New York Transit Museum

Museum · Downtown Brooklyn

4

@atlasobscura

"The New York Transit Museum is operated by the folks who know it best: the MTA. Who better to collect and display the history of the New York Transit system? Housed in the abandoned Court Street station, the museum features “Steel, Stone, and Backbone” about the building of the subways. The oldest artifacts in the museum are in the “On the Streets: Trolleys and Streetcars” section, which also describes the evolution of fuel technology in buses. On the lower (platform) level of the Museum are featured subway cars dating back to 1916 and wooden elevated cars dating back to 1903 as well as other miscellaneous equipment used in subway operation. Do you remember old tokens? They were the predominate fare on New York Subways and buses from 1953 until 2003, when the brass coins were replaced by the now-ubiquitous MetroCard. A permanent collection at the New York Transit Museum presents the token-operated turnstiles and the ticket chopping machines dating back to 1904; visitors enter the Museum through the same street entrance their grandparents once did. The Museum has an Annex/Gallery in Grand Central Terminal (to the left of the Station Master’s office) The original Court Street station opened in 1936 as part of an intended connection to Manhattan (approximately where the World Trade Center station on the E line is today), it served HH trains until 1946 when it was closed due to lack of use and lack of funds to build the tunnel to Manhattan. After that was used to film scenes for many movies — the opening scene of the 1974 movie The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 shows a train entering the station (with a false wall on the right side). In 1976, the New York City Transit Authority wanted to contribute to the US Bicentennial celebration and opened the New York City Transit Exhibit in July 1976. The station was only intended to remain until September 1976, but public reaction was so overwhelming it remained open and eventually became the New York Transit Museum. Responsibility of the museum was subsequently transferred to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to allow for expansion of exhibits to include other MTA facilities, such as Metro-North & Long Island Railroads, and MTA Bridges & Tunnels." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

18 Places to Discover Innovation in Roosevelt Island and NYC
http://www.flickr.com/photos/curiousexpedi...

99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Get directions

nytransitmuseum.org
@nytransitmuseum

4 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Butter & Scotch

Dessert shop · Cypress Hills

First known for its Smorgasburg stand, this bakery outfit also serves coffee & cocktails.

7 Postcards

Ammazzacaffè

Italian restaurant · Williamsburg

Ammazzacaffè is a cozy Brooklyn gem where you can savor elevated Italian pastas and small plates in a picturesque backyard, perfect for any occasion.

19 Postcards

Make My Fish

Seafood restaurant · Central Harlem

At Make My Fish, dive into perfectly fried seafood, like catfish and shrimp, alongside comforting sides in a buzz-worthy, cash-only haven.

1 Postcard

Shelsky's Of Brooklyn Appetizing and Delicatessen

Sandwich shop · Boerum Hill

This classic Jewish deli serves up stellar smoked fish sandwiches and fresh bagels, hailed as some of the best in NYC, with a standout iced coffee.

14 Postcards

Hearth

Fine dining restaurant · East Village

An inviting Tuscan-American spot with an open kitchen, serving fresh, delicious dishes and a stellar wine list in a cozy, intimate setting.

29 Postcards

Essex Market

Produce market · Lower East Side

Discover a vibrant indoor market bursting with diverse food stands, from fresh produce to delightful eats, perfect for a casual bite or a leisurely browse.

22 Postcards

Cadence

Soul food restaurant · East Village

Cadence serves up upscale vegan soul food in a chic, cozy setting, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking bold, flavorful dishes.

18 Postcards

bōm

Korean restaurant · Chelsea

Experience elevated Korean BBQ like never before at bōm, where meticulous cooking meets a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service.

10 Postcards

Tanoreen

Middle Eastern restaurant · Bayridge

This warm, inviting spot serves generous Mediterranean-Middle Eastern dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal with great service.

35 Postcards

La Palapa

Mexican restaurant · East Village

This stylish cantina serves authentic Mexican dishes with refined twists, great drinks, and cozy vibes, perfect for group gatherings or a casual night out.

12 Postcards