Glory of Commerce

Modeled after Roman sculpture, this facade was placed above the southern entrance to Grand Central Station to mark the importance of the railroad. The gods depicted on the facade symbolize power--Hercules and Minerva represent moral and mental strength, and Mercurius is the god of commerce; these gods were an appropriate personification of the importance of the railroad in early 20th century New York City. Behind the statue is a 13' diameter clock with a Tiffany glass face. Behind the numeral 6 on the clock is a window that allows access to the sculpture.