30th Street Station is awash with travelers at all hours, and you probably know it as the behemoth of modern transportation that it is – Amtrak, Septa, NJ Transit, PATCO, and countless buses (including our own LUCY) rumble through its labyrinths every day. In fact, after New York’s Penn Station, it’s the second busiest rail terminal in the country. But have you ever paused to look at the hub as more than just a quick stop en route somewhere else?

The station was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad around 1930 to serve the bustling city of Philadelphia, replacing the old “West Philadelphia Station” that was a couple blocks farther from Center City. The art deco style main concourse (in case you’ve never opened your eyes when passing through) is almost the size of a football field, with gorgeous marble floors and a soaring coffered ceiling. And of course you’re familiar with the exterior’s eye-catching Corinthian columns. Oh, and it was originally designed with a reinforced roof so that small aircraft could land on it. How cool is this place?

Show up at 30th Street a bit early the next time you need to catch a train, and do some site-seeing. Make sure to check out the Pennsylvania Railroad War Memorial, “The Angel of Resurrection,” if you’ve never done so. The giant bronze statue of an angel lifting a soldier dominates the eastern end of the concourse, commemorating railroad employees who died in WWII. Enough with the art and history now – kick back in the food court, which features Au Bon Pain, Ben & Jerry’s, Cosi, Saladworks, and many other shops and restaurants, including Bridgewater’s Pub (stay tuned for an upcoming post on this station gem!). The station also often hosts events, like book signings and charity fundraisers.

Maybe missing your train could be the best part of your trip!

30th Street Station
30th St. and Market St.
http://30thstreetstation.com

Related Categories: Dining + Food, Nightlife + Bars, Goods + Services, Culture

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by BJK on January 8, 2010

Thanks for this: it brought back memories of many train trips to/from here. I would venture as far as to say that this station may be one of the most beautiful in the country: it is hard not to be floored by the brightness and magnificence of this space. What wasn't mentioned in the article, but can be seen very clearly (from the back) in the photo above, is the amazing sculpture memorializing all railway workers from Phila (all of PA?) who fell during Second World War. It is one of the most moving, evocative sculptures I've ever seen. If you have a minute to spare as you pass through this station, take a closer look: it will be worth your time. Perhaps someone could take a close-up pic or two, and provide a bit more research on this work for a future issue: the history behind the artist and sculpture.

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30th Street Station: More than a Train Depot

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