Where the Subway’s Gilded Age Still Glows
Beneath City Hall lies a cathedral of transit: curved tile arches, brass chandeliers, and stained-glass skylights. This is the City Hall Station, the crown jewel of NYC’s subway system—opened in 1904, abandoned in 1945, and now a ghostly relic glimpsed only by lucky few.
A Palace for the People (Until It Wasn’t)
Designed by architects Heins & LaFarge, the station was meant to awe riders with its Romanesque Revival grandeur. But its curved platform couldn’t fit modern trains, forcing closure. Today, it’s a time capsule visible only to passengers who stay on the 6 train past its last stop (and to those who book rare Transit Museum tours).
How to Sneak a Peek
Stay on the 6 Train: After the last stop (Brooklyn Bridge), the train loops through City Hall Station. Sit on the left side for the best view.
Transit Museum Tours: Snag a $50 ticket during their bi-annual tours—they sell out in minutes.
Guerrilla Photography: Use long-exposure settings to capture details in the dim light.
Pro Tips from a Transit Geek
Historical Hack: The station’s skylights once let natural light flood the platform—look for their outlines on the ceiling.
Nearby Secret: Visit the Municipal Building across the street to see the station’s original entrance mosaics.
Book Pairing: Read The Race Underground by Doug Most to geek out on subway history.
Why This Station Haunts Us
It’s a reminder that even infrastructure can be art—if we’re brave enough to preserve it.
Visitor Intel
📍 Loop Access: Ride the downtown 6 train past Brooklyn Bridge.
🚇 Tours: Check nytransitmuseum.org for announcements.
Ready to See NYC’s Subway Sistine Chapel?
Just don’t blink—the 6 train doesn’t slow down for selfies.
Next up: A hidden cocktail den inside Grand Central…
