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Like Subway Art Tour One, we begin at the edge of Greenwich Village; but Subway Art Tour Two heads downtown, instead of uptown, and into Brooklyn before we finish at Astor Place. We survey 10 different subway stations along the way.

This unique journey will help you discover the art museum at the core of the Big Apple. Very few take the opportunity to appreciate this treasure!

Step aboard for another fantastic ride!

The first subway train departed City Hall station in 1904; some of what we will see dates from that era. Then to the present, art has been a part of New York’s subway system. In the subway’s early years, the art mainly took the form of directional and identifying mosaics. Because of their durability, glazed 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’s extensive art collection is managed by its Arts and Design department. In addition to the station projects, inside the subway cars there are amusing illustrations; plus “Poetry in Motion” gives passengers something to engage their thoughts. For one subway line, the car itself becomes a canvas, albeit for advertising; nonetheless, the effect is impressive.

The art is not limited to the walls of the subway stations and passageways. If we are lucky we will see musicians and puppeteers. They use the subway’s corridors to entertain riders moving about the station. 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.

The subway platforms are level. There will be stairs to climb to reach the platforms, several sets of stairs along the route, and more to climb when exiting. Be prepared. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is a good idea. The fewer bags you bring the better. Travel light! The New York City subway system is safe!

Tours are not canceled; instead a different view of the city is offered. All parts of New York deserve to be shown off! Subway Art Tour Two replaces all outdoor walking tours when it rains, snows, is bitterly cold or very windy. This tour can be taken for its own merits. It is a fascinating look at a subterranean art world.

The cost is $30/person for this tour. Click on the link below or at the top of the page to book your tour, which lasts between two-and-a-half (2-1/2) and three (3) hours.

PLEASE NOTE you will need a MetroCard to take advantage of this tour. A MetroCard is not included in the tour price. Only one swipe of your MetroCard will be needed as your admission to this art museum.

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 Tour Calendar 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.

We enter the subway system only once; only one swipe of your MetroCard is needed. The Tour ends at Astor Place. This Tour is not recommended for those in a wheelchair or other mobility aids, nor for those with baby strollers. There are several sets of steps to navigate. We gather outside by the bronze sculpture of George Washington on horseback in Union Square Park at East 14th Street. You can see the Whole Foods store across the street from this point. All Tour participants assume normal liability for their behavior during the Tour.  All tours are conducted in English.

Come along, let’s talk about and walk about New York!

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