Photography for photography’s sake was showcased in the largest medium in the biggest gallery at the time: Grand Central in NYC. From 1950–1990, no one walking through the terminal could fail to see the Coloramas. The 18’ high x 60’ wide panoramic photos were hard to miss. Large-scale. Backlit. They glowed with a supernatural transparency that mesmerized and stunned. The unrelenting dimness of Grand Central a perfect backdrop — framing Americana in all its idealized glory.
The impact at Grand Central was immediate and sustained through an astounding 565 Coloramas over a 40-year period. The world’s largest photographs were also “technically remarkable” as Colorama photographer, Ansel Adams had said. With each unveiling … standing ovations from NYC residents and travelers alike. Over 600,000 people. Each day.
Upon the first Colorama reveal in May 1950, photographer Edward Steichen telegraphed Kodak with this forever gem: “EVERYONE IN GRAND CENTRAL AGOG AND SMILING. ALL JUST FEELING GOOD.”
The world loved it.
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