Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Memorialized In Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal, New York City, June 30, 2014 – The structure Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis fought so hard to save now has a permanent place dedicated to honor her - Grand Central Terminal's main entry vestibule. In a ceremony held in the adjacent Vanderbilt Hall, Mrs. Onassis’s place in the Beaux Arts century-old building is secured as you come thru the main entrance at Pershing Square (89 East 42nd Street and Park Avenue) and find the bas-relief plaque and her name on the wall to remind everyone of the former First Lady’s valiant efforts.

New features of the foyer include a 43” high and 18” wide plaque honoring Mrs. Onassis’ work to save the Terminal that is displayed on the foyer’s west wall. Her name is rendered in bronze letters on the wall and painted along the arch leading to 42nd Street. Also, there are two display vitrines rotating digital imagery that recount Mrs. Onassis’ life and the 101-year history of the Terminal, including its preservation and renovation. The historic restoration of the main entry vestibule as the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Foyer was performed for approximately $465,000.

The event

Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Thomas F. Prendergast, Chairman/CEO of the Metropolitan

Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad President Joseph Giulietti, William J. vanden Heuvel, Municipal Art Society (MAS) leaders Fred Papert and Kent Barwick, Chairman Prendergast said, “Grand Central Terminal, as we know it today as one of the world’s premier transportation hubs and one of New York’s top destinations in its own right, is the product of the men and women who built it. It is also the product of those who overcame great obstacles to preserve it for future generations. The rededication of the Terminal’s main entry vestibule to her is a fitting tribute to the woman who led those efforts, saving Grand Central during one of its most difficult hours.”

“The dedication of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foyer is a significant moment for Grand Central and for Metro-North,” said MTA Metro-North Railroad President Joseph Giulietti. “Mrs. Onassis is one of America’s most cherished historical figures, and she is considered by many a renowned savior of Grand Central. This landmark building, universally acclaimed as one of the world’s great public spaces, is still here today because of her leadership. Today, Grand Central Terminal recognizes Mrs. Onassis’ achievements.”

William J. vanden Heuvel, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in the 1960s, senior advisor in the Kennedy White House and close friend to Mrs. Onassis spoke about his friendship with her. He said her efforts to save GCT began with a letter to the Mayor at the time, Abraham Beame. He remarked the Mayor’s interest in saving Grand Central was wavering and that her letter gave him the added impetus to continue the good fight.

It was fitting that Ms. Onassis was recognized with a memorial in Grand Central Terminal, after all, it wouldn’t be here without her.

Photo caption:  Top-Ribbon-cutting ceremony. MTA Chairman Prendergast with the scissors. (L-R) Kent Barwick, MNR Pres Giulietti, ex-MNR Pres/MTA Chairman Stangel, GCT VP Fleisher, William vandel Heuvel and Fred Papert (Municipal Art Society)
Middle-right-The plaque on the foyer's wall.