As a Journalism student at NYU, I was glad to finally transition from taking the Writing the Essay to some intro classes this upcoming semester. Hilariously, my social anxiety increased rapidly when one of my first assignments for Journalism 101 was to go out and talk to strangers in Grand Central Madison and report on their thoughts. But, it all turned out well in the end, and I’ve experienced something that not all people get to see.
Grand Central Madison is a new train terminal in Grand Central Station, opening recently on January 25, 2023. After decades of construction and costing around $11.6 billion in taxpayer dollars, it’s the first new major train terminal in 67 years and one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in American history.
Sitting nearly 17 stories below Manhattan (which results in some very scary-looking escalators), the addition of Grand Central Madison can shave off roughly 30-40 minutes of commute time for Long Islanders, who now don’t have to travel to Penn Station only to walk back east for work. It currently is home to the LIRR train line, but will be adding more in the future.
I have to admit, finding Grand Central Madison was a challenge in its own way, with the lack of signs pointing me in the right direction (an issue for another day). Once I found it, though, I was amazed at the ambiance. Compared to the 19th century architectural style that features the rest of Grand Central Station, Grand Central Madison is encased in white tiles, walls, and flooring, a step towards a more modernized look.
One of the most unique features of Grand Central Madison is its humongous art installations. Instantly, you are surrounded by vibrant colors. It is like walking through a museum, something I found a bit surreal considering I was in a train station. The walls are covered in glass mosaics and scattered throughout the terminal are screens displaying digital artwork and poetry.
When I was reporting on the new terminal, I met Yuji Ogihara, who came not to take the train or admire the new terminal, but to see the many artworks I spoke of. “I came here to see Kusama Yayoi’s art,” he said.
Who is this artist that Ogihara was speaking of? The one and only contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, a 93-year-old Japan native, sometimes called “The Princess of Polka Dots.” Her works include mediums such as sculpture, installation, painting, fashion, poetry, and more.
Kusama’s work in Grand Central Madison is an 875 square foot floor-to-ceiling mosaic titled A Message of Love Directly From My Heart unto the Universe. She is one of the two artists featured in Grand Central Madison, the other being Kiki Smith. The huge installation is part of Kusama’s ongoing series My Eternal Soul, which is known for its recurring motifs and bright colors. A Message of Love Directly From My Heart unto the Universe also includes the following poem:
This is Yayoi Kusama.
I offer you a message of love, directly from my heart unto the universe
May you all experience the true beauty of loving humanity.
Human life is beautiful.
My wish is to deliver this vision, with all that is my life, to the people of New York.
A Message of Love Directly From My Heart unto the Universe sits in full view of the public, in the main Madison concourse between 46th and 47th street. The 120 foot wide installation expresses messages of love, peace, and universe, with vibrant suns and contrasting colors. There are multiple motifs throughout the piece, allowing the viewer to explore the art in its entirety, almost like a journey while walking past it.
Yayoi Kusama is one of today’s most famous contemporary artists, and you can see her work for free at Grand Central Madison. As a broke college student, that is a big plus! Whether you’re using the new terminal to get to the airport, or just looking for a day of sightseeing, I highly recommend checking it out. Not only will you see one of the most unique art pieces ever, but will also get both a train AND the museum experience!
Sources:
General view of Grand Central Madison
Grand Central Madison’s long escalators
Generasian 
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