MTA Arts & Design: Second Ave Subway

Upper East Side, Manhattan

Credit: “Elevated” (2017) © Jean Shin

Join us for a tour of the extraordinary art installations in the Second Avenue Subway, led by MTA Arts & Design Deputy Director, Cheryl Hageman. When the New York City Subway opened in 1904, its founders declared that the railway was a “great public work” where every design element should show respect for customers and enhance the experience of travel through beauty and efficiency. MTA Arts & Design carries forward the belief today by commissioning works of art that are part of a rich heritage.   Opened in 2017, the four Second Avenue Subway stations prominently feature contemporary artwork by Jean Shin, Vik Muniz, Chuck Close, and Sarah Sze. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, these projects use porcelain tile, intricate mosaics, ceramic and glass to delight riders and define the stations. Learn how they are made and hear the stories behind these vibrant works that celebrate transportation and city life.   There will be approximately 10 blocks of walking within the stations on the tour. Bring your own MetroCard or OMNY card. Extra swipes will not be needed as we go from station to station.

Join us for a tour of the extraordinary art installations in the Second Avenue Subway, led by MTA Arts & Design Deputy Director, Cheryl Hageman.

When the New York City Subway opened in 1904, its founders declared that the railway was a “great public work” where every design element should show respect for customers and enhance the experience of travel through beauty and efficiency. MTA Arts & Design carries forward the belief today by commissioning works of art that are part of a rich heritage.

Opened in 2017, the four Second Avenue Subway stations prominently feature contemporary artwork by Jean Shin, Vik Muniz, Chuck Close, and Sarah Sze. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design, these projects use porcelain tile, intricate mosaics, ceramic and glass to delight riders and define the stations. Learn how they are made and hear the stories behind these vibrant works that celebrate transportation and city life.

There will be approximately 10 blocks of walking within the stations on the tour. Bring your own MetroCard or OMNY card. Extra swipes will not be needed as we go from station to station.

Tour will involve climbing stairs and walking, though elevators are available at each station on the tour. Please bring a MetroCard or OMNY for access to the stations. Extra swipes will not be needed as we go from station to station.

Bloomberg Connects: Additional expert-curated content, including video and audio guides for this location, is available on Bloomberg Connects, the free app that connects people to arts and culture at any time, from anywhere. Explore more

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