Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Corner Boerum Pl. & Schermerhorn St.
New York, New York
Tel:
(718) 694-1600
Let 100 years of transit lore come alive as you step into the historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights' New York Transit Museum. The largest museum in the United States, the New York Transit Museum is devoted to urban public transportation history and unveils the development of the greater New York Metropolitan region dealing with cultural, social, and technological history of public transportation.
The most popular exhibit, Steel, Stone & Backbone recounts the building of New York City's 100 year-old subway system and the people who built it. Take in historical artifacts, videos, and photos from 100 years ago. Visitors will really gain an appreciation of the dedication and sacrifice of the men who built the subway.
The museum's Fare Collection includes the first paper ticket choppers used in 1904, turnstile designs that first accepted coins and tokens, the first MetroCard turnstile operator, as well as an extensive collection and history of the 50 years of the token.
The museum has a simulated traffic intersection from the early 1960's, complete with fire hydrants, parking meters, street furniture, "Walk/Don't walk" signs, and a refurbished 12-seat Fishbowl bus.
The New York Transit Museum features an exhibit on the evolution of fuel technologies and how they affect the environment. Compare old and new technologies and explore the origins of fuels used over times. Visitors will also learn what the Transit Department is doing to reduce harmful emissions.
Over 50 detailed model trolleys and working cars are sure to delight, and don't miss Moving the Millions: New York City's Subways from its Origins to the Present, an exhibit of photos, diagrams, cartoons, maps and newspaper clippings illustrating the magnitude and complexity of New York's transit system. Visitor's can board the museum's vintage collection of subway trains and even visit a working signal tower.
The New York Transit Museum Store offers subway Christmas ornaments, subway map umbrellas, subway route clothing, collectibles, subway token bracelets, photos, postcards, and even subway map shower curtains!
The New York Transit Museum is located at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights. Take Subways 2-5 to Borough Hall, M or R to Court St., or A, C, or F to Jay St. / Borough Hall. You can also take busses B25, 26, 37, 38, 41, 45, 52, 57, 61, 65, 67 and 75, all within 1-2 blocks walking distance.