Grand Central Terminal Centennial

Time Out says

Thu Jan 24 2013

Weathering a century is nothing to sneeze at, especially when you still look this good at the end of it. A year’s worth of events have been planned to mark the historic occasion, including Nick Cave’s Heard-NY performance piece in March and the Grand Centennial Parade of Trains in May. But the station’s anniversary proper on Feb 1 will be celebrated with guest speakers and performances in the Main Concourse from 9:30am to 9:30pm (with a rush-hour break from 4 to 6:30pm). Highlights include a concert by the West Point Brass and Percussion Band (9:30am) and addresses from Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon, ex–poet laureate Billy Collins and former Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez (10–11:15am). Plus, commuters on their way home can dance under that famous ceiling to live music by Rhythm Collective, and Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks (6:30–9:30pm). Take advantage of retailers’ special deals: For instance, you’ll be able to buy select items at 1913 prices, such as coffee for a nickel from Financier Patisserie and 13-cent mussels from Pescatore. New Centennial stamps will also be available for purchase in the lower-level information booth. Also, check out the New York Transit Museum’s new exhibit, “Grand by Design: A Centennial Celebration of Grand Central Terminal,” which is on display in Vanderbilt Hall through March 15 (8am–3pm; starting Sat 2 8am–10pm). It details the landmark building’s history and impact on the city, including its nontransportation uses and many pop-culture appearances. Go to grandcentralterminal.com/centennial for more information.