Buried Treasure: The Art of the New York Subway System

Who needs a museum when you have the MTA to bring you 300 works of art all for the price of a MetroCard swipe? With its many colorful and snaking subway lines, it’s not difficult to render New York’s metro map into a work of art. Truth be told, however, the occasionally hot and often crowded experience of riding the subway itself is far from idyllic. The Metro Transit Authority’s Arts for Transit program aims to change all that, enlivening and brightening the underground commute for daily riders and tourists alike. So the next time you’re on your way from here to there, look up from your phone and catch a glimpse of the subtle works of art that can be found at stations around the city. From gold mosaics to clever works of stained glass, these free exhibits set New York City (and its extensive subway system) apart from the rest.

1. Station: 14th Street

Work: Life Underground by Tom Otterness