New York City is packed with iconic attractions, from the Statue of Liberty to Times Square. Over the years, we’ve checked off many must-see spots, but no matter how many times we visit, there’s always something new to discover. We found several places to visit on Atlas Obscura’s list of 700+ Cool, Hidden & Unusual things in New York. One place on that list has been on our radar for years but we’ve never been able to schedule a visit. We made sure to make it to the New York Transit Museum on one of our more recent trips, which provides a fascinating look at the history of mass transit in the city.
A Brief History of the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum opened in 1976 and showcases the development of New York City’s transit system, from the construction of the first subway line in 1904 to the present-day network that keeps millions moving daily. Through exhibits, vintage subway cars, and historical artifacts, visitors get a unique glimpse into how transit has shaped the city.
Housed underground in a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the Transit Museum’s platform level spans a full city block and is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.
The New York Transit Museum is a self-supporting division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Friends of the New York Transit Museum, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, was established in 1995 to promote and raise funds for the Museum’s operations and programs. Besides visiting, you can also donate or become a member to support its mission.
Location, Hours, and Ticket Prices
- Location: The museum is at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, inside the old Court Street subway station.
- Hours of Operation:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $10
- Seniors (62+): $5
- Children (2-17): $5
- Members and children under 2: Free
Our Visit to the Transit Museum
Walking down the stairs into the museum sets the mood. The subway station setting adds authenticity to the experience, making it one of the most unique museums in New York.
The museum is on two levels. The upper level of the station is where you’ll find the gift shop along with exhibitions, some permanent and others temporary. Here’s where you’ll find exhibits covering everything from the laborious process of tunneling under the city to modern-day transit challenges.
There are also hands-on activities for kids, making it a great spot for families. We looked at the turnstile collection, which brought back memories of our trips to New York in the 1970s and 80s. There’s over 100 years of history to cover, and the museum is more than just subways. There’s a section on the bus service showing the different fare boxes from the years.
There’s even an old-school bus parked inside the museum.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the collection of vintage subway cars, each meticulously restored to reflect different decades.
Sitting inside a car from the early 1900s, complete with rattan seats and old-fashioned ads, transported us to another era.
Of course, I had to sit down on one of the cars that I remembered from my childhood, taking the subway from Penn Station to the Bronx to see the Yankees.
One thing to know about the museum is that it was an operating subway station. Therefore, most of the museum, particularly the platform section, has no climate control systems. In addition, information about accessibility to the exhibits can be found on the museum’s website: New York Transit Museum Accessibility.
Why You Should Visit the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum isn’t just a museum—it’s a time capsule of how millions of New Yorkers have moved around the city for over a century. Whether you’re a history buff, a transit enthusiast, or just looking for something off the beaten path, this museum is well worth a visit. The combination of historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the opportunity to step inside vintage subway cars makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, its location in an actual subway station only adds to the authenticity. I’m glad we finally were able to visit this hidden gem.
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