The Interborough Rapid Transit subway opened on October 27, 1904 with 28 stations along a 9.1-mile line extending from City Hall to 145th Street. Since it first opened in 1904, New York’s subway has been the fastest and most popular mode of personal transportation in the city. Today, it is the largest 24-hour operating subway system in the world, with 472 stations, over 800 track miles and a fleet of more than 6,000 passenger cars.
Founded in 1976, the New York Transit Museum is dedicated to telling and preserving the stories of mass transportation – extraordinary engineering feats, workers who labored in the tunnels over 100 years ago, communities that were drastically transformed, and the ever-evolving technology, design, and ridership of a system that runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Celebrate Subway Day with us on Wednesday, October 27th:
Virtual Old City Hall Experience!
In 1904, New York City’s very first subway ride left from the City Hall Station amidst great civic pride. Designed by renowned architects Heins & LaFarge, the station featured innovative vaulted tile ceilings by master artisan Rafael Guastavino. Its elegant chandeliers, leaded skylights, and graceful curves inspired awe among visitors.
In celebration of opening day, on October 27th join us online as we dive into the creation of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, early subway construction, and the City Beautiful movement that led to that momentous day. In this virtual experience, we’ll look closely at the decorative flourishes of the decommissioned station with historic photographs from the Museum’s collection, maps, architectural drawings, and photos of the station today.
View historic New York Transit Museum Collection photos of our system and city before, during, and after the construction of the subway on screens along the original IRT route. Photos will be on view at Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall, Canal St, Spring St, Bleeker St, Union Square, 23rd St, 33rd St, Times Sq, 50th St, 59th St, 66th St, 72nd St, 86th St, 96th St, 103rd St, 137th St, and 145th St.
Virtual Old City Hall Experience! 
Subway Takeover!
Coloring Page for Kids of All Ages