Grand Central Terminal in New York City is one of the most iconic structures in America, with its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and grand Main Concourse. It has two imposing eagles that sit atop it. Both these Grand Central Eagles are among the 12 original eagles that graced the Grand Central Depot in 1898, and were acquired by private estates and institutions when the terminal was demolished in 1910. They have an interesting journey back to roost on their perches on this landmark in New York City, where they have historical markers that highlight their journey and significance.
The eagles weigh about 4,000 pounds each, have a wingspan of about 13 feet, and are perched on stone spheres. These can be found above the entrances at 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, and on Lexington Avenue and 43rd Street at the entrance to the Grand Central Market.
I love to look up at these majestic birds every time I cross Grand Central, and have countless photographs of them from over the years.
The Vanderbilt Eagle
The Vanderbilt Eagle is a one-and-a-half ton eagle on the viaduct that circles Grand Central Terminal. It formerly graced the roof of the original Grand Central Station in 1898, and in 2004, which is ninety-four years after the demolition of the station, this majestic eagle was returned to its former home. It can be found on the main entrance to the Terminal on 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, and is a magnificent sight with Chrysler Building as a backdrop.
The Vanderbilt Eagle was given to MTA-Metro North Railroad by the Capuchin Franciscan friars in 2001, after spending many years mounted on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River on the former estate of U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish in Garrison, N.Y. After undergoing extensive restoration, it was installed at this location, complementing the other original eagle perched above the entrance to Grand Central off Lexington Avenue at 43rd Street.
The historical marker for the Vanderbilt Eagle reads – ” Above this location, a one-and-a-half ton eagle is perched on the viaduct that circles Grand Central Terminal, It is one of 12 eagle sculptures that formerly graced the roof of the original Grand Central Station in 1898. In 2004, ninety-four years after the demolition of the station, this majestic eagle was returned to its former home. It was graciously given to MTA-Metro North Railroad by the Capuchin Franciscan friars in 2001, after spending many years mounted on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River on the former estate of U.S. Representative Hamilton Fish in Garrison, N.Y. After undergoing extensive restoration, it was installed at this location, complementing the other original eagle perched above the entrance to Grand Central off Lexington Avenue at 43rd Street. The eagle, restored for MTA Metro-North Railroad by the Architectural Iron Company and Evergreen Studios, is finished in gold and palladium leaf and brown paint. April 28th, 2004″
The Bronxville Eagle
The Bronxville Eagle is one of the original 12 Grand Central Eagles as well, and has a 13-foot wingspan. It can be found above the 43rd Street and Lexington Ave entrance close to the rats of Grand Central. It was discovered hidden under a tangle of azalea bushes and hemlock trees in a yard in Bronxville, N.Y after new owners moved into the house in 1995. They had no idea it was there! It had a long journey back to its original home at Grand Central, where it is now greets commuters and visitors to Grand Central from the Lexington Avenue entrance.
The historical marker of the Bronxville Eagle reads – “One of the 12 cast iron bald eagles perched atop the original Grand Central in 1898; this 1 ½ ton sculpture was removed in 1910. It ultimately came to reside on the grounds of the Westchester home of Laurie Hawkes and Paul Grand Pre. Ms. Hawks and Mr. Grand Pre graciously offered the noble symbol of Grand Central Terminal’s historic past to E. Virgil Conway, chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, who arranged for its triumphant return as part of the terminal’s rededication in 1998. It now adorns the Lexington Avenue entrance to Grand Central Terminal. The eagle was restored for MTA Metro-North by Architectural Iron Company and Evergreen Studios and is finished in gold and palladium leaf and brown paints. October 18, 1999”
Both are very striking, and definitely worth looking out for if you are visiting Grand Central.
