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

1960s MTA Bus in the New York Transit Museum
1960s MTA Bus in the New York Transit Museum cc licensed photo by plattypus_of_new_york

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

Fee: Yes, there is a small entry fee. Visit the official website to purchase tickets.

Transit Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (718) 694-1600

Official Website: Transit Museum

Transit Museum Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The transit museum is really nice. You can see the process of creating the subways and they touch on how the workers were often taken from poor communities, mistreated, and the conditions they worked in. They have the old turnstiles and the old tokens, and the old trains you can walk in and read the advertisements from years ago! İt might say you only need 1.5-2 hours, but if you really want to experience everything it's easily a day. The gift shop is what i was hoping would be the best part, but i liked the trains the most. You can really feel like it's the 20's or 40's or 70's when you go in. Highly recommend.
John Mele - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating New York Transit Museum is one of the hidden treasures of NYC museums. Where else can you wander through a closed subway station filled with vintage subway cars? This family-friendly museum has an all-ages appeal and is more reasonably priced than most of the major museums in Manhattan. The museum is a short walk from the Brooklyn Borough Hall and Jay St./Metro Tech stations.
Emma Rivera - a week ago

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5 Star Rating The New York Transit Museum offers a captivating journey through the city's transportation history. Housed in a decommissioned subway station, the museum beautifully preserves the evolution of New York's transit system. Exhibits showcase vintage subway cars, buses, and fascinating artifacts, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Engaging displays and interactive features make it an educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of urban transportation in New York City makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
vedant shirke - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating If you like public transportation around the world, especially NYC, this museum is for you. They provide a very good experience. I would like that could be more interactive, with videos and stuff, but it is absolutely recommend. Tickets are 10 bucks and the store is not expensive compared to other "museum stores". The museum uses a decommissioned subway station. Excellent 👌
Eduardo Fuenzalida - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The museum is underground and part of an actual subway, they have out of commission train cars from a hundred years ago that you can walk through and sit in. Many many different models. Lots of interactive exhibits you can walk through, touch, and sit in. Lots of information on the walls for those who are curious. There were many families with young children here, seems to be a great experience for little kids. They have lots of places for parking your stroller.
Nunia Busines - 2 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
2, 3, 4 or 5Borough Hall5 minutes
A, C, F or RJay 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.

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