Editor’s note: The above video previously aired on January 2, 2026.
NEW YORK CITY — It doesn’t get more New York than this.
A free exhibit celebrating the iconic MetroCard is now on display at the New York Transit Museum.
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Since its debut in 1994, and its sad retirement last year, the MetroCard became more than just a way for New Yorkers to get around. Artists across the city collected discarded cards and turned them into creative works.
“The MetroCard was one of the most accessible design objects in New York history,” New York Transit Museum Acting Director Regina Shepherd said. “This exhibition captures how artists transformed that shared experience into works that are personal, inventive, and unmistakably New York.”
Exhibition highlights
Nina Boesch creates mosaic‑like collages from used MetroCards, cutting and rearranging the gold, blue and black pieces to depict New York landmarks, architecture, animals and portraits.
Barbara Kruger’s MetroCards, produced for her Performa 2017 Biennial commission, feature her signature white Helvetica text on a bold red background.
Nina Vishneva reimagines MetroCards as wearable art in her MetroDress Project, including a MetroCard wedding dress, handbag and necklace.
Thomas McKean uses MetroCards for collages and small sculptural works, including architectural forms and whimsical structures.
VH McKenzie paints small‑scale works directly onto MetroCards, depicting bridges, pigeons, street scenes and other New York subjects.
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The exhibit, “Inspired by MetroCard,” is on view through October. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.
Nicole Alarcon is an award-winning digital content producer. She has covered local news for the tri-state area since 2021. She joined PIX11 News in 2026. See more of her work here.
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