Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

I have a friend, Paul, who runs the blog Shadow & Substance, travels through Washington, D.C.’s Union Station on a regular basis. I hope he enjoys seeing a different Union Station and I hope he notices the similarity of the designs. I love Union Station in Washington. In fact, in my work-in-progress, an important scene is set in that station.

Today, we’re back in the Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts. I shared a few pictures from my visit in last week’s post. The photos I shared last week were from the outside and in and around the station. Today, I’ve included a few from inside the main hall. I think the pictures and their captions speak for themselves. I hope you enjoy the gallery.

I also hope you will take some time, a few minutes might do, to look at the doors from the other participants. Thursday Doors depends on them, and they depend on you.

If you are in a hurry and don’t wish to scroll through the comments, click to Jump to the comment form.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

131 responses to “WOR Union Station Grand Hall”

  1. A very pretty building! Is it used for offices and shops today?
    This is mine:

    Doors around Sendlinger Tor/München

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There are offices in the building, mostly rail and light rail related, although the Cannabis Control Office is also located there. The many large spaces can be rented and catered for functions. The train station is fairly active. It’s the western terminus of the “T” the light rail system system serving Boston and Amtrak runs trains through to Providence, Rhode Island and onto New York and along the seaboard to Washington, D.C.

      I liked your doors today!

      Like

  2. These stations are so opulent, they could be grand hotels or stately homes… A wonderful place to pass through and definitely a feast for the eyes 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They are, Willow. If I had to pass through every day, I’d have to leave early or I’d be late for my train. I felt like such a tourist in there.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. They are just amazing really aren’t they 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Wow, Dan, what a gorgeous building. How lovely you could visit it and share these magnificent pictures with us.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures, Robbie. I traveled through Worcester often while working, but I never had time to stop. You can see the towers from the highway, so I knew I had to go at some point.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. The inside is as impressive as the outside—a fabulous building.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m glad you think so, Darlene. I was in awe while walking around, inside and out.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. What a lovely building. Beautiful inside, even more than I expected.
    Here is mine:

    Thursday Doors – Inveresk Lodge Garden

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I was in awe when I stepped inside the grand hall, Sofia. I just stood, looking up at that magnificent ceiling.

      You brought us a lovely scene today!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. As a fellow door addict l thought it time to share my own Thursday doors with you Dan – Hope you like them https://redstuffdan.com/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I am so glad you decided to join us today. You found some wonderful doors and you captured their character well.

      Like

    2. Dan–so good to see you here at the other Dan’s site!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. What a fabulous place. The photos just take you there. Quite amazing :)
    Here’s my Thursday Doors

    Official doors of Europe

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I looked like quite the tourist inside. I was in awe.

      Thanks for bringing us some wonderful doors today.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It would be hard not to get astounded :)

        Liked by 1 person

  8. […] photos of doors, but not just any doors. Spectacular doors from his journeys. Dan’s Thursday Doors opened the door on this. I love doors of all sorts. I’ve trawled through my holiday […]

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    1. Thanks! And thanks for sharing a wonderful door with us today.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. It isn’t just doors — it’s windows! In this place, they especially go together. Such wonderful light in there that I have to wonder about those offices: are they as windowed? I do love the contrast and definition of the black; I think it’s beautiful. And thanks for more staircases!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I know it’s Thursday Doors, Maureen, but I do love windows as well, and these are wonderful. None of the interior offices were open, but I hope they have nice windows. If not, I’d prop the door open so I could see into the interior (and then never get any work done). I loved the staircases. The one I was able to use had such a gentle curve, it was fun to climb.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. What a fascinating place to have a police station. Some nice doors Dan and I love the staircases. Here are my doors for this week https://wrookieschu.com/2023/02/23/doors-of-wordpress-v38/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. While I was there, several people stopped to ask some official-sounding questions. I love the blue lights near the door. Good to see another fan of staircases.

      You managed to get a nice group of doors that surprised me while I was trying to pick a favorite.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a special place you showed Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Dan, this is a fabulous post. I am a big fan of stations, and the doors here are wonderful. I am particularly bowled over but the arched room and row of doors. I think I might be on the cusp of inventing a new word – ‘doorgasm’ to describe such a photograph. LOL.

    Back to some Croatian doors this week: https://scooj.org/2023/02/23/thursday-doors-23-february-2023/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think that term might have been used when Norm was running the show, but I don’t recall seeing it here. I understand, though. This was an amazing place. It was easy to include doors in the photos, but difficult to capture the scope of that grand hall.

      You brought us a nice collection today – thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Beautiful station, Dan, captured wonderfully by your photos! Sure beats the look of New York City’s Penn Station. :-)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Dave. If you wanted to design a station to dampen the spirit, you couldn’t do better than Penn Station. The trek from an AMTRAK platform to the subway is dismal. I hope to visit later this year and peak inside the new terminal. Worcester Union Station was a delightful stop. I’m sure I’d get used to it, but the first several times through, I’d be late for my train or late to work.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. So true, Dan! At least NYC has the beautiful Grand Central Station.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I am so glad they saved that!

          Liked by 1 person

  13. Good morning everyone… travel through the many doors you will find today, enjoy your own wonderland…https://dymoonblog.com/2023/02/23/whoa-slow-down/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I enjoyed your post very much today.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for joining us, Suzette and thanks for another inspired poem and delightful history lesson.

      Like

  14. Hi everyone, sorry I posted the wrong link earlier, this is the correct link.. https://dymoonblog.com/2023/02/23/whoa-slow-down/ Dan is there a way I could have corrected the original posted link?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. No, you can’t correct it (but I can).

      Like

  15. Very impressive, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks GP. I was in awe.

      Liked by 2 people

  16. Marvelous set of photos Dan! The entrance oustide and inside photos are amazing. This is such a grand place, I felt I was exploring a hotel looking at the photos. The materials used are especially opulent. It looks like granite and marble were used.
    I like how you framed the stairs to the second level where functions are held.
    I am a huge fan of train stations and this one is aweome!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m glad you liked this Suzette. I was so happy I didn’t have a train to catch or an appointment to get to. I just wandered around for a long time. The materials all blend together so well. I can’t think of anything that would make this place better.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A wonderful way to spend several hours. Thank you again, Dan, for your magical photo essay!.

        Liked by 2 people

  17. This building is grand, thus worthy for two weeks in a row.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Frank. Sometimes, I split these into a door and a non-door post, but there were so many doors, I had to spend two weeks here. It was hard waiting a week to share that grand hall.

      Like

  18. The main hall is beautiful, and I love that it’s been so well and carefully preserved. It reminds me of many train stations along the Eastern Corridor.
    I’ve returned to the Met this week. (K)

    Velez Blanco (Thursday Doors)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I spent a lot of time wandering around in that station. It reminds me of Union Station in DC, the most, but there are so many stations along the seaboard (and a few inland) that have been nicely preserved. They did a wonderful job here.

      And you did a wonderful job at your place today!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Lovely. Another of the interesting railway stations from the US.

    From me this week: (see below)

    Like

      1. I didn’t see this comment until after I mentioned the problem on your blog. We’re good!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. It’s fixed now – thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. What a grand building! When was it built?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It opened in 1911, and it was restored in the ’80s and ’90s. I’m very glad it was, and they did a wonderful job.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Yes, it’s a beautiful building. I can imagine the hustle and bustle of people from a bygone era arriving and departing.

        Liked by 2 people

  21. An opulant gem. Love the arched doorway. Thanks for the treet.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Sherry. I loved wandering around in there.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Dan, this is a magnificent example of top notch architecture and art meeting in the middle. Grand doors and windows and staircases and lighting. Every detail of the walls, floors and ceilings was well thought out.

    I wonder how many folks who utilize this station to get to their vacation destination decide that the time spent in WOR Union Station was the best part of their vacation!

    Top to bottom, inside and out, this building is a gem. Thanks for taking me with you. Loved it!
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am so glad you enjoyed this, Ginger. I regularly visit the same region or city, but I don’t often visit the same building twice. This one is remarkable. I was so happy to have the time to simply wander around.

      Like

  23. What a grand structure! Love it all, from the small structure outside to the cavernous spaces inside. I’m finishing my Corning doors this week: https://marianallen.com/2023/02/thursday-doors-corning-new-york-the-final-four/#Corning#NewYork#BenjaminPattersonInn

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love those little buildings along the tracks. I just learned that they are called “lineside buildings” – who knew?

      You have a nice collection of photos today!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. It’s so impressive and beautiful. I love all the marble tiles, and the arched windows, and doors with the dark trim- a lovely contrast to the white stone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah.I agree, I think the color combinations work well. The contrast makes things stand out that might otherwise get lost in the large space.

      Like

  25. Hi Dan,
    I thought I’d post doors from my ferry trips around Sydney Harbour tonight but it turned out there weren’t too many closed doors and not too much to see but I had a few functional door shots. I’ll come back and read yours tomorrow. I actually didn’t expect to get this post tonight/morning but I’ve stretched the envelope again and can stagger through tomorrow.
    Here’s the link: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2023/02/24/ferry-doors-of-sydney-harbour/
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I loved the doors and photos, Rowena. Some shots are too good to pass up simply because they don’t have an obvious door.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Dan. I would’ve had a much better run on ferry windows as I had a great time chasing reflections of the Harbour Bridge in them at odd angles.
        I also quite like the different perspectives of the Sydney Harbour Bridge around Sydney. You also see it reflected off surfaces and it really seems to be everywhere. I am wanting to do a collage and see how it pans out.
        Years ago, I used to have transfusions at Royal North Shore Hospital before they demolished it and I would be on the top floor (which you could call the “penthouse” looking out at the Bridge and I’d focus on the two little flags at the top of the bridge when they inserted the canula and the bridge and the flags became very special to me. I later found out that focusing on a point is a relaxation technique so a good idea. Recently, after a bit of debate the NSW state flag was replaced by the Aboriginal flag which was a big step forward. So, many stories to tell.
        Best wishes,
        Rowena

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I love learning about other countries through the small stories that are important to people as opposed to the timeline stories offered by historians. It’s why I like following bloggers from around the world.

          Like

  26. These are great photos. Nice to see doors that are so well maintained.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Ally. The building was beautifully restored in the ’90s and has been well maintained ever since.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Ooo, magnificent stuff!! It looks so polished and pretty and arched and full of doors. I love that shot of the stairs so much as well. Just excellent.

    You won’t believe this, but I found a new place – just that it was in my archives from last May. Strange how we forget things. A most glorious memory from the last time I saw Flavia (for now) on the Roman coast. https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2023/02/23/thursday-doors-23-2-23-ostia/#Ostia#Lazio#colour#streetart

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Phew! When I saw, “You won’t believe this” I thought you were going to say you didn’t have doors. Perish the thought.

      I’m glad you like the train station. It has so many things that I love, including those staircases.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. It’s truly a lovely building, Dan, but then the train stations of yesteryear often were. How did you manage all those photos without any people in them? That’s amazing in and of itself. :-) My doors are gates from Mission San Xavier del Bac that I featured in several earlier blog post and one other door post: https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2023/02/23/thursday-doorsgates-at-the-white-dove/#whitedove#MissionSanXavierdelBac#gates#Southwestmissions

    Happy Thursday and thanks for hosting. I especially appreciate that you get the link out on Wednesday. It makes my life much easier and my Thursday morning less hectic. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Janet. I was amazed at the fact that the station was almost empty. I actually wondered if I had wandered into a room that was closed.

      I really liked the gates you shared. I love seeing metal work.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Depots are one of the best places to start when touring a city in my humble opinion. And such a hubbub of activity (speaking for our own local one but I’m sure it’s the norm.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I imagine this station is buzzing during the morning rush, but it was quiet when I was there (11:00 am). It was a great place to begin a tour of Worcester (something I need to finish at some point this year).

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Oh my–this building is so beautiful. The staircase, the windows–look at that ticketing office! Is that really all marble for the pillars/walls? I’m so glad the restaurants request ‘proper attire.’ This building begs for proper attire. Outstanding, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The restaurants were closed (and I didn’t have proper attire) but everything is real and beautiful. The place was almost empty. I just wandered around. No one questioned my taking pictures – I guess they see a lot of that. I’m so glad I stopped to visit.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. That front door is spectacular

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was almost magical walking up to that entrance.

      Like

  32. Wow! It’s worth getting on the train just to get out and wander around! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing Dan.

    Pat

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was wonderful to walk through the station, Pat.

      Like

  33. Chugg a chugging today Dan. I need a train trip to appreciate these spaces appropriately. Do you still get a real, paper ticket or can you use an e-ticket?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. MBTA, the light rail into Boston, is a Metrocard like system (but it’s called a Charlie Card after the song by the Kignston Trio). AMTRAK (I thin) takes paper or e-tickets but I think you can only get a paper ticket at the station. This is an odd station for me, as there’s no good way to get there from here. I’d have to go to New Haven and wait for the appropriate AMTRAK train to get to Worcester. I can probably get to DC in less time, as that’s a straight shot.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Probably so. I’ve used metrocards in DC and Europe, so I am familiar w those.

        Like

  34. This inside tour was spectacular. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed te tour, John. It was a marvelous feeling walking around in there. I was outside the morning rush, so there were very few people.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I love train stations. I used to get a kick riding the new Haven line into Grand Central Station

        Liked by 1 person

  35. Such grand architecture! The marble staircase is super classy! All of it is outstanding. Thanks for sharing, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you liked this, Jan. I wish I could have gone up those stair, but the other ones were pretty cool. The slow gentle curve was very pleasant.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. An outside that was enticing deserves an inside that is spectacular, and that is!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Exactly, Pam. The outside sets your expectations very high, but the inside delivers 100%

      Liked by 1 person

  37. It does look a lot like DC’s Union Station. The most impressive train station I’ve ever seen was in Milan Italy – it’s mind-blowing. It was built by Mussolini however …

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d love to see that in person. I’ve seen pictures, but I’ve never been. Union Station in DC is a favorite station of mine, but I rarely got into the main hall. I went from AMTRAK to the Metro, as I stayed in Silver Spring when I was working in DC.

      Like

  38. I just love this station Dan. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad Cheryl. It’s a beautiful piece of history and I am so glad it has been restored and is being maintained.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a beautiful place,

        Like

  39. What a lovely building. Makes me want to go back to the one in Montreal…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a lovey station!

      Liked by 1 person

  40. This is a splendid tour, Dan. I love all the marble. Great choice for a Doors post. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teagan. It was so much fun being able to walk around this wonderful station.

      Like

  41. Such a magnificent building, Dan. So grand. Really enjoyed seeing somewhere overseas today as I haven’t been getting out too much lately. I’ve always appreciated that international aspect to Thursday Doors.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s one of the best things about Thursday Doors, Rowena. From a ferry ride around Sydney harbor (well done, by the way), to amazing doors in Spain, to roadside shops in India. It’s always interesting.

      Like

  42. Train stations are always fascinating to me. The main hall is impressive especially, and I really like the photo of the marble staircase. Thanks as always for being an encouraging host, Dan!

    Here’s the link to my post for this week, back in Catania! https://brendasrandomthoughts.wordpress.com/2023/02/24/thursday-doors-vicolo-della-lanterna-catania-sicily/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing these photos, Brenda. Train stations are a favorite subject of mine. You photos are amazing. I really enjoyed your post today!

      Like

  43. What a wonderful building! Some railway stations can be quite interesting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m so glad this one was restored.

      Like

  44. I love the archway above the row of doors, and the beautiful marble columns.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This station is amazing, Jennie. It really reminds me of the one in D.C.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. What a pretty building. They don’t build ’em that way anymore. Thanks for the lovely photos, Dan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They almost lost this one. I’m glad the decided to restore it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I hadn’t visited that one when I lived in the area. I’m glad they saved it too. Once those old buildings are gone, they’re gone.

        Liked by 1 person

  46. This makes me want to revisit Union Station in DC. I see a lot of similar architectural elements.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, it’s very similar. I hope to get back to DC at some point. I did a lot of work there, but I’d like to be a tourist for a couple days.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I miss going to DC as a tourist. I used to go quite often but a job change has left me short in the travel dollar department so i don’t get there as much. At least I have my memories…so far, lol.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Business travel left me with very little time to be a tourist. The events I attended were packed with day and evening activities. I did my best to leave early enough to walk quite a bit, but if you’ve been to DC, you know walking to an afternoon meeting in the summer means you arrive looking like a dishrag.

          Like

  47. Awesome captures Dan. Stunning architecture and so many similarities to other “Union Stations”…yes even across the country in LA!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You can usually count on a Union Station being attractive, Kirt. I’ve been to several and I liked them all.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. […] between the stacks of crates were packed with curious people peering at the small balconies and windows. Humans are openly curious about other lives when it becomes socially […]

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  49. […] more #ThursdayDoors visit host, Dan Antion – No […]

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  50. […] For Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge […]

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