And just about every travel guide makes mention of the landmark in their opening pages. It is located in Midtown East, a highly popular neighborhood offering plenty of convenient accommodations for travelers. Nonetheless, there is much more to Grand Central than commuters and architecture. The station is so big and so old (built way back in 1913) that it has dozens of quirks and a sometimes surprising history. One of the secrets that has actually made its way into many guidebooks is the curious Whispering Gallery.
Grand Central’s whispering gallery is one of those quirks of architecture that still seem strange even after you’ve heard a perfectly plausible explanation. Located right next to the famous Oyster Bar and Restaurant is an eerie acoustic and architectural oddity. In this location, two people can stand at either end of the low ceramic arches, dozens of feet apart, and whisper sweet nothings into one another’s ears. The whisper, inaudible from a foot away, sounds like a shout to the person at the other end of the arch. According to experts, this occurs because the speaker’s voice travels the curve of the domes ceiling. Plausible enough, but all of the logic in the world doesn’t make whispering to someone across a room any less fun. The spot has become well known by tourists and some brave souls have even used the arch to whisper a marriage proposal from dozens of feet away.
Grand Central Station is always a-buzz, whether at the height of rush-hour in April or at 4 o’clock in the morning in December. Much like the Midtown neighborhood it calls home, Grand Central never sleeps. Luckily, New York Habitat has dozens of Midtown East accommodations where you can catch some shut eye while the city hums outside. Below are a few to get your search off the ground:
-This studio rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-9232) is housed in a high-rise building with 24-hour doorman, gym and swimming pool. The studio even offers panoramic views over the East River and the United Nations buildings.
-This 1 bedroom loft apartment in Gramercy – Midtown East (NY-12330) is located on the 4th floor of a converted historic warehouse. The amenities includes a piano and a modern kitchen. Two large windows facing park avenue provide lots a natural light.
– This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-14577) is just blocks from Grand Central Station. The stylish apartment occupies the entire 3rd floor of a brownstone building.
I have never heard of this whisper thing, but it sounds pretty cool. If I am ever near Grand Central, I will definitely have to check it out.
I never heard of this whispering gallery ? First time I hear of such a thing. I am always around grand central station and never has anyone mentioned this – I have to try this
I must admit that before I went to Grand Central, a friend did tell me about the whispering gallery and normally I woudl have found the idea inplausable but after visiting St Pauls Cathedral in London where the same accoustics are in place, I realised how cool and amazing it is.So I did it again in Grand central and it is amazing, makes a special palce more special!!