NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

How far is 706 miles? As the crow flies, it's just about the distance from New York City to the Indiana-Illinois border. It's also the total number of miles in the New York City subway system.

The hard work of the city's buses, subways and elevated trains—and the drivers, conductors and everyone else in the transit system—are honored in the New York Transit Museum. The museum is located on the platforms and mezzanine of a decommissioned 1930s subway station. Filled with restored antique subway cars, trolleys and buses—many open for climbing, exploration or make-believe—the museum tells the story of New York City's fabled public transportation system and its role in the growth and history of the metropolis.

Originally opened as a temporary, three-month exhibit that was the Transit Authority's contribution to our nation's bicentennial celebration, the Transit Museum has proved to be so popular that it is still expanding 30 years later. It is one of only a handful of museums in the world that focus on mass transit.

• Directions: Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall

• Disability Access: Not currently accessible while undergoing renovations. Fully accessible after renovations; call for updates.
• Gift Shops: Stocked with many one-of-a-kind items such as jewelry made from vintage tokens, miniature station signs, historic subway maps and books. There is a store at the museum in Brooklyn, and a store in the annex in Grand Central Station. The Grand Central Station store is open daily: (212) 878-0106.

Get involved with New York Transit Museum

• Memberships: Individual $40; Family $55; Senior and Student $30. Click to see more membership options.