Below street level at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum fills a former subway station with the story of New York’s public transport. Walk through vintage subway cars, compare old turnstiles and fare systems, and see how the network’s technology changed over time. Exhibits also cover the people who built and maintained the system. The underground setting is part of the visit, and hands-on displays, including a bus driver’s seat, give children more to do than read exhibit panels.
A museum beneath Downtown Brooklyn
The New York Transit Museum is at 99 Schermerhorn Street, underground in the former Court Street station. Built in 1936, the station was taken out of passenger service and later became a museum. Its setting lets you see transit history on an actual platform, among the infrastructure that once served the city’s subway network.
The museum opened in 1976, during the United States Bicentennial. Its collection and exhibits cover New York’s subway, bus and commuter rail systems, along with the technology and design behind them. They also tell the story of the workers who dug tunnels and built the network, and of the communities changed by its growth.
On the platform and inside the cars
Historic subway cars are a central part of the collection. You can board preserved vehicles from different periods and look at how their interiors, equipment and design changed. Old advertisements help place the cars in their time, while historic turnstiles show how passengers entered the system. Displays on fares trace changes in the way riders paid, including the MetroCard and earlier tokens.
Look for the cars on the lower platform level. A separate exhibit about interlocking equipment is tucked behind a staircase, so check that area as you explore. The museum also displays buses and transit objects such as signs, photographs and models. Some exhibits change, so the exact selection may differ from one visit to another.
Interactive exhibits for younger visitors
Children can climb aboard the historic trains and explore the interiors at their own pace. Interactive displays explain parts of the transit system, and a bus cab lets visitors sit at the wheel. The exhibits connect everyday objects, such as turnstiles and signs, with the construction and operation of the network.
The museum’s underground layout includes stairs between levels, with benches available for a rest. The gift shop sells transit-related souvenirs, including maps, magnets, toys, clothing and posters. If you want time to read the exhibits as well as explore the vehicles, plan a longer visit than a quick walk through.
FAQ
Where is the New York Transit Museum?
It is at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, inside the former Court Street subway station.
Can you go inside the historic subway cars?
Yes. Visitors can board and explore preserved subway cars from different periods.
How long should you spend at the museum?
A visit can take about 45 to 60 minutes. Allow 2 to 3 hours if you want to read the exhibits closely.
Does the museum have activities for children?
Yes. Children can explore historic train cars and try interactive displays, including a bus driver’s seat.
