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.
Housed underground in an authentic 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the Transit Museum’s working platform level spans a full city block, and is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.
Visitors can board the vintage cars, sit at the wheel of a city bus, step through a time tunnel of turnstiles, and explore changing exhibits that highlight the cultural, social and technological history – and future – of mass transit.
The New York Transit Museum is a self-supporting division of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Friends of the New York Transit Museum, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, was established in 1995 to promote and raise funds for the Museum’s operations and programs.
Please book all classes separately, do not combine classes.
Unfortunately, the Museum does not have lunch facilities. We can store lunches during the tour, and encourage groups to eat in one of the many nearby outdoor areas including Columbus Park, Korean War Veterans Plaza, and Cadman Plaza or on the bus.
Restrooms are available for Museum Visitors.
Payment must be received two weeks prior to your visit. Failure to submit payment will result in cancellation of your program. Refunds cannot be given less than two weeks before your visit.
From the immigrant workforce that built the subway system, to transportation’s influence on neighborhood development, the rich history and diversity of New York City comes alive through discussion, photographs, and stories. Join Education Department staff for an online experience to discover the connections between immigration and public transportation through archival images and a virtual tour of the Museum's vintage train cars.
history, immigration, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Seniors
$100.00 per Tour Group for Adults
Investigate the sustainability of public transportation in New York City over time. Explore the transition from horses to subways, updates to meet a growing city and population, the fleet of energy efficient vehicles, and efforts to build a more climate resilient system. Join Education Department staff for an online experience to explore public transit through the lens of sustainability through contemporary and archival images, discussion, and a tour of the Museum’s vintage train cars.
history, 19th century, sustainability, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Seniors
$100.00 per Tour Group for Adults
Learn about pioneering women in transit, including those who joined the transit workforce during World War I, became transit police officers in the 1950s, and were the first female subway operators of the 1970s and 80s. Through archival images, stories, and conversation, join Education Department staff online to discover the stories of women who thrived in traditionally male-dominated fields and how these roles have changed over time.
history, 19th century, 20th century, women's history, social justice
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Seniors
$100.00 per Tour Group for Adults
The New York Transit Museum has a fascinating and unique history. Court Street Station in downtown Brooklyn, once home to the HH shuttle train, opened in 1936 but closed ten years later due to low ridership. In 1976 the station re-opened as the New York Transit Exhibit, and today is home to the New York Transit Museum, the largest museum in North America devoted to public transportation. Join Education Department staff to discover our 46-year history through archival images, discussion, and a virtual tour.
history, modern history, city planning
virtual field trip
$100.00 per Tour Group for Adults
$50.00 per Tour Group for Seniors
Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, social history, engineering, and impact over time in this introduction to transit history.
history, 20th century, technology, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Seniors
$100.00 per Tour Group for Adults
4th-12th Grade:
From the immigrant workforce that built the subway system, to transportation’s influence on neighborhood development, the rich history and diversity of New York City comes alive through discussion, photographs, and stories
history, immigration, 19th century, 20th century, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Explore New York City’s subway system from past to present. Track the history of our complex transit system while also engaging in conversation around how we safely ride the subway today.
history, city planning, my community
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
Kindergarten-2nd Grade:
Explore New York City’s different modes of transportation through an interactive virtual tour and activities, and we’ll learn all about community workers and the importance of public transportation.
history, social studies, city planning, my community
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
4th – 12th Grade:
Uncover the social stories of subway designers, builders, and riders that shaped transportation history and the evolution of New York City’s past and present.
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Postsecondary School
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
2nd-12th Grade:
Discover the variety of art found throughout New York City’s transportation system, including art, poetry, and music, through an exploration of public art and mass transit.
patterns, history, art, music, visual arts
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
4th – 12th Grade:
Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by virtually exploring elements of construction, engineering, organization and impact over time in this introduction to transit history
history, 19th century, 20th century, engineering, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
3rd – 5th Grade:
Explore the many ways electricity powers New York City’s subway system and get a virtual first-hand look at electrical subway equipment that keeps the city moving.
history, science, engineering, the scientific method
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
6th – 12th Grade:
Learn about women in transit who thrived in traditionally male-dominated fields, and how roles have changed over time. Hear stories of pioneering women who were early change-makers and innovators, the first female train conductors and operators, and decision-makers of the 21st century.
19th century, 20th century, modern history, women's history
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
2nd-5th Grade:
Learn about life, work, science, and transportation throughout New York City’s past and present through a virtual platform tour and interactive storytellings.
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
4th – 12th Grade:
Investigate the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of transportation over time using a virtual tour of the Museum’s vintage train cars, collections, and objects
history, conservation, sustainability, city planning
virtual field trip
$50.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$100.00 per Tour Group for School Group
The New York Transit Museum works with teachers, parents, caregivers and students to develop free resources for learning and engagement in and out of the classroom. Virtual visit videos with Museum Educators, archival images, lesson plans, suggested reading lists, and background information can be used on their own or to continue the learning after a previous visit to the Museum.
Stay tuned for more! We’ll continue to add additional resources for remote learning on this page.
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, research
digital resource
Discover the relationship between art and the New York City Transit system through visual art, music and poetry.
history, 20th century, art, visual arts
digital resource
Learn about the history of transportation in New York City, and compare the past and present through the lens of public transit.
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, my community
digital resource
Learn about the history of transportation in New York City, and compare the past and present through the lens of public transit.
The New York Transit Museum works with teachers and students to develop free resources for classroom learning. Archival images, lesson plans, standards alignment, suggested reading lists, and background information can be used on their own, to prepare students for a trip to the New York Transit Museum, and to continue the learning after a visit.
history, 19th century, 20th century, city planning, my community
digital resource
Explore the impact of public transportation on a community, and see how vehicles have changed over time.
The New York Transit Museum works with teachers and students to develop free resources for classroom learning. Archival images, lesson plans, standards alignment, suggested reading lists, and background information can be used on their own, to prepare students for a trip to the New York Transit Museum, and to continue the learning after a visit.
history, social studies, city planning, my community
digital resource
Discover the relationship between art and the New York City Transit system through visual art, music and poetry.
The New York Transit Museum works with teachers and students to develop free resources for classroom learning. Archival images, lesson plans, standards alignment, suggested reading lists, and background information can be used on their own, to prepare students for a trip to the New York Transit Museum, and to continue the learning after a visit.
history, art, music, visual arts
digital resource
$650 (Current Museum Members: $585)
Flat Rate covers up to 30 people, any person over 30 people is $10 per person. We cannot accommodate more than 50 people.
Parties are 2 hours and include enough time in our party space for both pizza and cake!
All parties are followed by a 15 minute clean up period, after which guests are escorted from the party area. You may remain in the Museum to enjoy our other exhibitions.
Design A Vehicle: your guests will craft plain boxes into fun, colorful buses and trains.
Miles of Tiles: kids will create their own mosaics, inspired by art on subway platforms and by their own imaginations!
Not included in the cost of your party are paper goods or party favors. A $50 Party Pack is available, and includes napkins, plates, cups, forks and spoons, tablecloths and decorations. You may also contact the Museum Store to purchase party favors or put together transit-themed goody bags.
history, 20th century, city planning, my community
family programs
$525 (Current Museum Members: $472.50)
Flat Rate covers up to 30 people, any person over 30 people is $10 per person. We cannot accommodate more than 50 people.
Parties are 90 minutes and include time for cake in our party space.
All parties are followed by a 15 minute clean up period, after which guests are escorted from the party area. You may remain in the Museum to enjoy our other exhibitions.
Design A Vehicle: your guests will craft plain boxes into fun, colorful buses and trains.
Miles of Tiles: kids will create their own mosaics, inspired by art on subway platforms and by their own imaginations!
Not included in the cost of your party are paper goods or party favors. A $50 Party Pack is available, and includes napkins, plates, cups, forks and spoons, tablecloths and decorations. You may also contact the Museum Store to purchase party favors or put together transit-themed goody bags.
history, 20th century, city planning, my community
family programs
Fourth – Twelfth Grade - Investigate the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of transportation over time using the Museum’s vintage train cars, collections, and exhibits that tell the story of moving the masses. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 19th century, 20th century, sustainability, city planning
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Third-Fourth Grade - Explore the many ways electricity powers the New York City’s subway system and get a first-hand look at electrical subway equipment that keeps the city moving. In small groups, students will construct circuits to power simple motors, light bulbs, and invent their own circuit creations. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 20th century, science, physics, technology
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Pre-K- First Grade - Through imaginative play and our interactive collection of buses and trains, classes will explore New York City’s different modes of transportation and learn about community workers. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, my community
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Kindergarten – Fifth Grade - Explore patterns and decorative art found throughout New York City’s subways stations and learn how art underground reflects the diverse neighborhoods above. An immersive tour of the Museum’s exhibits and vintage train collection includes a hands-on mosaic art activity. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
patterns, history, 20th century, art, visual arts
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, social history, engineering, and impact over time in this introduction to transit history.
Please note below if you'd like to focus on Sustainability, Immigration, or would like a Moving the Millions general tour.
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability, Answer N/A for all that do not apply to your group.
Your group will be charged for a minimum of 10 people.
19th century, 20th century, conservation, city planning
field trip
$10.00 per Person for Seniors
$15.00 per Person for Postsecondary School
$20.00 per Person for Adults
Fourth – Twelfth Grade - Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, , engineering, organization and impact over time in this introduction to transit history. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 19th century, 20th century, engineering, technology
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
First-Third Grade - Learn about life, work, science, and transportation throughout New York City’s past and present. Explore the Museum’s vintage train collection to compare and contrast life in New York City through interactive storytelling. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 19th century, 20th century, social studies, my community
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
This tour is specifically for adults with disabilities.
Discover the magnitude and complexity of New York City’s public transportation system by exploring elements of construction, social history, engineering, and impact over time in this introduction to transit history.
Please note below if you'd like to focus on Sustainability, Immigration, or would like a Moving the Millions general tour.
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability, Answer N/A for all that do not apply to your group.
history, 19th century, 20th century, engineering, city planning
field trip
$85.00 per Tour Group for Adults
Fourth – Twelfth Grade - From the immigrant workforce that built the subway system to public transportation’s influence on neighborhood development, the rich history and diversity of New York City comes alive through discussion, photographs, and stories. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, immigration, 19th century, 20th century
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Third-Twelfth Grade - Uncover the social stories of subway designers, builders, and riders that shaped transportation history and the evolution of New York City’s past and present. (Maximum 36 people - teachers, chaperones, and students included)
history, 19th century, 20th century, the civil rights movement, modern history
field trip
$75.00 per Tour Group for Self Contained Special Education Class
$200.00 per Tour Group for School Group
Map your route, buy a MetroCard, and role-play various real-world subway scenarios in this introduction to subway travel, all within the safety of our subway station museum. This is not a tour of the Museum; it is a program focused on the skills of safe and independent subway travel.
This is a two-part, two-visit program. We will be in touch after booking the first visit to book the second part of the program. This program is free but requires a $50 deposit for each visit.
Please note that you cannot book more than one Ready to Ride program per time-slot. If you have more than one group to book, please choose separate days.
money, reading, other
field trip
$0.00 per Person for Public School