Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Grand Central Ceiling Gets Outfitted With LED Lights
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 8, 2010
Modified Nov 8, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Nov 8, 2010
Modified Nov 8, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In 1996, the MTA began a thorough cleaning of Grand Central Terminal's Main Concourse Sky Ceiling, which had been left almost black after years of neglect and pollution. But though New Yorkers can once again look at the backwards zodiac constellations, they just haven't gotten the full effect without the lightbulbs shining behind the stars. The ceiling has been completely dark for the past six-months, but today the Terminal is unveiling new LED lights that will bring a more realistic stargazing experience (much to the chagrin of everyone trying to actually get somewhere).
The new bulbs should last for over five years, and burn about 60% less electricity than the previously used bulbs. They will also be adjusted to accurately represent the intensity of each star, presumably from the vantage point of earth, but perhaps they should adjust them to how they should be seen from the perspective of the gods. After all, that's how the ceiling was designed.
Tagged
ceiling
constellations
grand central terminal
led lights
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens man charged with hate crime at Jewish-owned bagel shop displaying Israeli flags
Prosecutors say the 22-year-old damaged property outside the Fresh Meadows shop twice in May.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 6:07 p.m. ET
MTA train yards are in such bad shape plants are growing out of the roof, watchdog says
In some cases, the damage was “clearly not recent."
By
Stephen Nessen
News
MTA train yards are in such bad shape plants are growing out of the roof, watchdog says
In some cases, the damage was “clearly not recent."
By
Stephen Nessen
High-ranking NYC officials to testify in ex-buildings boss Eric Ulrich's corruption trial
By
David Brand
Mamdani launches new team to help NYers keep SNAP, Medicaid benefits
By
Caroline Lewis
Riders at 53rd St. station where man was fatally shot say they worry about gun violence
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .