Overview

Tour Grand Central’s history and restoration | 98 minutes

“The only credential the city asked was the boldness to dream. For those who did, it unlocked its gates and its treasures, not caring who they were or where they came from.”

― Moss Hart, “Act One” —

Duration

98 minutes

About

• Hear how New York’s early rail depots changed
• Discover why a new terminal was necessary
• Find out how the amazing design of the structure was created
• Learn who helped to save Grand Central from demolition
• Tour Grand Central’s history and restoration

More about this on-demand virtual talk and tour includes a pdf of the photo stops for you to visit on your Own:

We’ll explore the history of transportation in New York and learn how the railroads have been an important part of our daily lives and commerce. From the early horse and carriage, to steam and diesel fueled trains, to the conversion to electricity, transportation has changed the way New Yorkers commute locally and to the suburbs. The story of Grand Central Terminal is a remarkable architectural wonder for over 100 years. You’ll hear about the transformation from train depot to train terminal, why two architectural firms had to collaborate to create the building. We’ll look at the fascinating design details creating a new, modern, architectural complex that was stunning in classical details. Find out who owns Grand Central and the creative idea behind how the complex earns money providing goods and services to the local community and the surrounding neighborhood. How can 750,000 people walk through the building each day and avoid colliding into each other! You’ll hear how the building was almost demolished, who saved it and how, what renovations took place. We’ll take our virtual tour together so you can see the secrets of Grand Central and know where they are when you visit the building on your own. As we move through the various areas, you’ll hear the stories about the art, décor and why it was used as a WW II spy training site, and see the locations made famous in movies shown around the world.

This 98-minute presentation uses over 100 images taking you on an in-depth visual journey through the transformation of midtown Manhattan and the changes that were influenced by Grand Central Terminal. Then, we'll explore the building's iconic locations and discover the myths and truths about its secrets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local New Yorker, gain an insider’s perspective on makes New York so special.

Download Kitt’s pdf with photo stops for your self-guided tour when you visit on your own.

Upload your photos into Tripcast.

Download the photos into a book to keep your memories!

Add a visit with one of our partners or visit on your own. It’s a great way to be in a location and enjoy it.

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options:
On-demand video with pdf self-guided tour.

Duration: 98- minutes
Included: Private talk by licensed expert NYC guide, Guides Association of New York Certified.

1. Hear the talk.

2. Use Kitt’s photo stops while you are on location.

3. Upload your photos into Tripcast.

4. Download the photos into a book to keep your memories! Cost of the memory book is paid directly by clients and not included in the cost of the tour.

Credentials:

From 1993 – 2016, Kitt Garrett, lecturer, travel and tourism consultant was the Founder and CEO of Discover New York and Beyond. She grew the company to be the leader in personalized travel to New York City by designing extraordinary experiences for corporate, leisure and native New Yorkers who wished to go beyond the New York they already knew. Using her expertise and extraordinary contacts, Kitt was named Condé Nast Top Destination Specialist for 8 years. Kitt sold Discover New York & Beyond in 2016 to a well-established production company in NY.

Kitt was featured on the “Travel Channel,” “Delta Shuttle Magazine,” “Town and Country Travel” and “Elite Magazine.” She has been the guest lecturer on the QE II, The World, Residences at Sea, private clubs and corporations.

While living in the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong and Mexico, Kitt taught cooking and designed food products for Fortune 500 companies.

Kitt holds Advanced Certificates from the Culinary Institute of America, The Higher Certificate from the London Wine and Spirit Trust, and a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management, New York University, graduating summa cum laude, and earned her designation as a Destination Management Certified Professional, and licensed New York City Guide and Certified by the Guides Association of New York City.

She is a member of the Greenwich Village Society of Historic Preservation, The Historic District Council, The Beaux Arts Alliance, The Art Deco Society, Society of General Mechanics and Tradesmen, the American Institute of Architecture, the Friends of the Upper East Side, Historic District Council, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, The Architectural League of New York, The Institute of Classical Art and Architecture, Friends of the Upper West Side, Friends of Terra Cotta and Grand Central Atelier. Her credentials are unmatched.