Majestic Eagle Returns to Midtown!

A century-old, 1700-pound pink granite eagle, once adorning the original Penn Station, is back on display in Midtown Manhattan after years in storage. This magnificent sculpture, one of around two dozen that graced the original Beaux-Arts station before its demolition in the 1960s, is now part of Vornado Realty Trust's $2.4 billion revitalization of the Penn District.

A Piece of History Restored

The eagle, created by Adolph Alexander Weinman for the station's 1910 opening, was meticulously cleaned and restored by Urban Art Projects, the same firm behind the redesign of the Big Button in the Garment District and the Academy Awards trophies. According to Nick Anderson of Urban Art Projects, the restoration was relatively straightforward, mainly involving cleaning accumulated dirt and cobwebs.

The eagle's current home is a pedestrian plaza between 33rd and 34th streets. A second Vornado-owned eagle is in storage, awaiting restoration and a future unveiling. Other eagles from the original Penn Station are scattered across the country.

A Modern Tribute

To further honor the iconic bird, Urban Art Projects also crafted an aluminum replica for The Perch, a rooftop venue in Vornado's PENN 2 skyscraper. This replica was created because the original stone eagle was too heavy for the skyscraper to support.

Glen Weiss, co-head of Real Estate at Vornado, stated that this project showcases their commitment to blending history with the future of the Penn District.

A plaque commemorating the eagle's history will be added later. The ongoing preservation efforts for the second eagle underscore the commitment to maintaining this piece of NYC's legacy.