Calendar of Events

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Authors, engineers, and historians add dimension to the Museum's exhibits. Unless otherwise noted programs are held at the Transit Museum in Brooklyn Heights, free with paid Museum admission.  Register below to reserve a spot.

LUNCHTIME GALLERY TALK: THE ART OF THE POSTER
Wed, Feb. 8, 12:30 pm – Register Now
 

Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal
Join us during your lunch break for a one time opportunity to tour the Museum’s newest exhibition with London Transport Museum Curator, Claire Dobbin. Gain insight into posters and artwork from the London Underground spanning 100 years.

MEET THE AUTHOR: JAMES GRELLER
Sat, Feb. 11, 2:00 pm – Register Now

Transportation planner and historian James Clifford Greller discusses his recent books, New York City Subway Cars from R-1 to R-160 and Brooklyn Trolley Cars from the BRT to the B&QT. Greller will offer his insights on trends and transitions in the design and technology of Brooklyn’s beloved streetcars and early members of the subway fleet. Program followed by a book signing.

NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK: 
Engineering Invention: Frank J. Sprague and the U.S. Electrical Industry, 1880-1900    
Tues, Feb. 21, 6 pm – Register Now

Author and business historian Frederick Dalzell discusses his recent book, Engineering Invention: Frank J. Sprague and the U.S. Electrical Industry. Co-written with John L. Sprague, grandson of inventor Frank J. Sprague, the book explores the elder Sprague’s pioneering achievements in the design of electric motors and mass transit systems. Program followed by a book signing.

CAR CLASS: MEET “DERBY”
Sun, Apr. 15, 2 pm Free with paid Admission – Register Now

Our newest guest car is the oldest artifact in ElectriCity, Powering New York’s Rails. The turn of the century “Derby” car is the oldest surviving electric locomotive in North America, on loan from The Shore Line Trolley Museum. William Wall of Shore Line Trolley and Transit Museum Curator Carissa Amash present a slide lecture about the history of the car, its restoration and the tricky moves necessary to haul it to its temporary home here on our platform.

EARTH DAY: TRANSIT BUILDINGS GO GREEN 
Wed, Apr. 18, 12:30 pm Register Now
Program to be held at 2 Broadway. 

Chief Architect Judith Kunoff and colleagues at New York City Transit discuss recent "green" facility projects.

TOURS

ALL TOURS ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

One of the special privileges of Transit Museum membership is the opportunity to make advance reservations for coveted tours. It’s our pleasure to notify you of the following winter and early spring events. Your exclusive reservation period is January 10 through January 14 – tour ticketing will be available online only!

Membership benefits:
The Friends category of membership entitles you to purchase 1 ticket per program at the member's price. Family members and above may purchase tickets for up to 2 adults and 2 children at the member's price.

Refunds:
Refunds are not available for events or tours. Vouchers will be provided for reservations cancelled at least two weeks prior. Contact: Luz Montano, Tour Coordinator at (718) 694-1867 or luz.montano@nyct.com.

For more answers, please see our FAQs at the bottom of this page.

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN: OLD CITY HALL STATION   
Museum Members ONLY!   Adults $30 / Children (5-17) $20    No strollers or children under 5.
Sun, Jan. 29, 1:30 pm –
Sun, Jan. 29, 3:30 pm  –
Sat, Mar. 3, Noon –
Sat, Mar. 3, 2 pm –

Travel back in time to the subway’s early days in a gracefully curved station adorned with chandeliers, leaded skylights, a vaulted Guastavino ceiling, and decorative tile work. Tour led by John Simko. Please wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 

SIGNALS 101   
Museum Members ONLY!   $50   
Wed, Feb. 15, 5 to 7 pm –
Wed, Apr. 4, 5 to 7 pm –

Remarkably, the subway signal system is as old as the system itself, working tirelessly to keep trains and passengers on track. Come along on an exclusive collision-free crash course at MTA’s Signal Learning Center. Survey turn of the century signals, cutting edge subway communication technology of today, and everything in between.

GREENWICH SUBSTATION TOUR
Non-members $45     Museum Members $30 
Sat, Jan. 21, 10 am to 12 pm –
Sun, Feb. 12, 10 am to 12 pm –

The rotary converters and electrical switchgear of yesteryear are long gone, but the Art Deco elegance of Greenwich Substation remains, built in 1932 to provide power to the Independent Subway System’s 8^th Avenue Line. Robert W. Lobenstein, former General Superintendent of New York City Transit and New York City Transit’s Historic Preservationist Sara McIvor will discuss power operations and the architectural significance of this landmark site.

ELECTRICITY: A GALLERY AND SUBSTATION TOUR
Non-members $45     Museum Members $30     
Sun, Mar. 11, 10 am to 12 pm –
Sat, Apr. 21, 10 am to 12 pm –

Spend an enlightening morning immersed in subway science. This two-part program led by Robert W. Lobenstein, former General Superintendent of New York City Transit, begins by touring the Museum’s newest exhibit and continues with a visit to Substation 21, a century-old substation well-disguised amidst the brownstones of Brooklyn Heights.

From the Depths to the Heights: THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE
Non-members $45     Museum Members $30
Sat, Mar. 31, 10 am to 12 pm –

The first subway line reached Morningside Heights in 1904, but a “connection” of a different sort already existed. This new tour with Senior Cathedral Guide John Simko begins underground at the 110th Street station and continues at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Divine inspiration awaits in Belmont Chapel, designed by subway architects Heins & La Farge, and boasting Guastavino’s largest dome and the sculptures of Gutzon Borglum, both craftsmen whose work made Old City Hall station the “Jewel in the Crown.”

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Non-members $45     Museum Members $30
Sun, Apr. 15, 10 am to 12:30 pm –

Suzanne Reisman, author of Off the Beaten (Subway) Track: New York City's Best Unusual Attractions, leads a new tour of the hidden history of Manhattan's Financial District. Put on your walking shoes -- we'll peer into the past (literally), compare old and new subway stations, step into a former customs house, and seek out a piece of George Washington's tooth at the 1762 tavern that pioneered take-out. 

WHEN QUEENS HOSTED THE WORLD
Non-members $45     Museum Members $30
Sat, Apr. 28, 11 am to 2 pm –

Spring calls for a World’s Fair Special! Transit historian Andrew Sparberg addresses the rich history and unusual subway story of Flushing Meadow’s two World’s Fairs in 1939 and 1964. Appreciate these events as important historic moments for the subway and city on a tour of the Long Island Rail Road station that served both Fairs. Pack a light lunch.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Download the complete Children's Calendar now. For more information on these and other family programs please call 718-694-1792.