Fun Maps: Discover NYC's Eye-Popping Subway Art and Architecture

We love maps and the map publisher Blue Crow Media has released some memorable ones of recent memory: about New York City’s Art Deco architecture and its concrete architecture. Now, working with Sandra Bloodworth, the Director of MTA Arts & Design, and Linda Tonn, the Chief Architect of MTA New York City Transit, the company has released the New York Subway Architecture & Design Map looking at forty-five of the city’s most notable stations. The foldable map covers the history of the subway system from 1904 to today with one side as map, one side with photographs and detailed information about each selected work which can address the signage, the artwork, or the design of the station itself.

Photo courtesy Blue Crow Media

You will find many locations featured on our Subway Art Tour and Underground Tour of the New York City Subway, as well as on our website including the Times Square mural by Roy Lichtenstein, original IRT fare control station at 72nd Street, original art by Heins & LaFarge at Bleecker Street, Life Underground sculptures by Tom Otterness at 14th Street, and new work at Hudson Yards-34th Street.

Photo by Jason Woods, © Blue Crow Media

“Born in 1904, the New York City subway has traversed multiple design movements from the Beaux Art to the present and in the last three and a half decades has commissioned literally hundreds of contemporary artworks. The Map showcases examples of these eye-catching artworks and the subway’s design evolution,” remarked Sandra Bloodworth. Linda Tonn continues, “Upon casual observation one might not comprehend the rich architectural history of the New York subway. The Map is your guide to see each of these design periods and the inspiring art that has been integrated into this historic and indescribably rich public work.”