Adventure Collective
Urban Art & Culture: NYC Subway Art Tour by The Adventure Collective - New York

Urban Art & Culture: NYC Subway Art Tour by The Adventure Collective

New Yorkeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Average fitness level; moderate walking and stairs involved

Overview

Discover the hidden masterpieces of NYC's subway system with The Adventure Collective. This guided tour unearths vibrant murals, mosaics, and graffiti, all telling stories of the city’s rich history and diverse culture.

Queens, New York

NYC Subway Art Tour

Starting at $20 | Reservation Required

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

NYC Subway Art Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Online Reservation Required


Rates

Adult: - $35 Child: - $20 Roundtrip subway fare included


Duration

2.5 hours


About

Ride the subway with Bronx-born guide Darryl Reilly to discover the riches of art underground. This three-hour escapade stops at Keith Godard’s whimsical Memories of 23rd Street, a collection of mosaics depicting colorful chapeaus worn by celebrities who frequented the area between the 1880s and 1920s, including Harry Houdini’s upside-down hat and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s colorfully adorned cap. The group alights at 14th Street–Eighth Ave to view Tom Otterness’s Life Underground,a series of miniature, stylized bronze sculptures such as an alligator in a manhole and a cop watching a homeless man sleep.


What to Bring

  • Walking shoes
  • Water
  • Camera

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

The tour involves walking through various stations, so be prepared for some stair climbing and extended periods on your feet.

Bring a camera or smartphone

Capture the stunning murals and artwork hidden within the subway stations.

Check the schedule in advance

Tours run on specific days and times, so confirm availability before heading out.

Stay hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, to stay comfortable during the tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons in the stations
  • Urban squirrels in stations with platform greenery

History

The NYC Subway Art Tour showcases decades of artistic expression, which reflects the city’s evolving identity as a hub of innovation and culture.

Conservation

The tour emphasizes the importance of preserving public art and maintaining station integrity, supporting NYC’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Supports long periods of walking on varied surfaces within stations.

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Allows you to capture the vibrant art and architecture.

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during the walk.

summer specific

Sun protection

Sunscreen and a hat are helpful if you’re out before or after the tour.

summer specific