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When New York’s first subway opened on October 27, 1904, Substation #13 was one of eight powering the line. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the substation remained active until December 15th, 1999 when all 25 cycle power feeders from the IRT 59th Street Powerhouse were cut. While this substation was modernized with new power equipment to continue energizing the subway, it still contains two original rotary converters and switchboards installed over 115 years ago. Join long-time Museum guide and historian Robert W. Lobenstein, former General Superintendent for Power Systems at New York City Transit, to tour Substation #13 and see its equipment, including the recently-restored Rotary #1.
Tickets are $50 for museum members only, and will be available at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17th.
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Tours last approximately 2 hours from beginning to end, run rain or shine, and require walking, standing, and stair climbing. Shoes must be closed-toed and sturdy-soled; flip-flops and other backless shoes are prohibited.
This tour provides access to a secure area normally off-limits to the general public. There may not be places to sit or amenities like climate control or restrooms. If you have any concerns, please email tours@nytransitmuseum.org or call 718-694-1867. For information on American Sign Language interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices, or other accessibility matters please visit nytransitmuseum.org/accessibility.
Children must be 10+ to attend and accompanied by an adult at all times.
To be admitted to these restricted sites, participants must provide a copy of a government-issued ID for a background check, and must sign a release immediately after purchasing tickets.
Photography and video recording are permitted. However, tripods, stands, selfie sticks, and external lights may not be used. All photographs taken are for personal use only and permission to photograph may be revoked at any time.
All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend the tour on the date you reserved, the full price of unused tickets may be treated as a donation to the Transit Museum and is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum is not able to reschedule reservations to another tour date.
Please note: This tour is only available to members. To purchase tickets, existing members must sign in above to verify membership.
SOLD OUT!