Whitney Museum and MTA Collaborate to Bring Art to NYC Subway Stations

The Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have joined forces to introduce art into New York City subway stations. The collaborative project, titled ‘Making It Here: New York and the Whitney Biennial,’ aims to turn three subway stations into a unique museum experience.

The selected subway stations for this artistic transformation are the W 4th Street station, Jay Street-MetroTech station, and Fordham Road station. These locations will showcase vinyl installations of artworks by renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jane Dickson, Dawoud Bey, Alex Katz, and Eamon Ore-Giron, associated with the Whitney Biennial.

The Director of MTA Arts & Design, Sandra Bloodworth, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the goal of revitalizing these transit spaces and creating cultural connections. I.D. Aruede, the Deputy Director of the Whitney Museum of American Art, emphasized the opportunity to bring the museum’s collection and exhibitions into the bustling subway system.

In addition to the subway installations, the Whitney has established a digital exhibition showcasing the history of the Biennial, dating back to 1932. The exhibition features ‘then and now’ photos, including comparisons of past artworks to present-day scenes like Jane Dickson’s ‘Dobbs Hats’ displayed in Times Square.

To engage the public further, the MTA and Whitney Museum will host art projects at various subway stations and cultural institutions near public transportation. The first interactive session is set to take place at Union Square station on June 1, where visitors can participate in art projects inspired by artist Ruth Asawa.