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World's Most Beautiful Subway Stations
Blaine Harrington III/Alamy
Washington, D.C.: Metro Center Station
The Washington Metro is a rarity among America’s largely utilitarian subways, according to Zachary M. Schrag, a history professor at George Mason University (on the orange line). “Kennedy was president at the time of its planning,” says Schrag, “and he was adamant that federal architecture represent the dignity of the government, not the cheapest solution possible.” The result, designed by architects Harry Weese & Associates after Weese took a tour of the great subways of the world, was a series of vaulted cathedral ceilings with coffered blocks. The elegant up-lighting and hushed mood give it an ecclesiastical air. And just like a church, there’s no food allowed.
Don’t Miss: When a train approaches, lights on the platform throb dramatically to announce its imminent arrival. Beam me up, Scotty.
