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One installation features text as art.
In other installations text and images are combined.
Famous musicians and their venue are included.
A single, all-seeing eye looks out on the world.
Long-gone historic places are rendered in ceramic mosaics.
You are being watched!
Harlem’s historic energetic spirit is pictured in lively colors.
Far from a zoo, animals join passengers at a busy station.
Following a completely different route than the other three Tours in the this series, Subway Art Tour Four continues our journey through the museum at the core of the Big Apple. The Tour moves from Downtown Manhattan’s Financial District uptown to Harlem. Site-specific art created for nine of the 10 subway stations included on this route dates from the 1990s; the 10th station features stunning historic art from a 1913 hotel. Take the Tour; Know More!
The first subway train set off in 1904 from City Hall; some of what we will see dates from those early years. From that time to the present, art has been a part of New York’s subway system. In the subway’s early years the art mainly was directional and identifying mosaics. Because of their durability tile mosaics, in the early 20th century, as well has in the 21st century, have been the preferred medium for works of art.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) owns one of the most extensive public art collections in the country, if not the world. The grander projects are within the stations. Within the subways cars there are smaller examples of the MTA Arts and Design’s program. In addition to amusing and entertaining illustrations in the train cars a project called Poetry in Motion give straphangers something to engage their thoughts. For the Shuttle between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, the cars themselves become a canvas, albeit for advertising; nonetheless, the result is impressive.
The art is not limited to the walls of the subway stations and their passageways. If we are lucky we will see performance art too. Musicians and puppeteers use the subway’s passageways to entertain riders moving from one subway line to another line, and as a greeting to riders when they enter through the turnstiles. Some musicians also use the subway platforms as a performance stage; and some even put on a show in the subway cars. These performers are seeking donations. The level of your generosity is up to you.
PLEASE NOTE you will need a MetroCard to take advantage of this tour. A MetroCard is not included in the tour price.
The Tour’s cost is $40 for adults, $30 for seniors 65 years and older, and $20 for youths 13 to 18 years of age. Please consult the Calendar Schedule for the dates and times of the Tour. Click on the “Book Now” button at the top of the page or below to book your place. The Tour runs 2.5 to 3 hours. Bookings must be made at least 36 hours before the Tour begins. All Tour participants assume normal liability for their behavior during the Tour. All tours are conducted in English.
Only one swipe of your MetroCard is needed to gain access to a fascinating art museum at the core of the Big Apple. We gather inside the Church Street entrance to the Oculus, part of the World Trade Center Complex. The Tour ends at the 145th Street station in Manhattan, where there is art to see! Wear comfortable shoes. Although we ride the trains from station to station, there are numerous flights of steps to ascend and descend along the route; and we walk the length of most subway platforms. You will get a good workout on this Tour! Travel light; carrying too many bags will interfere with your enjoyment of the Tour.
Come along, let’s talk about and walk about New York!
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