Photo by Shamigo.

A credit card company has awarded a six-figure grant to the cause of replacing gold leaf on the ceiling of Union Station with nicer gold leaf.

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced today that the D.C. train station/food court hangout would receive a $350,000 grant to help fix damage done to the Main Hall’s ceiling by the 2011 earthquake.

“American Express recognizes that historic places, like Union Station, help bring to life our nation’s rich, cultural heritage,” Timothy J. McClimon, president of American Express Foundation, said in a release. “Union Station is one of the most visited tourist destinations in D.C., which is why we want to preserve its golden past, so the Station can be enjoyed by every employee, visitor and traveler for many years to come.”

Here’s what the money will go toward:

The grant will assist Union Station Redevelopment Corporation with the replacement of more than the 120,000 sheets of 23-karat gold leaf adorning the 96 foot barrel-vaulted ceilings in the Main Hall and restore its original splendor. The 23 karat, 18 gram weight gold leaf material will replace the current 22 karat, 14 gram weight gold leaf material. This will result in a more lustrous finish and an increased life expectancy of 75-100 years compared to 35 years for the current material. The gold leaf is being made exclusive for this project by Giusto Manetti Gold Beaters of Florence, Italy, a firm that has been providing this specialized service since the 1600’s.

Hear that, D.C.? We’re getting a gold leaf upgrade!

American Express’s charitable arm seems to enjoy giving D.C. money for its historical landmarks, with the National Cathedral and George Washington’s Mount Vernon receiving $100,000 each earlier this year, through the Partners in Preservation contest.