The world’s most spectacular train stations

The Gateway is a monthly feature show that profiles the global hubs that keep goods and people moving.

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Train and metro stations unlikely hubs of art, culture and style

London St Pancras has announced the latest offering of its contemporary arts program

CNN lists some of the most spectacular train stations from around the world

CNN  — 

Whether they are designed by cutting-edge architects or decorated with priceless works of art, train and metro stations have become unlikely sites of some of the world’s most exquisite architecture and design.

Take New York’s Grand Central Terminal, illuminated by a collection of ostentatious chandeliers. Or Madrid’s Atocha station, which plays host to a vast indoor garden. Just last week it was announced that London’s St Pancras International train station would be installing the second work in its contemporary arts program in April next year.

Suspended high above the international terminus, a group of perspex shard sculptures by the artist David Batchelor will encourage the station’s 48 million annual passengers to pause and consider the grandeur of their surroundings.

See also: Could Silk Road railways link Asia and Europe?

In a tribute to the world’s most spectacular and culturally significant stations, we’ve compiled the gallery above to highlight some of the train terminals that offer more than just a functional mesh of tracks, carriages, signals and platforms.

Our list is by no means exhaustive. If we’ve missed your favorite station, let us know in the comments section below.

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