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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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*.

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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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