old city hall station

new york, ny

city hall loop operated as a station on the IRT line from 1904-1945

the station is one of the city's great examples of the gustavino tile arch system, a style of timbrel vaulting.

the leaded-glass ornamental oculus lets light into the station's mezzanine level
tile work

stairs leading up to where the ticket booth once was

gustavino tile arch system construction

the station remains visible from passing 6 trains as they make their tight turns to head back uptown.

leaded glass ornamentation in the tunnel itself
railway bulb
another view of mezzanine ceiling

the old city hall tunnel is not open to the public, but is the subject of a handful of annual tours to members of the new york city transit museum. it's well worth the price of membership and admission.

 
home