On February 2, 1913, Grand Central Terminal opened in New York City after 10 years of construction. It was the first-ever double-level terminal for electric trains. In 1947, more than 65 million people traveled the rails via Grand Central. However, the rise of automobile travel in the 1950s meant a decline in rail travel, and by the 1960s, it appeared as though a wrecking ball might be the structure's fate. After a lengthy court battle the terminal not only was spared, but in 1976 also was put on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, under the auspices of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Grand Central is Manhattan's best-known transportation hub and destination. With an average of nearly half a million visitors traveling through it daily, it is again a grand space worthy of its historic designation.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Grand Central Terminal, American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine and The City Quilter shop in New York City invited you to enter the Grand Central Terminal Centennial Quilt Challenge. Open to quilters across the United States, the challenge was to design and produce an original quilt incorporating at least one of four designated fabrics commemorating the terminal's 100th anniversary. Quilts selected as finalists and winners will be displayed at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal.
Fabric designed by The City Quilter for Grand Central Terminal's centennial includes iconic images from the terminal as well as a print modeled after the ceiling of the Main Concourse, which is painted with a mural of the stars.