We had experienced Union Station in Chicago from afar, who hasn’t seen the movie The Untouchables, but we weren’t prepared for its absolute grandeur when standing in the middle of the Great Hall. It took our breath away. I couldn’t take enough pictures to capture all the ornate details. The newly restored glass ceiling and limestone architecture made us feel like we had stepped back into the golden era of train travel. I fully expected a silver screen movie star to come sweeping down the stairs followed by porters and trolleys full of luggage, and a half dozen well groomed dogs, of course, didn’t they all have them back then?
Originally opened in 1925 after 10 years of construction, Amtrak has been slowly remodeling and restoring the station into a modern hub of transportation while keeping the authentic historic feel. I think they are doing a great job! Kudos! Boo to Penn Station in NYC who tore down their historic building and made a modern mess.
Tidbit: During WWII the glass ceiling of the Great Hall was blacked out so the station wouldn’t be a target.
