The Patsaouras Transit Plaza and the inviting MTA headquarters east of Union Station contain a wealth of artworks. Particularly evocative is Patrick Nagatani's mural, "Epoch," located on the third level of the building. Over 500 postcards of transit images from 1900 to 1995 form a view of the edge of earth as seen from space. Try to find the reproduction of the famous photographic studies made in 1887 by Eadweard Muybridge of a nude man running. It caused some local protests when unveiled in 1996.

In the East Portal Pavilion, artist Bill Bell has installed 12 vertical "light sticks" entitled, "A Train," which produce varying patterns of light in many colors. It you look at it just right, you will discover images that are hidden in the light patterns.

MTA Headquarters
One Gateway Plaza
(behind Union Station)
Lobby open 24 hours.

Union Station is the last grand railroad passenger station built in America, and some say the most inviting. It is designed in a freestyle Spanish Mission mode incorporating Streamline Moderne and Moorish details, melding modernity and tradition. The sprawling landmark station is large - the beamed ceiling of the marble-floored waiting room rises 52 feet, the distinguishing observation and clock tower 135 feet. Yet the indoor and outdoor spaces and courtyards and arcades are sensitively scaled to create an intimate feeling. Numerous movies have been filmed here, including the classic Union Station starring William Holden and the station itself.

Union Station
800 North Alameda Street
Lobby open 24 hours

Straight out the front door is...