Don’t have the time or funds to frequent museums in the city? You don’t necessarily have to visit one of NYC’s legendary institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art or MoMA to view some great work. Discover the most fascinating underground subway art installations across New York City, from Coney Island to the Bronx
The NYC subway system allows art lovers to appreciate the city’s ever-growing collection of public art. Check out our favorite subway art pieces on view around the city.
Discover the most fascinating underground subway art installations across New York City, from Coney Island to the Bronx
Odili Donald Odita, Kaleidoscope, 2012
20th Ave
Odita, whose abstract works reflect the artist’s personal response to and visual memory of specific sites, created this laminated glass mural for the 20th Avenue D train stop in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Rendered in bright colors, the piece is meant to evoke “a symbolic cultural quilt of the surrounding neighborhood,” describing “all the life, energy, and movement that can be found at the 20th Avenue subway location,” as the artist puts. The piece consists of 40 individual panels running the length of the elevated station platform.
Leo Villareal, Hive, 2012
Bleecker Street
Once upon a time, you couldn’t transfer to the F from the northbound 6 train at Bleecker Street. The MTA finally remedied the situation at no small cost, and then decided to punctuate their accomplishment with this LED light installation by Leo Villareal. The fixtures are formed to created an outline of a honeycomb in a piece titled, appropriately enough, Hive. The name is equally appropriate for a transfer point where straphangers frenetically change trains at rush hour like so many busily buzzing bees.
Times Square Mural
42nd St–Times Sq
The MTA’s busiest station is home to more than just people trying to give you a stress test. It also features the work of five major artists, including pop master Roy Lichtenstein’s Times Square Mural, a 53-foot-long mash-up of Art Deco, comic-book and retro-futuristic imagery. The massive piece is mounted among the rafters in the main mezzanine, so follow the example of the clueless tourists on the street above and look up!
On your way to the A, C, E or L, you can spot dozens of sculptor Tom Otterness’s adorable bronze figurines perched on railings, benches and support beams. Keep your eyes peeled for the artist’s playful renditions of city life, including one tiny figure trying to beat a fare and another getting gobbled up by a sewer alligator turned businessman.
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