9. The Whispering Gallery

New Yorkers trying out Grand Central's whispering gallery.
New Yorkers trying out Grand Central’s whispering gallery.

Probably the most well-known hidden place inside Grand Central is the whispering gallery. Located between the Main Concourse and Vanderbilt Hall, the entertaining acoustic quirk of this 2,000-square-foot chamber is not apparently obvious.

The design of the vaulted chamber creates a “telegraphing” effect which allows two people standing at opposite corners of the gallery to speak to each other as if they are standing right next to each other. It is not known if the gallery was intended to have this special feature, or if the acoustics were an accidental architectural perk. It is one of several “whispering” galleries and benches in the city.

To see these hidden places in person, join us on the tour of the secrets of Grand Central!

Tour the Secrets of Grand Central

Grand central aerial

Next, peek inside the not-so-hidden lost and found office, learn about the Test Stone Pillars for Grand Central Terminal in Van Cortlandt Park, and find out if the Grand Central clock is really worth millions of dollars!