Grand Brasserie at Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Brasserie, located in the historic Vanderbilt Hall at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, is a striking example of how thoughtful lighting design can enhance both architecture and atmosphere. Designed by Reveal Design Group, the project sought to honor the building’s timeless elegance while creating an intimate and inviting dining experience within one of Manhattan’s most iconic public spaces.

Narrative and Goals

The overarching vision for the Grand Brasserie’s design was to highlight the grandeur and history of Vanderbilt Hall while introducing a contemporary sense of elegance. The designers drew inspiration from the art deco motifs found throughout Grand Central Terminal, ensuring that the lighting choices complemented the building’s existing architectural details. Given the hall’s soaring ceilings and expansive footprint, one of the main challenges was to craft a space that still felt warm and personal.

Lighting Strategy

• Vertical Glow at the Back Bar
  MICRO 5 ATOM LED fixtures were mounted vertically behind the back bar, producing a soft, ambient glow that not only illuminated the bottle display but also provided a visual focal point within the large hall.

• Illuminated Liquor Riser
  The LALO LED extrusion, adapted to be wet-rated and set at a warm 2400 Kelvin, was integrated into the liquor riser. This detail contributed to the layered lighting approach, adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

• Bar Fascia Detailing
  Subtle LED tape lighting with shielding was installed along the bar fascia. This discreet element provided soft illumination at the patron level, enhancing comfort without creating glare.

Signature Features

One of the most celebrated aspects of the Grand Brasserie’s design is the wall of bottles in the “Green Room.” This shelving installation, dramatically lit to highlight the array of bottles, serves as both an art piece and a dynamic backdrop for the space. The interplay between the warm lighting and the reflective surfaces of the bottles creates an ever-changing visual texture, depending on the time of day and the viewer’s position.

Atmosphere and Experience

Despite its location in a vast public hall, the Grand Brasserie achieves a sense of intimacy through its lighting design. Strategic placement of warm, focused illumination ensures that guests feel enveloped in a comfortable, elegant environment. The lighting not only enhances the architectural beauty of Vanderbilt Hall but also helps define the dining areas, guiding the eye and establishing a sense of scale within the space.

This project demonstrates how well-executed lighting can transform an expansive, historically significant venue into a welcoming, modern dining destination, one that respects its architectural heritage while offering a fresh, memorable experience for visitors.