Exploring New York Penn Station: Gilded Age Remnants to Moynihan Train Hall

While the original 1910 Penn Station and most of its architectural glory was razed in 1963, remnants of its awe-inspiring past still remain...if you know where to look. What's the significance of these artifacts hiding in plain sight, and what plans are in the works to transform the station and immediate area back to its former role as an iconic gateway to New York? With the help of a former transit planner, it's time to explore the past, present, and future of North America’s busiest railroad station like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the secret history of New York Penn Station and the surrounding area, from remnants dating back to the original 1910 station to the new Moynihan Train Hall inside the former flagship building of the United States Postal Service.

Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel, our unique transit experience will include:

• An overview of the history of Penn Station with opportunities to compare current vantage points with those from inside the famously demolished original structure
• A visit to 1910 Penn Station artifacts hiding in plain sight underneath the world’s largest business district, from historic staircases to glass-block flooring
• A discussion of how the station accommodates the country's three busiest commuter railroads
• A walk through the new Moynihan Train Hall across the street and its ongoing plans to help ease commuter congestion
• Future development plans for the area, which will include an extension of the High Line as well as the planned development of two new train tunnels between New York and New Jersey

See you there!

*Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair-climbing

**This tour visits areas open to the public and does not access restricted areas

About Rayn Riel

Rayn is a big believer in big cities and fascinated by the urban transportation infrastructure that supports such levels of density and dynamism. He is from NYC and has worked for MTA NYC Transit as well as the NYC water utility (DEP) & Sanitation Department. He is an AICP certified urban planner and is a licensed NYC tour guide, as well as a member of the Guides Association of NYC (GANYC) and Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT-NYC).

Testimonials

"Enjoyable blend of history and current activities impacting Penn Station and its environs. Rayn was a very professional and knowledgeable presenter." -Jean

"Guide well researched, interesting topic. Good job guide and nice walking / stairs (kept us active which I liked)." -Shaden

" Small, intimate group." -Scott

" The guide had photos of the original station and related them to the current surroundings - very interesting." -Paul

" Rayn was awesome - super knowledgable and passionate about penn station - want to go on all his other tours now" -Mark

" Interesting info and informative tour guide" -Lorraine

" The pace was just right and the guide had a good strong voice, which is good for me as I don't hear well." -John

"Great guide and I learned a lot about Penn Station which I am in almost every day." -Robin

"Hidden in plain site features of Penn station . Great guide . Looking forward to more tours like it. Thanks" -Louis

"Ryan was an excellent guide with a wealth of information, which he conveyed clearly." -John

"Tour guide Rayn was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery and very interesting." -Deborah

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club