I’ve returned—once more.
It turns out there’s a historical pink-granite eagle statue that’s over a hundred years old, originally located at the first Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan, which later found its way into storage following the station’s updates.
This impressive 1,700-pound eagle was one of around two dozen that decorated the original Beaux Arts Transit Station situated between 7th and 8th Avenues and 31st and 33rd Avenues before it was controversially demolished in the 1960s.
The eagle was reintroduced to the area on March 6th, having been hidden in a pedestrian square between 33rd and 34th Avenues. This was part of a massive $2.4 billion redevelopment project known as “The Penn District,” led by Vornado Realty Trust.
Glen Weiss, co-head of real estate and executive vice president at Vornado, expressed that, “The investment in the future of the Penn district is proudly based on the history of the neighborhood.” He highlighted the honor of bringing back the iconic eagle as part of the area’s transformation.
In 2019, the eagle was moved to storage as redevelopment began. According to one Vornado official, it underwent a careful cleaning and restoration process, managed by a prominent firm known for projects like the redesign of the Academy Awards Trophy.
“The sculpture was in very good condition,” noted Nick Anderson from the Urban Art Project. “We mainly needed soap and water to clear away the dirt it had collected while being stored.” Who knew cleaning could be so simple?
This eagle, crafted by German artist Adolf Alexander Weinman, was commissioned when Pennsylvania Station opened in 1910. Unfortunately, after the station’s demolition, many of the eagles were scattered across the country; 18 are currently in Missouri, while another eagle owned by Vornado remains in storage, awaiting restoration.
Interestingly, the only other eagle in Manhattan resides in a building owned by Cooper Union in the East Village.
To honor the iconic eagle further, the Urban Art Project created an aluminum replica that will be displayed for eight months at Perch, a rooftop venue on the 32nd floor of Vornado’s Pen 2 skyscraper.
Anderson mentioned that efforts were made to recreate the original intentions of the design, even though the building couldn’t support the weight of a stone eagle. “We maintained the reliability of the artist’s vision with this aluminum version,” he explained.
The restored stone eagle is now accessible at street level for public enjoyment.
As Anderson pointed out, “These works were initially designed for the masses, providing a nod to our past. We aim for everyone to experience and appreciate them.” That’s a nice thought.
A plaque recognizing the eagle’s significance will be added later, along with the unveiling of the second restored eagle from the original station. The Urban Art Project confirmed ongoing preservation efforts for the second eagle, ensuring its maintenance as needed.
“It’s critical to preserve and document this original form of the eagle, as it represents a significant part of New York’s history,” Anderson added. In a way, it feels like these eagles are quietly reminding people of their historical roots in the city.
