi Kusama have left their indelible mark on the station with site-specific installations that imbue the bustling transit hub with a sense of cultural vibrancy.