New York Transit Museum

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 60 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The New York Transit Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of public transportation in New York City. Located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, the museum features exhibits that showcase the evolution of transportation systems in the city, including trains, buses, trolleys, and ferries. Visitors can explore vintage subway cars, check out historic artifacts, and even ride on a restored 1930s subway car. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to simulate driving a subway train or bus. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that delve deeper into specific aspects of transportation history.

99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Get Directions





New York Transit Museum Videos

Grand Central Madison officially opened on January 25th, 2023, the culmination of decades-long effort to expand New York’s regional rail network and provide Long Island Rail Road passengers direct access to Manhattan’s East side. The centerpiece of the effort is the brand-new terminal underneath historic Grand Central Terminal Station. Join Paul Grether, Acting Chief of Grand Central Madison, for a behind-the-scenes look at the projects’ start and what it took to safely open the new service in 2023, as well as the impact of Grand Central Madison’s first year.

Public transit systems have the power to distinctly shape a city and its trajectory, expanding access to jobs and neighborhoods, and reducing traffic and pollution. New York City is one great example, formed by its extensive networks of subways, buses, and trains. But compared to many other auto-centric cities in the country, New York is an outlier. Nicholas Bloom, author of The Great American Transit Disaster, argues that car culture was not inevitable, but a choice upheld by voters, their representatives, and policies. In this virtual program, Bloom will examine case studies of other U.S. cities, including Baltimore and Chicago, that speak to the overall disinvestment of mass transit across the country. By looking to the past, Bloom’s research offers insights that could lead to a more public transit-focused future.

MTA Arts & Design has one of the largest and most diverse site-specific public art collections in the world. Since the 1980s, artists have been commissioned to make meaningful connections to transit stations and to the neighborhoods, communities, and riders they serve.   In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are pleased to highlight two Latinx artists and their works in the NYC transit system. Nitza Tufiño, a celebrated Nuyorican artist, has some of the earliest commissioned artworks in the subway with Westside Views (1986) at 86th Street and Neo-Boriken (1990) at 103rd Street. Glendalys Medina’s more recent installation at Grand Street station on the L line, Gratitudes off Grand (2023), uses abstract studies of color to reflect the array of communities, indigenous and immigrant, that have settled in the East Williamsburg and Bushwick area over time.   Join a conversation between artists Nitza Tufiño and Glendalys Medina, and MTA Arts & Design Director Sandra Bloodworth, moderated by El Museo del Barrio curator Susanna Temkin.

New York City has one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, featuring 472 stations and over 800 miles of track that link all but one borough – Staten Island. Scholar Kenneth M. Gold explores the borough’s transportation history, including when Staten Island first contemplated joining the city in the 1890s and the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964. Join scholar Kenneth M. Gold, author of The Forgotten Borough: Staten Island and the Subway, as he traces opportunities for extending rapid transit to Staten Island over time and argues that a lack of connection by subway to the other four boroughs has deeply shaped Staten Island’s history and identity.

While we tend to associate New York public transit with subways, buses, and trains, ferries have been a key piece of the city’s transportation network for over 200 years. This historically important role of ferries continued in 2017 with the launch of NYC Ferry service, connecting waterfront communities along 60+ nautical miles of waterways throughout New York City. Ferries remind us we live in a city surrounded and connected by water and play an important role in times of crisis, providing critical support for evacuation efforts. Join Alan Olmsted, City Planner, Resilience, and Franny Civitano, NYC Ferry Deputy Director, to learn more about ferry service from the 1800s until now, and how it is an essential component of New York City’s transit resiliency.

Join the MTA Accessibility team and the New York Transit Museum to discuss the history of accessibility at the MTA and look to the future of accessibility beyond the requirements of the ADA. Accessibility at the MTA does not only consider those who identify as having disabilities—we are working to build a system that is welcoming, safe, comfortable and accessible to all. Learn more about new technologies and solutions that the MTA is testing across subways, buses, and paratransit to make that vision of a universally accessible system a reality, and how you can be part of this movement.

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New York Transit Museum News

Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival Returns Next Week

This year, DBAF features exciting programming, both virtual and in-person, with performances, classes, screenings, and exhibitions across the district, and a host of exciting free outdoor events at The Plaza at 300 Ashland, located at Flatbush and Lafayette Avenues.

Amy Engelhardt's IMPACT to Premiere at the Cell Theatre

Amy Engelhardt (Bastard Jones, Grammy-nominated band The Bobs) will premiere her new play IMPACT in a co-production with Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre, The Playhouse at White Lake and DimlyWit Productions (The Last Five Years).

A LITTLE NEW MUSIC Will Spotlight Amy Engelhardt, May 4

The Spotlight Series, a bi-monthly live streamed concert series created by A Little New Music will “spotlight” the music of composer/lyricist and humorist, Amy Engelhardt, on May 4th.

THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES to Spotlight McGuire & Simon, March 2

THE SPOTLIGHT SERIES, a bi-monthly live streamed concert series created by A LITTLE NEW MUSIC will “spotlight” musical theatre team Janine McGuire and Arri Lawton Simon on Tuesday, March 2nd. The event will be co-hosted by co-producers Luke H. Klipp and Kila Packett. The executive producer for the ALNM Spotlight Series is amy francis schott.

The York Theatre Company Will Present The NEO Reading Series Presentation Of The New Musical BORDERS

The York Theatre Company, as part of its acclaimed NEO Reading Series, will present a staged reading of the new musical Borders, with book, music, and lyrics by 2019 NEO writers Janine McGuire and Arri Lawton Simon, based on the film The Bubble by Eytan Fox and Gal Uchovsky, for ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. at the York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Admission to the presentation is by invitation only.

McGuire & Simon's BORDERS And Zak Sandler's INSIDE MY HEAD Headline New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series

The eleventh season of New York Theatre Barn's New Works Series continues on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 with pre-premieres of two new musicals: Borders and Inside My Head.

Public Libraries Launch 'Culture Pass,' Offering Free Admission Over To 30 NYC Museums

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), The New York Public Library (NYPL), and Queens Library today launched Culture Pass, a joint library-led, city-wide initiative providing free access to more than 30 museums and cultural institutions across all five boroughs available to every NYC library card holder.

McGuire & Simon Announce Concert Starring Alabado, Caughell, Perez, and Ryan

In celebration of their 5-year 'collabiversary', Look Up will feature songs from McGuire & Simon's daring new musical BORDERS, about two men who fall in love amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as audience favorites from their immersive musical EXPRESS (conceived for the New York Transit Museum and last seen at New York Film Academy), and selections from their brand new Theatre For Young Audiences show KIBBY THE SPACE DOG (commissioned by Wichita Children's Theatre and Dance Center).

Stars from 'GREAT COMET', ANASTASIA and More Send Off the Summer at Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal invites families to Grand Central's Summer Send-Off, a three-day event packed with kid-friendly entertainment, such as face painting and interactive demos from Kidding Around Toys and New York Transit Museum.

Stars from 'GREAT COMET', ANASTASIA and More to Send Off the Summer at Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal invites families to Grand Central's Summer Send-Off, a three-day event packed with kid-friendly entertainment, such as face painting and interactive demos from Kidding Around Toys and New York Transit Museum.

ARTS IN THE CITY Highlights David Hyde Pierce, King Tut Exhibit & Noche Flamenca This Month

ARTS IN THE CITY - the Emmy-nominated CUNY TV arts series - presents a new February program hosted by Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson from Downtown Brooklyn's New York Transit Museum, a Hidden Gem of New York featuring dioramas, historic turnstiles, and vintage subway cars with original period advertising - the largest museum of public transportation in the country. The episode premieres beginning today, Feb. 12 at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm on CUNY TV*.

ARTS IN THE CITY to Highlight David Hyde Pierce, King Tut Exhibit & Noche Flamenca This Month

ARTS IN THE CITY - the Emmy-nominated CUNY TV arts series - presents a new February program hosted by Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson from Downtown Brooklyn's New York Transit Museum, a Hidden Gem of New York featuring dioramas, historic turnstiles, and vintage subway cars with original period advertising - the largest museum of public transportation in the country. The episode premieres beginning Friday, Feb. 12 at 10am, 3pm and 8:30pm on CUNY TV*.

On The 20th Century: Read, Watch, Do

Immerse yourself in the world of the madcap musical, On the Twentieth Century, with our recommended listening, reading and doing lists!

State Senator José M. Serrano Joins 'One Percent for Culture' Campaign

As the political races throughout New York City reach their peak, candidates, thought leaders, businesses, organizations, and prominent New Yorkers are showing their support for the One Percent for Culture campaign that seeks to increase funding to the city's 1,300-plus non-profit cultural organizations.

Grand Central Terminal Centennial Celebration Kicks Off February 1

Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York (MTA) and Metro-North Railroad open Grand Central Terminal to the public on February 1, 2013 for the celebration of its 100th Anniversary with a full day of activities, including a morning public rededication ceremony and musical performances that will keep visitors entertained well into the evening.


New York Transit Museum Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to New York Transit Museum

The closest subway stops to the New York Transit Museum at 99 Schermerhorn St in New York City are:

1. Borough Hall (4, 5, 2, 3): This subway station is just a short walk away from the museum. You can take the 4, 5, 2, or 3 train to Borough Hall and then walk about 5 minutes to reach the museum.

2. Jay Street-MetroTech (A, C, F, R): Another convenient option is to take the A, C, F, or R train to Jay Street-MetroTech station. From there, it's about a 7-minute walk to the museum.

If you're planning to visit the New York Transit Museum, I highly recommend checking their website for any updates or changes in operating hours. You can find the latest information on their official website: New York Transit Museum.

Additionally, while you're in the area, you might want to explore other nearby attractions. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a beautiful waterfront walkway with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It's just a short distance from the museum and offers a great opportunity to take memorable photos.

If you're feeling hungry, you'll find plenty of dining options in the vicinity. Some popular choices include Colonie, a farm-to-table restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, and Shake Shack, a beloved burger joint known for its delicious burgers and shakes.

Enjoy your visit to the New York Transit Museum and have a fantastic time exploring the surrounding area!


What's the best way to get to New York Transit Museum by bus?

The closest bus stops to the New York Transit Museum at 99 Schermerhorn St in New York City are:

1. Livingston St/Schermerhorn St: Served by bus routes B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, and B103. You can check for updates on these bus routes on the official MTA website: MTA.info.

2. Court St/Montague St: Served by bus routes B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, and B103. You can check for updates on these bus routes on the official MTA website: MTA.info.

Please note that bus schedules and routes are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit.


How much time should I plan to spend at New York Transit Museum?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the New York Transit Museum in New York City is approximately 1-2 hours. This should give you enough time to explore the museum's fascinating exhibits and learn about the rich history of the city's transportation system.

The museum is located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn, and it offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. You can marvel at vintage subway cars, buses, and other artifacts that showcase the evolution of public transportation in New York City.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs, special events, and guided tours. If you have a particular interest in transportation history or want to delve deeper into the subject, you may want to allocate more time for your visit.

Overall, the New York Transit Museum is a must-visit for transportation enthusiasts and anyone curious about the city's iconic subway system. So, make sure to add it to your itinerary and enjoy your time exploring this hidden gem!


Can I bring food and drinks into New York Transit Museum?

The New York Transit Museum, located in Brooklyn, does not have a specific food and drink policy. However, it is advisable to refrain from eating or drinking inside the museum to help maintain the cleanliness and preservation of the exhibits. If you need a snack or a drink, there are several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal before or after your visit.


Does New York Transit Museum offer luggage storage?

The New York Transit Museum, located in Brooklyn, does not provide luggage storage facilities. However, there are several options available nearby where you can store your luggage while visiting the museum. One option is to use a luggage storage service such as Vertoe or LuggageHero, which have multiple locations throughout the city, including near the museum. These services allow you to securely store your bags for a few hours or even a whole day, giving you the freedom to explore without the burden of carrying your luggage. Another option is to check with your hotel if they offer luggage storage for their guests, even after check-out. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check their website for the most up-to-date information on luggage storage options.


Is New York Transit Museum a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the New York Transit Museum is a fantastic attraction for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers! While English is the primary language used in the museum, there are plenty of visual displays, interactive exhibits, and historical artifacts that can be enjoyed by all.

The museum showcases the rich history of New York City's transportation system, including its iconic subway system. Visitors can explore vintage subway cars, buses, and trolleys, and learn about the evolution of public transportation in the city. The exhibits are visually engaging and often include signage and labels in multiple languages, making it accessible to a diverse range of visitors.

Additionally, the museum offers audio guides in different languages, which provide detailed explanations and stories about the exhibits. These audio guides are a great way for non-English speakers to fully immerse themselves in the experience and learn about the fascinating history of New York City's transit system.

Overall, the New York Transit Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in transportation history or simply looking for a unique and educational experience in New York City.


What ages are appropriate for New York Transit Museum?

The New York Transit Museum in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages! While it may be especially appealing to transportation enthusiasts and history buffs, it offers something for everyone. Children, in particular, tend to love exploring the vintage subway cars and buses on display. Additionally, the museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that are engaging for kids of all ages. So whether you're traveling with young children or are simply curious about the fascinating history of New York City's transit system, the New York Transit Museum is definitely worth a visit!


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