Andy and I went on a tour of the Old City Hall subway
station. The station was opened on October 27, 1904 and was designed to be the
jewel in NYC’s new subway system. The station is elegant with its beautiful
arches, Guastavino tiles, chandeliers and unique skylights. Skylights were
added to make people feel as if they were not underground, to get passengers
used to this new mode of transportation.
Given the station’s sharp curve, which made turning trains
difficult through this area, and the proximity to other trains in the area, the
station closed on December 31, 1945. It remains open to a select few visitors
every year and you have to obtain clearance to see it. Such a beautiful
reminder of a bygone time.
It was a fun date night. Thanks, NY Transit Museum, for preserving
this treasure!