Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is located in an unused subway station and is the largest museum of its kind in the United States
Appropriately located in the decommissioned Court Street subway station in Brooklyn Heights, the New York Transit Museum run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority is home to a collection of antique rail cars, vintage buses, subway memorabilia and exhibits examining all aspects of public transportation.
Originally opened as a temporary exhibit in 1976, the Metropolitan Transit Authority kept the museum open after the conclusion of the bicentennial celebrations in response to public demand. Over the years, the Transit Museum has grown in popularity and scope, becoming the largest museum in the United States devoted to public transportation.
Unlike traditional museums, the Transit Museum has a child friendly, hands-on policy. Kids of all ages will enjoy "driving" the buses and trains and the interactive educational exhibits. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the museum offers children's programs free with admission and hosts a drop-in group for children aged 2-5 called "Transit Tots" every Friday morning. Parents visiting with young children should note that the staircase leading down to the mezzanine level is not stroller friendly.
The Transit Museum offers various tours and talks for adults with audio tour podcasts available on iTunes. Several times a year, "Nostalgia Train" excursions are offered to various destinations aboard their vintage rail cars. Occasionally, the Transit Museum offers public tours of the beautiful Brooklyn City Hall station and other decommissioned stations. A full calendar of events and registration details are available on the Transit Museum website.
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Transit Museum
Fee: Yes there is a small entry fee or get free admission with a New York City Explorer PassMany tourist attractions are temporarily closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please verify any opening hours below with the attraction before visiting.
Open Now
Regular Hours:
- Tuesday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Category: Museums Venues & Event Spaces
Address:
Boerum Pl Schermerhorn St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 694-1600
Reviews
Jaelynne D. Jan-05-2020
Every New Yorker should come here at least once; you will leave with a new found appreciation and wonderment of the development of our every day... Read More
Every New Yorker should come here at least once; you will leave with a new found appreciation and wonderment of the development of our every day...Michelle C. Feb-11-2020
I can't believe I neglected to review my experience at the New York Transit Museum! My husband and I were there in fall of 2018 so it's been a while but I... Read More
I can't believe I neglected to review my experience at the New York Transit Museum! My husband and I were there in fall of 2018 so it's been a while but I...Steve A. Jan-15-2020
Accommodations near Transit Museum:
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2, 3, 4 or 5 | Borough Hall | 5 minutes |
| A, C, F or R | Jay Street (MetroTech) | 5 minutes |
How to get to Transit Museum by Subway
Take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall, head southeast along the tree lined pathway past the east side of the courthouse, turn left on Joralemon Street then cross the road going right (south) on Boerum Place to Schermerhorn Street or the A, C, F or R train to Jay Street (MetroTech), head south on Jay Street, continue onto Smith Street, turn right onto Schermerhorn Street, continue to Boerum Place.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
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A model depicting what transit was once like in New York City cc licensed photo by Marcin Wichary 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
Photo Credit: Yelp 
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Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MTAPhotos - cc license via Flickr
