Grand Central Celebrates 100th Birthday

NEW YORK — New York City’s Grand Central Terminal will celebrate its 100th birthday with a brass band, a “Sex and the City” star and an appearance by Caroline Kennedy, whose mother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spearheaded efforts to save the landmark from demolition in the 1970s.

The cathedral-like terminal with its vaulted ceiling depicting the constellations is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and one of New York City’s most recognizable buildings. Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed there including “North by Northwest,” “The Cotton Club” and “Gossip Girl.”

But Grand Central was in danger of being demolished until Onassis and other preservationists spurred New York City to designate it a landmark. The fight to save Grand Central went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 1978 that cities have the right to protect historic buildings, even if that limits the owner’s ability to develop or sell the property.

No longer a long-distance train terminal, Grand Central serves commuters going to and from New York’s northern suburbs via Metro-North Railroad. There is also a New York City subway station that connects to the terminal and dozens of shops and restaurants, including the venerable Oyster Bar.

Several of Grand Central’s businesses will offer special 1913 deals for Friday’s birthday celebration, including a 75-cent cocktail at Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. and a 19-cent slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar.

Friday’s party takes place exactly 100 years after the keys to Grand Central were first given to the stationmaster on Feb. 1, 1913.

The celebration will start with the West Point Brass and Percussion Band performing the world premiere of “Grand Central Centennial Fanfare.”

Speakers will include Kennedy, who is the honorary chairwoman of the Grand Central Centennial Committee, as well as actress Cynthia Nixon, former Mets star Keith Hernandez, former poet laureate Billy Collins and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

There will be a replica of the terminal made of Lego bricks as well as an exhibit called “Grand by Design: A Centennial Celebration of Grand Central Terminal,” showcasing the history and impact of Grand Central.

The centennial celebration will continue with events throughout 2013 including a performance piece by artist Nick Cave March 25-31 and a parade of historic trains May 10-12.

___

Online: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com

Loading Slideshow

• FILE- In this Jan. 9, 2013 file photo, the famous opalescent clock keeps time at the center of the main concourse in Grand Central Terminal is shown in New York. The country’s most famous train station and one of its finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture in America turns 100 on Feb. 1. The building’s centennial comes 15 years after a triumphant renovation that removed decades of grime and decay. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

• FILE- In this Jan. 9, 2013 file photo, pedestrians and travelers stroll through the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal in New York. The landmark, one of the country’s finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture and the most famous train station in America is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary on February 1. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: A person walks across a glass catwalk at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Antique equipment remains in the Grand Central Terminal sub-basement on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Antique equipment remains in the Grand Central Terminal sub-basement on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: The antique Tiffany clock still ticks at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal as others (Bottom) gather in the Apple store on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: A worker demonstrates to another how a large antique rotary converter was maintained in the Grand Central Terminal sub-basement on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: The antique Tiffany clock (Top) sits above Park Avenue at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: The antique Tiffany clock still ticks at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Park Avenue stretches below Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Gears function on the antique Tiffany clock at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Antique equipment remains in the Grand Central Terminal sub-basement on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: The antique Tiffany clock still ticks at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: A stairwell carved through rock leads to the Grand Central Terminal sub-basement, the deepest basement in the city, on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: The antique Tiffany clock still ticks at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: People walk through Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: the big hand from the antique Tiffany clock still ticks above Park Avenue at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  A view of the outside clock of Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• NY’s Grand Central Station To Celebrate 100 Years

  NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 31: Dan Brucker, manager of Grand Central Tours, checks his phone below the antique Tiffany clock while giving a media tour at Grand Central Terminal on the day before the famed Manhattan transit hub turns 100 years old on January 31, 2013 in New York City. The terminal opened in 1913 and is the world’s largest terminal covering 49 acres with 33 miles of track. Each day 700,000 people pass through the terminal where Metro-North Railroad operates 700 trains per day. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  A view of the outside of Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29, 2013 . Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  A view of the outside of Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 29 , 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  A man awaits outside Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People make their way towards train past a controller at Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People walk through Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

• US-TRANSPORT-ARCHITECTURE-HISTORY

  People make their way towards trains at Grand Central Terminal in New York, January 28, 2013. Grand Central, the doyenne of US train stations, is celebrating its 100th birthday on February 2, 2013. Opened when trains were a luxurious means of traveling across The US, the New York landmark, with its Beaux-Arts facade, is still one of the US largest transportation hubs and is also New York’s second-most-popular tourist attraction, after Times Square. AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel Dunand (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

Grand Central Celebrates 100th Birthday