New York City is known for many things, from its towering skyscrapers to its bustling streets, but one of the most iconic symbols of the city can be found in the heart of Midtown Manhattan: the Grand Central Terminal Clock. This timepiece is a beloved fixture of the city, and it has a fascinating history that spans more than a century. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Grand Central Terminal Clock and explore some of the interesting facts and stories surrounding it.
Which Clock are We Talking About?
When we talk about the Grand Central Terminal Clock, we’re actually referring to two clocks: one on the outside of the terminal, and one on the inside.
The Exterior Clock has a Door
Believe it or not, the exterior clock actually has a door! This door, which is located behind the clock face, leads to a narrow balcony that runs along the top of the terminal’s facade. The balcony was originally intended to be used by maintenance workers, who would use it to access the exterior of the building. Today, the balcony is closed to the public, but it’s occasionally used for special events or photoshoots.
The Inside Clock is Rumored to be Worth $20 Million
While the exterior clock is certainly impressive, the interior clock is even more so. This clock is located in the center of the Main Concourse, directly underneath the terminal’s iconic information booth. It’s a massive timepiece, measuring 13 feet in diameter and weighing over 4,000 pounds. But what’s even more impressive than its size is its value: according to some estimates, the clock could be worth as much as $20 million!
SNL Made a Copy of the Clock
While the Grand Central Terminal Clock is an iconic symbol of New York City, it has also made its way into popular culture in other ways. One notable example of this is the fact that the television show Saturday Night Live has a replica of the clock on its set. The replica, which is located on the show’s Weekend Update desk, is a tribute to the show’s New York roots and the city’s rich history.
Restoration
Speaking of renovations, the Grand Central Terminal Clock has undergone several restorations over the years. The most recent restoration took place in 2017, and it was a massive undertaking that took nearly two years to complete. During the restoration, the clock was disassembled piece by piece, and each component was carefully cleaned and repaired. The opal clock faces were also restored to their original luster, and the LED lighting system was installed to give the clock a more modern look. Today, the Grand Central Terminal Clock looks better than ever, and it continues to be a beloved symbol of New York City.
Movies Featuring the Grand Central Terminal Clock
The Grand Central Terminal Clock has been featured in many movies over the years. One of the most famous appearances was in the 1948 film “The Clock,” starring Judy Garland and Robert Walker. The film is a romantic drama set in New York City, and the clock is prominently featured in several scenes.
The clock has also appeared in several other films, including “North by Northwest” (1959), “Superman: The Movie” (1978), “The Fisher King” (1991), and “Friends with Benefits” (2011). In all of these films, the clock serves as a symbol of New York City’s grandeur and importance, and it adds a touch of nostalgia to the scenes in which it appears.
Books Featuring the Grand Central Terminal Clock
The Grand Central Terminal Clock has also been featured in several books over the years. One of the most famous appearances was in the opening scene of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby.” In the scene, the clock is used to illustrate the passage of time, and it sets the stage for the story that follows.
The clock has also been featured in other books, including “Timekeeper” by Tara Sim and “The House of Velvet and Glass” by Katherine Howe. In these books, the clock serves as a symbol of the passage of time and the importance of punctuality, two themes that are central to the stories.
Rumors About the Grand Central Terminal Clock
Over the years, many false rumors have circulated about the Grand Central Terminal Clock. One of the most persistent rumors is that the clock’s four faces show different times, a myth that has been debunked many times over the years. In reality, all four faces show the same time, and they are synchronized with the atomic clock at the Naval Observatory in Bethesda, Maryland.
Another false rumor is that the clock’s opal faces were designed to be bulletproof, a myth that likely stems from the fact that the clock was built during World War I, when bulletproof materials were in high demand. In reality, the opal faces were chosen because of their unique appearance and durability, not because of any bulletproof qualities.
Finally, there is a persistent rumor that there is a hidden room or secret passage beneath the clock. While it’s true that the clock sits above a set of stairs that lead to the terminal’s lower level, there is no hidden room or secret passage beneath the clock. The clock itself is simply a beautiful and functional timepiece that has stood the test of time for more than a century.
History of the Exterior Clock
The Grand Central Terminal’s exterior clock has been an iconic feature of the New York City skyline for over a century. The clock was created as part of a major renovation project of Grand Central Terminal in the early 1900s, which was undertaken to modernize the station and create a more efficient transportation hub for the growing population of New York City.
The clock’s designer, Henry Edward Bedford, was a British architect who had previously worked on several major projects in New York City, including the Plaza Hotel and the New York Stock Exchange. Bedford’s design for the clock was inspired by the style of the Beaux-Arts movement, which emphasized classical forms and ornate details.
The clock’s four faces are made of opal, a type of white glass that was chosen for its durability and clarity. The faces are set in a bronze frame that is adorned with intricate details, including cherubs, eagles, and other decorative elements.
The clock was installed in 1913, and it quickly became a beloved landmark of the city. It was one of the largest clocks in the world at the time, with a diameter of 13 feet and a total weight of 5 tons.
Over the years, the clock has undergone several renovations and restorations to ensure that it remains functional and beautiful. In 1950, the clock’s mechanism was replaced with an electric motor, which ensured that the clock remained accurate and reliable.
In 1996, the clock was temporarily removed from its perch above the Terminal’s entrance so that it could be restored to its original condition. The restoration process involved the careful removal of the clock’s opal faces, which were cleaned and repaired before being reinstalled.
Today, the clock remains one of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks in New York City. Its timeless design and functional elegance serve as a testament to the grandeur and importance of the Grand Central Terminal, and to the city that it has served for more than a century.
History of the Interior Clock
In addition to the iconic exterior clock, the Grand Central Terminal also boasts a magnificent interior clock, which is located in the center of the Main Concourse. The clock is one of the most recognizable features of the Terminal’s interior, and it has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and photographs.
The interior clock was designed by the Brooklyn-based clockmaker, Seth Thomas, who was also responsible for the design of the exterior clock. The clock’s four faces are made of opal, and they are surrounded by a brass frame that is decorated with intricate scrollwork and other ornate details.
The clock is mounted on top of the Information Booth, which is located in the center of the Main Concourse. The Information Booth serves as a central hub for the Terminal, providing information and assistance to travelers and commuters.
The interior clock is also known for its unique design, which includes a celestial ceiling that depicts the night sky. The ceiling was painted by French artist Paul Helleu, who was commissioned to create the mural in 1912.
Over the years, the interior clock has undergone several restorations to ensure that it remains functional and beautiful. In 1998, the clock was temporarily removed from its perch so that it could be restored to its original condition. The restoration process involved the careful removal of the clock’s opal faces, which were cleaned and repaired before being reinstalled.
Today, the interior clock remains one of the most beloved and iconic features of the Grand Central Terminal. Its timeless design and functional elegance serve as a testament to the grandeur and importance of the Terminal, and to the city that it has served for more than a century.
