Hidden History: Substation 21 and the Mysterious Townhouse — MEMBERS ONLY

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This is a members only or member pre-sale event. You must sign in to verify your eligibility.

This event is no longer on sale.

Saturday March 16

11:00 AM  –  1:00 PM

Explore the IRT Substation with a secret identity with long-time museum guide and historian Robert W. Lobenstein, former General Superintendent of New York City Transit. Learn about Substation 21’s super power – electricity! – and its crucial role in the development of the subway on this walking tour, where you’ll get to see what lies behind the mysterious blacked-out windows to explore the powerful lair hiding within this unassuming townhouse.


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, Assisted 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 at the discretion of shop personnel. 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.

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