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One Day Until Grand Central Terminal's 100th Birthday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - It will be a very special day on Friday for a landmark Midtown building, as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

Grand Central Terminal is a cathedral to rail transportation. Its constellation-laden ceiling soars 125 feet above your head. The main concourse is 275 feet long and 125 feet wide.

"It's very rich, I mean the colors, the play of light on the floor, the beautiful blue ceiling. Everything is golden and gleaming and polished marble," the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Marjorie Anders told WCBS 880 reporter Rich Lamb.

One Day Until Grand Central Terminal's 100th Birthday

"It has a soaring feel when you enter the concourse that just elevates your spirit. People pause. They look around. It makes them happy. It gives them comfort and joy," she said.

Grand Central Terminal
Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal (file / credit: Evan Bindelglass / CBSNewYork)

By the way, each face of the four-sided clock atop the information booth is made of opal. The iconic timepiece alone is estimated to be worth at least $10 million.

Grand Central Terminal Information Booth Clock
The clock at the information booth inside Grand Central Terminal (file / credit: Evan Bindelglass / CBSNewYork)

She says the celebration will include remarks from Caroline Kennedy, whose mother Jacqueline is credited with saving Grand Central from the wrecking ball.

A centennial fanfare will also be performed by the West Point Brass Ensemble, which they were commissioned to write. It will be performed in the main concourse.

"Can you just imagine the horns!" said Anders.

Plus, the United States Postal Service is issuing a commemorative stamp.

Do you have a fond memory of Grand Central Terminal? Please share it below.

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