Art of the Second Avenue Subway: NYC's World-Class Underground "Museum"

New York Adventure Club | www.AdventureClub.com

Subway stations aren't supposed to be this beautiful; but thanks to a $4.5 billion expansion project and a bold vision for public art, four stations along the Q line have become some of the most colorful, dynamic, and provocative spaces in all of New York. What are the stories behind these larger-than-life mosaics, portraits, and tiled messages? Step aboard for a subterranean journey that merges transportation with transformation.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore four art-filled stations along the Second Avenue Subway, where modern infrastructure and world-class artwork meet in one of the city’s most ambitious public arts projects to date.

Led by licensed New York City tour guide and longtime subway art enthusiast Phil Desiere, our eye-opening underground experience will include:

• An overview of the Second Avenue Subway expansion, and how it gave the MTA its most unique artistic opportunity in decades
• A deep dive into the public art installations at four new or renovated Q line stations, including how the featured artists were chosen and the stories behind their work
• Insight into the design and construction of the new stations, and why traditional subway tiles were intentionally left behind
• Hidden gems within the mosaics, including subtle self-portraits, coded messages, and even a quiet depiction of two men holding hands — a quiet revolution in subway art
• A look at performance art in the subway system, from puppeteers to musicians, and how the subway doubles as a stage for New York’s most unexpected artists

See you there!

*Since our tour starts outside, a MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap will be needed to enter the subway system

**Please bring water and comfortable shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair-climbing

***This tour does not access any restricted areas

****This tour concludes at E. 63th St. & Lexington Avenue

*****Exact route and tour length may vary slightly based on the MTA’s weekend schedule

About Phil Desiere

Phil has been a licensed tourist guide by the City of New York and a member of the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC) for 12 years. He began his guiding career to share his passion for the Big Apple with tourists and locals alike. He has lived in NYC for 45 years, and all that time he has lived in Greenwich Village. With a keen interest in art all his life, subway art caught his eye as early as the 1980s, and he has the pleasure to share it with you.

Testimonials

"Phil was very knowledgeable and engaging." -Kirk

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours