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New York Transit Museum

Located in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, this premier institution preserves the technological and social history of New York City's iconic subway, bus, and commuter rail systems.

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New York Transit Museum
www.nytransitmuseum.org, website_hero_img_www.nytransitmuseum.org

What is the New York Transit Museum known for?

It is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history. It displays historical artifacts from the New York City Subway, bus, and commuter rail systems, including exhibits on trains, buses, bridges, and tunnels.

Where is the museum located?

The main museum is located at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights, housed in a decommissioned 1936 IND subway station (the Court Street station).

Is there another location besides the one in Brooklyn?

Yes, the museum operates a smaller satellite Museum Annex and Gallery & Store in Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, located in the Shuttle Passage on the Upper Level.

What are the hours for the Gallery Annex and Store?

The Gallery Annex & Store in Grand Central Terminal is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7:30 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

What is the history of the museum?

Founded in 1976 as part of America’s Bicentennial, the museum began as a temporary exhibition proposed by NYC Transit employees that was only intended to last a few months.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history. Founded in 1976 as part of America’s Bicentennial, the institution began as a temporary exhibition proposed by NYC Transit employees. Although it was originally meant to last only a few months, it evolved into a beloved cultural institution and a self-supporting division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The main museum is uniquely housed in a decommissioned 1936 IND subway station known as the Court Street station. Located in Brooklyn Heights at 99 Schermerhorn Street, this underground space allows visitors to experience historical artifacts of the New York City Subway, bus, and commuter rail systems within an authentic transit environment. Beyond the main Brooklyn site, the museum operates a satellite Museum Annex in Midtown Manhattan. This gallery is located in Grand Central Terminal, specifically in the Shuttle Passage on the upper level next to the Station Master's office. The annex presents changing exhibitions and educational programming to interpret the cultural and social history of the region's transit. Visitors to the museum can explore rich exhibits featuring trains, buses, bridges, and tunnels. The institution focuses on the development of the greater New York Metropolitan region through workshops and tours that highlight the technological evolution of mass transportation.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Museum Store between 10AM and 7:30PM on weekdays, or 10AM to 6PM on weekends.
  • If you are in Midtown, stop by the Museum Annex in Grand Central Terminal's Shuttle Passage for changing exhibits.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the main museum is located underground in a historic subway station.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in the Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn area, tucked away in a historic underground station beneath the street level of Schermerhorn Street.

Sources

Evidence and links