30th Street Station facts for kids
30th Street Station is a very important train station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a big hub where many people catch trains every day. This station connects travelers to places all over the country and within the city. It is a major station for Amtrak and SEPTA trains.
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About 30th Street Station
30th Street Station is one of the busiest train stations in the United States. It is located in the University City area of Philadelphia. Many students and workers use this station daily. It helps people travel easily around the city and to other states.
A Busy Travel Hub
This station is a key part of the Northeast Corridor. This is a very busy railway line. It connects major cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. 30th Street Station also serves as a main point for SEPTA Regional Rail. These trains help people travel within the Philadelphia area. You can also catch NJ Transit trains here. These trains go to places in New Jersey.
Connecting the City
The station is also part of the Center City Commuter Connection. This special railway link helps trains travel through downtown Philadelphia. It makes it easier for people to get to work or school. The station has many platforms. Some are on an upper level, and some are underground. This helps manage all the different trains.
History of the Station
30th Street Station opened in 1933. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Before this station, there was another one nearby called West Philadelphia Station. The new station was much bigger and more modern. It was designed in a special style called Art Deco. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
A Grand Design
The station's design is very grand. It has tall columns and a huge main hall. The main hall is called the grand concourse. It has a beautiful high ceiling. There are also large windows that let in a lot of natural light. The station was built to handle many trains and passengers. It was a big project during its time.
Cool Features of the Station
30th Street Station is not just a place to catch a train. It also has some interesting features. Inside, you can find shops and places to eat. There are also some beautiful works of art.
Art and Memorials
One famous artwork is the Angel of the Resurrection. This statue honors people who served in World War II. It was made by a sculptor named Walker Hancock. Another important piece is Spirit of Transportation. This sculpture was made by Karl Bitter. It shows how important transportation is. These artworks make the station a special place to visit.
Modern Updates
Over the years, the station has been updated. It still keeps its historic look. But it also has modern features for travelers. There are digital signs to show train times. There are also places to charge your phones. The area around the station has also grown. New buildings like the Cira Centre are nearby. This shows how the station continues to be an important part of Philadelphia.
Images for kids
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The former West Philadelphia station being removed during construction of 30th Street Station, January 1931
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The Angel of the Resurrection, a 1952 World War II memorial by Walker Hancock inside 30th Street Station, May 2017
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East entrance during the daytime
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Pennsylvania Railroad sign at 30th Street Station
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Skylight above SEPTA tracks 5 & 6
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The station's grand concourse, in Art Deco style
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Interior in August 1976
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A bird's eye view (April 1977)
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Corinthian columns of the portico
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Spirit of Transportation (1895) by Karl Bitter
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Entrance to SEPTA Regional Rail concourse
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Lower-level platforms serving Amtrak and NJ Transit
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Upper-level platforms serving SEPTA
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Overview of the lines serving 30th Street
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Cira Centre and the west entrance to 30th Street Station
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A collection of equipment outside 30th Street Station on Race Street
See also
In Spanish: Estación de la Calle 30 para niños
