New York City is the center of attractions. Tourists flock to NYC to get a look at the amazing innovations that the city holds. Attractions vary from the simplest and most personal restaurants to the most grandiose and ornate buildings. Since public transportation is such a big part of the city, two major transportation stations have turned into attractions: The Oculus and Grand Central Terminal.
A major attraction that has risen up in the past couple of years has been the New World Trade Center. After the horrifying events on 9/11, the city g
ot back on its feet and created a breathtaking memorial for the lives lost. The new world trade center was built, and became one of the most popular attractions in NYC. After a couple of years, the city also renovated the transportation hub under the world trade center and named it The Oculus. This $3.9 billion structure is the connection between New Jersey’s PATH trains and NYC’s subways.
Once a visitor steps inside the building they are engulfed in a blindingly white world. The floors, walls, and ceilings are all white and the tall ceilings and widespread walls create an open feel. Much of the building houses retail shopping in a layout similar to a mall. Aside from the shopping, the Oculus serves as a train station for the PATH trains and regular subway lines. The Oculus is kept completely clean, a welcome contrast to the normal gritty feel of the NYC metro. The station itself is an attraction; tours are held where tourists are invited to view the station and learn about its making. The beautiful architecture and design of the station makes traveling to work and school a more enjoyable experience – it gives people a breath of fresh air and a break from the cramped subway lines while walking through it.
Similar to The Oculus is the Grand Central Terminal in Midtown. This station has been around for much longer yet is still a popular attraction in New York City. Grand Central also has numerous shops and places to eat, and the grandeur of the design is breathtaking. While the Oculus is all white, Grand Central has a gold and brass theme. The station also has huge windows which let in a lot of light, making the place seem even larger than it is. Grand Central also allows access to various subway lines, buses, and taxis. The terminal is a major attraction in the city because of its history and beauty, and tours are offered daily.
Both of these transportation hubs are artistic attractions that have been carefully planned and built. Thousands of people walk in and out of these stations to work or school and experience this art every day. These stations are evidence that art can exist even in the busiest of places in any form possible.
By: Annalissa Thomas
