Grand Central Station Terminal Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Today New Yorkers are proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of its most prized landmarks, Grand Central Terminal.

Back in 1913, 150,000 people came out to celebrate the grand opening of the terminal in Midtown Manhattan, which was the first to include walkway ramps for travelers. Today, 750,000 people travel through the cathedral-like station each day, which connects the Metro-North Railroad and the subway. In 2019, the mega station is scheduled to expand by offering access to the Long Island Rail Railroad.

In tribute to Grand Central's centennial mark, the West Point Brass and Percussion Band performed Friday morning, and a cake shaped like the main concourse's famous clock was made. A host of celebrities also made appearances, including Caroline Kennedy, the honorary chairwoman of the Grand Central Centennial Committee, "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon, former Mets player Keith Hernandez, former poet laureate Billy Collins and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Commuters can also enjoy special 1913 deals offered by businesses within the station, including a 75-cent cocktail at Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. and a slice of cheesecake at the Oyster Bar for 19 cents.

The worldwide tourist attraction is 70 acres long and includes constellations in the vaulted ceiling.

According to NBC, Tom Prendergast, the interim executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, called the terminal New York's version of a town square, while Hernandez described it as "New York's other great playing field."

The celebration will continue with more events throughout the year, with a performance piece by artist Nick Cave from Mar. 25 to 31 and a parade of historic trains from May 10 to 12.