If you find yourself walking along Lexington Avenue and East 43rd Street, near the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City, take a moment to look up at the Graybar Building. Above the entrance canopy, you’ll notice a peculiar sight: sculpted rats clinging to the bars. But what’s the story behind these unusual decorations?
A Maritime-Inspired Design
Completed in 1927, the Graybar Building was designed by the architectural firm of Sloan & Robertson. The building’s design incorporates subtle nautical themes, one of which includes the rats prominently featured at the East 43rd Street entrance. According to architect John Sloan, the rats were intended to evoke a ‘maritime note,’ a fitting tribute to New York City’s prominence as both a transportation hub and a major seaport.
Rats and Mooring Lines
To understand how these rats connect to a nautical theme, look closely at the canopy where they appear to climb ropes. These ropes represent the mooring lines used to secure ships when docked. The Graybar Building itself is metaphorically likened to a docked ship.
Just like real ships use cone-shaped barriers called “rat baffles” to prevent rodents from boarding, the canopy’s design features similar protective elements. Despite this, sculpted rats can be seen determinedly making their way onboard, symbolizing their infamous persistence.
Further inspection of the building’s limestone facade reveals additional rat figures. Some poke their heads out from hidden crevices, while others crawl along the surface in profile, reinforcing the idea that no barrier is entirely rat-proof—a playful yet clever commentary on the ubiquity of rats.
A Symbol of New York
New York City is famously associated with rats, but the Graybar Building’s use of them as architectural elements gives the rodents a unique place in the city’s history and design. These decorative rats not only highlight a creative architectural choice but also serve as a reminder of the city’s maritime heritage and enduring relationship with urban wildlife. Next time you pass by, take a closer look—you’ll see that even in stone, these persistent creatures remain a part of New York’s story.
How to find the rats?
Above the side entrance to Grand Central Station, under the canopy of the Graybar Building, located on the west side of Lexington Avenue at the intersection with 43rd Street.