Subway Art for Straphangers and Sightseers

Photo by Michael Sporn.

It's not a secret that the subway system has some great art, an entire book was put out about it in 2006. But since residents often stick to their regular lines, it's likely that not many have seen it all. Last week Boing Boing pointed to some subterranean tile art featuring polar bears and penguins, oh my!

For those who want to see all of the subway sights without putting down too much cash on a Metrocard (or for those who simply need a guiding light to point them in the right direction), there's a handy little online source aptly titled Subway Art Guide that can show you the way. They have 212 pieces documented, with artist/title/station listed, as well as a little history and photos of each piece. What do you see at your stop?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on January 20, 2008 2:55 PM

Comments [rss]

youngpro

there's a much better example that you can actually see as it's supposed to be seen (high speed), not as the train slowly approaches and enters the station. entering manhattan over the manhattan bridge, entering the tunnel, look to your right (i forget which if the trains i see it on, though).

abwh

Check out www.mta.info/mta/aft for a comprehensive listing of all art in the subway.

Dave Hogarty

There are some very impressive mosaics in the underground passages between GCT and the midtown entrances in the 50s of Manhattan that have been created via a photo-tile transfer process. I can't say for certain, but they seen to be some type of Indo-Aryan-Zoroastrian celebration of basic elements. Very interesting work.

babyhitler

those penguins have pee stains on them. ewww!

nivek

Well that's 5th Avenue/CPZ...so of course they're going to have some animals :P

maevemealone

How funny, I found this same website recently. I was researching pre-existing material for a project I've been mulling over for a year or so (photographing subway mosaics). It kind of scooped my entire project idea so instead I posted their photos and links. My new project will be to go visit these stations!

http://bitsnpiecesofkara.blogspot.com/