The public had their first chance to walk the aisles of the new Moynihan Train Hall in front of Penn Station on Friday, two days after authorities cut the ceremonial ribbon for the giant $ 1.6 billion train center.
For some visitors, the stop was just to contemplate the huge hall complete with a huge skylight and an Art Deco clock. Many were seen craning their necks to see the open skylight, rotating their hips to take panoramic photos. Others looked for fresco portraits created by Kehinde Wiley, which are prominently displayed at the entrance to 33rd Street, or in the spacious, modern Amtrak lounge upstairs.
Self-proclaimed travel and train nerd Christian Keesee, 59, from the Upper East Side was one of the first people to arrive in Moynihan on Friday morning, declaring her a real gem for the city.
“This is a New York station made for New Yorkers, it is fantastic,” he said. “The light, we need it, I don’t like being underground. I like being above the ground, I like the sun, the seasons, I think it’s fantastic. “Her partner Larry Keigwan, 48, added,” It’s been a long time, it’s incredible, it seems appropriate for the new year and it’s inspiring, I really like it very much. “
Jess Allen, 45, from Chelsea, brought her 6-year-old son Wolf to see the train aisle. Overlooking the 225,000-square-foot space on the upper level, where a food court is expected to open later this year, Wolf was amazed by the open space.
“The only thing is that it is very big and is not crowded like the small station, Penn Station,” said Wolf.
With few people traveling on Fridays by train, children as young as 18 months ran across the creaky marble floors. Tim Mulligan, 27, of the Upper West Side, brought his young son to see Moynihan.
“It gives us something to be proud of and excited about when you come to Penn Station, and that is something that has been missing for a long time,” said Mulligan. “I honestly dread coming to Penn Station, but now I’m looking forward to having a reason to take the train so I can experience it for real.”
The train corridor – named after the late American Senator Daniel P. Moynihan – only has access to the Long Island Railroad and Amtrak platforms. NJ Transit passengers must still use Penn Station to ride these tracks.
Christine Davis identifies herself as an elderly citizen and walked five kilometers from the Upper West Side to stop by. She works across the street at One Penn Plaza, but hasn’t been in the area since the pandemic began in March.
“This is a testament to the strength of the people and a willingness of the people to continue and not be afraid to have beautiful structures for all people,” said Davis. “I am very happy to be here.”