app explores new york subway art

‘universal city’ (2006) by nicky enright, part of the new york ‘arts for transit’ program; located at 225th street

the new york metropolitan transport authority has collaborated with the meridian indoor exploration app to offer a digital way to showcase and help users find the hundreds of artworks installed throughout the subway system.

beginning in the 1980’s, new york’s ‘arts for transit‘ program has brought artists ranging from roy lichenstein to sol lewitt to bring sculptures, murals, installations, and other works to subway stations throughout the city and its periphery, creating what is in a way the world’s largest art museum.

the free app (for apple and android) includes information on each of the 236 permanent artworks exhibited within the new york city transit system, including the location, artist and background information, photographs, and sometimes even audio or video podcasts, about each. users can search by subway line or by artist, and the application location-assists in offering directions about where to find each artwork within the station.

MTA’s info page about the app here

screenshots from the meridian app

‘whirls and twirls (MTA)’ (2009) by sol lewitt at 59th street, columbus circle

‘times square mural’ (2002) by roy lichtenstein located at 42nd street, times square

via the new york times