Grand Central Terminal turns 100

Grand Central Terminal turned 100 this year. The terminal includes a hidden jewel and a secret staircase, the unofficial chief historian tells visitors. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

June 12, 2013 12 AM PT

Grand Central’s unofficial chief historian spills all the secrets as the landmark celebrates its 100th birthday.

The clock in the middle of Grand Central holds a secret. The little point at the top is a compass that’s aligned to true north, so the four sides of the clock line up perfectly with the four compass points of the building. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Danny Brucker, “docent in chief,” has worked for Metro-North Railroad for 25 years and knows many secrets about Grand Central Terminal. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A group of teens takes pictures of themselves in Grand Central Terminal, like thousands of other visitors do each day. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A view of the terminal that can be seen only from a spot on Brucker’s tour. His tour groups have included ambassadors, politicians, rock stars, movie actors and TV personalities. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The ticket windows at Grand Central Terminal are framed by ornate brass covers and fixtures. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Each day, about 750,000 commuters, tourists, shoppers and diners enter Grand Central, the world’s largest train terminal, with 63 tracks, 45 platforms and an expanse of 49 acres, from 42nd Street to 97th Street. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Pedestrians walk on the sidewalk below as cars drive above along Park Avenue outside Grand Central Terminal during the 1930s. (FPG / Getty Images)

Beams of sunlight stream through the windows of Grand Central Terminal, circa 1930. (Hal Morey / Getty Images)