New York Transit Museum: A Subway Adventure
Explore vintage subway cars and discover the history of NYC's mass transit system in a real, decommissioned 1936 subway station.
Descend into an authentic, decommissioned subway station at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn to discover the New York Transit Museum. Opened in 1976, the museum is dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of New York City's mass transportation. The museum's platform level, stretching an entire city block, features a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907. Visitors can board these fully furnished cars, complete with vintage advertising and route maps, offering a glimpse into the past. Exhibits also showcase the evolution of fare collection, from turnstiles dating back to 1904 to more recent technology. Explore the challenges and triumphs of building the subway system in the early 20th century in the 'Steel, Stone & Backbone' exhibit. 'Moving the Millions' chronicles the history of the subway system and its impact on the city. The museum also has a gallery annex and gift shop in Grand Central Terminal, which hosts rotating exhibits and the annual Holiday Train Show. The New York Transit Museum offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, providing insight into the history, technology, and social impact of mass transit in New York City.
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
- Visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
- Check the museum's website for information on special events, tours, and programs.
- Note that the museum is located in a historic subway station and only some areas are climate-controlled.
A brief summary to New York Transit Museum
- 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, Downtown Brooklyn, New York, 11201, US
- +1718-694-1600
- Visit website
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Subway
The New York Transit Museum is easily accessible by subway. Take the A, C, F, or R trains to Jay St-MetroTech, the 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to Borough Hall, or the A, C, or G trains to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street. From any of these stations, it's a short walk to the museum entrance at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Subway fare is $3 per ride.
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Walking
If you are in Downtown Brooklyn or crossing the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, walking to the museum is a great option. From the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, head towards Borough Hall and then walk two blocks to Schermerhorn Street. The museum entrance will be on your left. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to walk from the bridge.
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Ride Share/Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a direct way to reach the New York Transit Museum. Simply provide the address, 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, to your driver. A short ride from Lower Manhattan will typically cost $30-$45, depending on traffic.
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Parking
While the New York Transit Museum does not have on-site parking, several parking garages are located nearby. Garages on Livingston Street and Schermerhorn Street offer convenient options. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a few hours of parking. Booking a spot in advance through SpotHero or ParkWhiz is recommended.
