Every existence, even non-living ones, has its story to tell. Grand Central Station is no exception. On February 2, 1913, the terminal officially opened, and rail transport soon became highly favoured by commuters, which marked the dawn of Grand Central Station’s golden age.

In 1947, over 65 million people traveled through Grand Central annually, but the subsidized highways and intercity airline traffic soon overtook its glory, almost resulting in the building’s demolition.

Fortunately, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority signed a long term lease on the building and began its restoration project. After braving through a century of hardships and battles, Grand Central Station remains magnificent and proud to be of service to the near 700,000 New York train commuters who pass through it everyday. —Photos by Agencies/text by Alisia Pek