Most likely you’ve already read about, maybe even used, this stunning addition to Grand Central Terminal. If not, make some time to visit because Grand Central Madison (GCM) is a jaw-dropping WOW!!! 

You’ll know you’ve landed at the right place by the wall of glass doors, the large 43 marked on the floor (indicating 43rd Street is directly above) and the unmistakable signage and arches, which mimic the same upstairs in the original grand hall. 

At this point, there are many empty storefronts awaiting occupation, but they are visually appealing with colorful advertising.  There is a good size, readable map, security and a staffed information desk offering help if you need directions. 

You’ll also find the first of the MTA’s exciting collection of new public art. 

In cooperation with the International School of Photography and artist Paul Pfeiffer, “Still Life” celebrates the New York Street Art performer in a series of lightboxes, which rotate photos as you pass by.  If you love art, these are the Hors D’oeuvres to the nine-course meal that awaits you! 

Just a few feet ahead look for Kiki Smith’s “River Light,” a stunning mosaic reminding travelers GCM traverses the East River.  Rough-hewn shades of blue and white tiles rise and fall and sparkle as light plays off them when you pass.  You can almost hear water splashing the shore.

Beyond the first arch it’s a straight long walk north.  Restrooms and a couple of food carts occupy this stretch.  While ticket kiosks are scattered throughout, a ticket counter and a small waiting area are located at 46th Street. 

However, what will grab your attention is the 120 foot long mosaic by world renown artist Yayoi Kusama, which is filled with colorful expressions of flowers, faces, things celestial and more. It is a spectacular piece of work and worth spending some time discovering.

Escalators and stairs can be found at each street marked in the floor.  The one and only elevator to take you to the mezzanine can be found just past the ticketing area,at 47th Street.  You’ll take another elevator to the platform.  Elevators to the platform are easily identified, large and plentiful. 

Everywhere you look in this station, your eyes land on something worthwhile. 

On the mezzanine level you are transported to another world entirely.  Brightly lit tunnels wrapped in glistening glass tiles of seafoam green, sky blue, and soft silver focus your attention on the other mosaics along the east wall depicting life on Long Island.  Kiki Smith reminds you Long Island is not just about beaches and sea creatures there are woods and wildlife too!

Back upstairs on the concourse level between 47th and 48th Streets make sure you keep an eye on the five LED screens, which offer some very creative entertainment. Each of these 2 minute vingnetts are quite colorful, informative and thought provoking.

Platform by Gabriel Barcia-Colombo

When I first saw this piece, I thought I had triggered it as I rode past on my scooter (silly me thinking I’m a star), but of course not! However, to sit on the side and watch these 40 travelers, supposedly waiting for a train, come alive as people pass by in real time is quite fun.

Other art here includes illustrated poetry and “My Time with the Railroad” by Jiseung Moon an 11th grader from Shoreham Wading River High School on Long Island. According to the MTA, the art on these walls will change about every three months.

Accessibility:

To reach this state-of-the-art station (17 stories below ground) from the street using a mobility scooter or wheelchair, head to the northeast corner of Vanderbilt Plaza and 43rd Street where you’ll find inside the lobby of Vanderbilt One a shiny, roomy new elevator.  (Able bodied will use the stairs here.) This elevator also serves as an entry to the original Grand Central Terminal and the subway. 

If you are using the subway, GCM is easily accessed near the shuttle train to Time’s Square.  The MTA took this opportunity to make the shuttle train wheelchair accessible and it’s great!  Coming from the shuttle train drive/ride past the big stairs toward the Lexington Avenue subway trains.  Just past the stairs on the left you’ll find a short ramp with a push button door opener that leads to the gate and turnstiles for entering or exiting the subway. 

This area is very nondescript.  Past the stairs a bit further down on the left there is an elevator, which will take you down to the new station.

I’m reminded of a white box—clean, bright, but void of interesting detail.  In fact, you could easily walk past it.  Nothing invites or entices you to see more, which was probably done on purpose to discourage the curious or people not traveling out to Long Island.  But that’s part of the fun of discovery.

Restrooms:

Restrooms are on the concourse level.  They are spacious with handicapped stalls big enough to accommodate my large mobility scooter. The sinks and counters are at a reachable level.

One Major Problem:

I’d give GCM a slam dunk 5 stars except for one major flaw. Aside from the waiting area on the main level (found around 46th Street), there isn’t a chair or a bench anywhere in the place.

For people using crutches or canes or who find walking painful, this station is a problem. It’s a very long walk from the platforms up to the mezzanine onto the escalators up to the concourse level and then out to the street. And for many people, for whom the escalators are too steep and scary, there are more steps to the elevators.

If I didn’t have my scooter, I would have never been able to see the beautiful design or the wonderful art. It would remain a mystery to me and that would be a loss.

My guess is the MTA and the LIRR were thinking they didn’t want to create an atmosphere where the homeless could congregate. But the paying customer gets short-changed.

Of course this is just my opinion, but on two of my visits I was with able-bodied friends (all seniors in excellent physical health) and one 33 year old in excellent health and all said it was too much.

I am working now on trying to interview someone at the MTA and the LIRR and will post again when successful. In the meantime, put a visit to GCM on your list of things to do in Manhattan. You’ll be glad you did.