10 American train stations that are a work of art
Image: Brady Hood
Many of America's train stations are much more than just transit hubs; they are authentic architectural marvels with distinct designs and rich histories. Built mostly in the first half of the 20th century, these spaces reflect the culture and confidence in the future of our nation. Would you like to know more? Join us as we go through 10 railway stations that make this country proud.
1
Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Image: Caleb Fisher
Washington Union Station, opened in 1907, is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Built to serve as one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, no expense was spared. The architect was inspired by ancient Roman baths. The main hall is guarded by rows of marble centurions, and the coffered ceiling is laced with gold leaf. If you want to contemplate marvellous architecture while having lunch alongside city workers and members of Congress, this is the place!
2
Penn Station, New York City
Image: c
Probably one of the world’s greatest railway stations was built in New York in 1910. And we are not talking about the famous Grand Central Terminal. The original Beaux-Arts building that was once home to Penn Station in Manhattan was an architectural masterpiece. It boasted grandiose interiors, huge waiting areas, and granite Doric columns. Unfortunately, in 1963, it was demolished to make room for Madison Square Garden, forcing the station to go underground.
3
Penn Station, Newark
Image: Pixabay
Penn Station in New York may not have survived, but a smaller-scale version still stands in Newark. New Jersey’s Neoclassical and Art Deco marvel was built in 1935 by the same architectural firm as the one in Manhattan. Featuring ornate archways, red terrazzo flooring, and green terracotta decorations, it may be less grandiose than its predecessor, but it still maintains much of its glamour.
4
30th Street Station, Philadelphia
Image: Nils Huenerfuerst
Completed in 1933, 30th Street Station in Philadelphia features a Neoclassical facade framed by 70-foot Corinthian columns. Inside, a spectacular Art Deco main concourse with a coffered ceiling adds to the station’s opulence. Fortunately, this terminal managed to preserve its former glory, and it is still in use today.
5
Main Street Station, Richmond
Image: Tangie Bodden
Main Street Station’s second Renaissance Revival architecture lights up the capital city of Virginia. Built at the turn of the century, it stands out mainly for its 110-foot brick clock tower. Past its glory days, it was neglected and suffered several damages, such as floods and fires. Fortunately, in 2003 it was restored, and today it is once again a major transit hub.
6
Birmingham Terminal Station
Image: Self-scanned, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Meant to be travelers' first impression of the city, Birmingham Terminal Station once managed to astonish and amaze. Built in a Byzantine, Beaux-Arts style, it operated from 1909 to the 1950s. As automobile and air travel flourished, the station fell into disuse and was ultimately demolished in 1969 to make way for a new highway. A huge loss for the Magic City.
7
King Street Station, Seattle
Image: Zoshua Colah
King Street Station in Seattle was built at the beginning of the 20th century with a mix of architectural styles. Its main feature is a 242-foot tower modeled after the grand Campanile di San Marco in Venice. King Street Station also boasts intricate terrazzo and mosaic floors and ornamental plaster ceilings that were restored in 2010 to their former splendor.
8
Cincinnati Union Terminal
Image: Sean Foster
Cincinnati Union Terminal in Ohio is one of the boldest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. Its ten-story, half-domed entrance, green terrazzo, and the large rotunda decorated with industrial murals by Winold Reiss make this station a true architectural masterpiece. In fact, it is considered the greatest work of Alfred T. Fellheimer, who had previously designed Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
9
Union Station, Los Angeles
Image: Tichnor Brothers, Publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
With a unique "Mission Moderne" style, Los Angeles’ main railroad station blends Spanish Colonial and Art Deco influences. Opened in 1939, it was built with a mix of terracotta and marble. It also features intricate tilework, beautiful courtyards, and a prominent 125-foot clock tower. Certainly a fine example of Southern California’s glamour.
10
Grand Central Terminal, New York City
Image: Robert Bye
One of the nation’s busiest stations, New York City’s Grand Central, is famous for its magnificent Beaux-Arts style. The terminal, located in Midtown Manhattan, opened in 1913. It features a signature four-faced Tiffany clock and a celestial dome above the main concourse that draws the sighs of travelers from all over the world.
