My first ride on an MTA subway train coincided with the beginnings of the NYC graffiti and Hip Hop movements. The 1974 film Style Wars exposes the artists who painted those trains—inside and outside.
Then, the 4 Train was made up of old cars from as early as the 1930s, and 1940s. The seats were covered in rattan, there were ceiling fans in every car and in summer all the windows were open. Passengers moved freely or stood (illegally) between cars—the clatter was deafening.
The New York Transit Museum—a decommissioned Subway Station in Brooklyn—has stationary exhibits of rolling stock from the 1910s through to the 1950s and plenty of busses, too.
A bigger deal is their Nostalgia Train: everyone’s opportunity to ride on a vintage train. This is a little-known adventure and a fun way to experience the largest subway system in the world. Its 457 stations is 150 more than the second-largest, Paris.
Further, The Transit Museum has broadened its offerings with a series of walks and talks, like their Transit Walk: Gowanus and Carroll Gardens, Old City Hall Station — Jewel in the Crown and Women Artists in the Subway. Among the woman artists is Yoko Ono who decorated the 72nd Street Station (IND) adjacent to her home at The Dakota.
The nearest station to the museum is Borough Hall, on the 4 or 5 Train.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
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"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
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"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
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"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
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I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
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"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
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The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
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I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
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"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
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"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
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"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
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