The Secret City Hall Station
The most beautiful subway station in New York is one that very few New Yorkers have ever seen. Built in 1904, the original City Hall subway station has vaulted tile ceilings (the same “Guastavino” tile style as the whispering gallery in Grand Central) and brass chandeliers. It was closed in 1945, largely due to only minimal use.
For a time, the city considered opening a branch of the Transit Museum there but the station, which is under City Hall, was deemed a security risk, and it remains closed to the public. However, if you can convince the subway conductor to let you stay on the number 6 Lexington Avenue local train as it loops back north after its last stop, you can catch a brief glimpse of this long-forgotten treasure.
Check out Joseph Brennan’s fantastic site Abandoned Stations for more photos and a complete history.