New MetroCard-Inspired Artwork Exhibit Opens At Grand Central: See Photos

NEW YORK CITY — A new exhibit showcasing MetroCard-inspired artwork has opened at the New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery & Store in Midtown.

"Inspired by MetroCard" explores how an everyday transit object evolved into a powerful artistic medium and source of inspiration for artists, designers, and cultural institutions for over three decades.

The exhibition showcases pieces that transform the fare card itself into fashion, sculpture, painting, and collage, alongside special-edition collector cards

“This exhibition captures how artists transformed that shared experience into works that are personal, inventive, and unmistakably New York," New York Transit Museum Acting Director Regina Shepherd told Patch.

The exhibition features the following artists:

Nina Boesch

Created intricate mosaic-like collages from used and expired MetroCards, cutting and rearranging gold, blue, and black pieces to depict New York’s landmarks, architecture, animals, and portraits.

Barbara Kruger

The piece created in conjunction with her Performa 2017 Biennial commission, draw from multiple works and feature distinctive white Helvetica text on a bold red background.

Nina Vishneva

Reimagines MetroCards as wearable art through her MetroDress Project, creating garments and accessories from used cards. The exhibition features a MetroCard wedding dress alongside a handbag and a necklace made entirely from the iconic transit medium.

Thomas McKean

The artist used MetroCards as a medium for collages and small sculptural works, including architectural forms and whimsical structures. "Tenement & Fire Escape"references New York City’s historic tenement buildings and sits alongside works from an ongoing series rooted in family history.

VH McKenzie

Created small-scale paintings using the MetroCard as a canvas, featuring familiar New York City subjects such as bridges, pigeons, street scenes, and landmarks.

“What is remarkable is the sheer range of ways artists have transformed it into something entirely new.” Curator Jodi Shapiro told Patch.

"Inspired by MetroCard" is on view through October 2026.

The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery & Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on major holidays.

The Gallery is located in the shuttle passage on 42nd Street and Park Avenue, adjacent to the Station Master’s Office.

For more information on the exhibition you visit the New York Transit Museum's website.