NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba Corporation flipped the switch on the new “Centennial Holiday Light Show” in Grand Central Terminal’s Main Concourse today. The colorful animated display can be seen on the monumental windows above the Terminal’s west balcony through December 26, 2013.
In partnership with MTA Metro-North Railroad and Grand Central, Toshiba has created a state-of-the-art light show that transforms the 118 separate window panes into individual “pixels” of light. The show will evolve throughout the season with a Thanksgiving version running through November 28, followed by a winter holiday-themed show through December 26. Both shows will feature thematically relevant colorful, shape-shifting designs.
“Toshiba is proud to be brightening up the holidays for the people of New York and those visiting the iconic Grand Central Terminal during this holiday season,” said Masaaki Osumi, Chairman and CEO, Toshiba America, Inc. “This project has allowed us the opportunity to convey both the essence and spirit of Grand Central, and the festivity of the holidays, through light.”
“As the home of Metro-North Railroad and a magnet to millions of people who visit during the holiday season, Grand Central is the perfect place to have New York’s most exciting new seasonal light show,” says Metro-North President Howard Permut. “We are grateful to Toshiba for producing this gift to the city as a colorful end to our Centennial celebration in 2013.”
“Holiday light shows at Grand Central have been favorite events here for many years,” said Randall J. Fleischer, Vice President, Grand Central Terminal and Corporate Development. “We’re happy to have partnered with Toshiba to bring it back in a whole new way, brightening the Main Concourse and giving people another reason to visit the Terminal during the holidays.”
The Holiday Light Show, which was designed by Lighting Designer Michiru Tanaka, will be on display daily through December 26, 2013, with 30-minute shows running continuously each evening from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information on the Holiday Light Show, as well as other holiday offerings and events at Grand Central, visit http://www.grandcentralterminal.com.
Toshiba has a history of celebrating the holiday season in New York City. While it kicks off with the “Centennial Holiday Light Show,” it will give a toast to the season in Time’s Square as the exclusive sponsor for the Official Countdown of the Times Square 2014 New Year's Eve Celebration. The millions of visitors to Times Square and the billions of viewers worldwide will have eyes on TOSHIBA VISION Times Square – the giant LED screen featured atop One Times Square – which will be providing the countdown for the whole world to see.
ABOUT TOSHIBA CORPORATION
Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.
ABOUT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
MTA Metro-North Railroad is the steward of Grand Central Terminal, which stands as one of America’s greatest transportation hubs and one of New York City’s most iconic buildings. It is both a national historic landmark and an international example of the success that can be achieved giving new life to an old building that otherwise may have been destroyed. Over the course of its colorful and vibrant 100-year history, Grand Central has gone from being among the 20th Century’s most significant start-and-end points for long-distance rail travel, to being the flagship home of MTA Metro-North Railroad and a global destination for commuters, tourists and residents. The Grand Central “brand” reflects the remarkable caliber of services in the Terminal, including boutique restaurants and cocktail lounges, a gourmet market, and many specialty shops. The Terminal draws more than 750,000 national and international visitors each day and wows them with its offerings and tour programs. Storied Vanderbilt Hall, once the waiting room for long-distance travelers, is among the most-desired public event spaces in the city.