New York's Hidden Subway Station

Earlier this week I viewed an unusual site: the exquisite, abandoned subway station below City Hall that few know of its existence.  It is an almost perfectly preserved time-capsule to the grand architecture of early twentieth century New York and such techniques as brass chandaliers, ornate skylights, Roman arches, and Guastavino tile. 



The Abandoned "City Hall" Station Today

Once the crown jewel of the New York subway, the station was abandoned in 1945 because the platform was too narrow and curvy and the nearby Brooklyn Bridge stop received more traffic.  To see this gem, board a southband 6 train to the end of the line at Brooklyn Bridge.  When everyone gets off, stay on as it loops around the City Hall station to head back uptown.

"City Hall" Station circa 1904

The station contains almost a carnival theme to it with stunning skylights that let sunlight from City Hall Park in.  The station was built to be the jewel of the "Manhattan Main Line," a station that commemorated the hardwork that it took to build the subway line with its beautiful Romanesque revival architecture and commemurative plaques throughout the station.

On October 28, 1904 at 2:35 pm, the first subway train departed from the City Hall station, and, reportedly 15,000 tickets were issued for the first series of rides with even the mayor attending.  According to Travel and Leisure magazine in 2009, the station is the 12th most beautiful train station in the world.  The station has also been in a number of movies, including the slime-filled station in the Ghostbusters movies and the underground liar for the Ninja Turtles in the Ninja Turtles movies.



Opening of the Manhattan Main Line in 1904