When you enter the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway, you'll find it awash in things marine: starfish, seahorses, shells, sirens, an albatross, and the vessels of Columbus and others. All are celebrated in paintings, murals, and medallions.

The grandly presented theme underscores the power and reach of the Cunard Line when its new headquarters opened in 1919. It was a time when New York City also exercised great power and reach. The metropolis had become the largest city and busiest port in the world.

The Renaissance-inspired limestone exterior leads to a lavish vestibule and great hall where transatlantic voyages were booked. Legendary sea creatures still flourish and Cunard's steamship routes beckon on the walls.

Today we cross the oceans by jet, forcing Cunard to downsize and abandon 25 Broadway three decades back. In 1976 the United States Post Office leased the ornate first floor. This plebian use, fitted out in a workaday, unsympathetic manner, has at least kept the magnificent decorations on view and undamaged.