Rushing Through Grand Central Station

A traveler rushes past ticket windows, finding her way to the train tracks. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

The constant whirr of rolling luggage across the marble floors of Grand Central Station’s Main Concourse is punctuated by automated announcements on the overhead speakers. In the heart of Midtown, people are waiting, meeting, arriving, and departing within this iconic structure that is emblematic of the spirit of New York City. Comprised of trains, shops, restaurants, ticket booths, subway lines, and taxi lines, this dynamic place serves many as a welcome home or a last goodbye.

In the midst of the rushing travelers, a woman indulges in a book while waiting. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

The steps on either side of the vast Main Concourse serve as seating for those biding time. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A fixture of past times, a traveler zooms past a wall of unused pay phones. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A man finds a place to catch up on sleep on the station’s stairs as travelers rush past him. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A business man descends the stairs to the Dining Concourse, hoping to grab a bite before boarding his train. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A cellist performs for customers at Grand Central’s Holiday Fair in Vanderbuilt Hall. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A man decends into Grand Central’s Main Concourse while a women ascends towards an exit. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

As people rush about the concourse, others remain absorbed in their papers, iPods, and cell phones. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

Vacant train platforms 24 and 23 will be filled with ticket-holders later in the day. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A man who runs the taxi line outside the doors of Grand Central Station, steps aside for a smoking break. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)

A dancer performs his impersonation of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” in the subway station as onlookers watch. (Kelsi Trinidad/NYU)