New Yorkers can snag retro subway memorabilia in pop-up shop today
Today is the last day to check out the MTA Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop. People can purchase everything from subway signs and seats to subway trash cans and lights.
New Yorkers spend hours on the subway daily between train delays and transfers, and at some point, it feels familiar and comfortable.
For those who want to bring a piece of their morning commute into their home, lucky for you, the New York City Transit is hosting its fifth annual Memorabilia and Collectibles Pop-Up Shop for two days only.
Today, Oct. 17, is the last day to get your hands on MTA originals, from vintage seats to retired subway stop signs. The walk-in shopping times are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in South Brooklyn at 23 Avenue X, Brooklyn, NY 11223.
The gates will close promptly at 2 p.m., and shoppers will have 45-minute shopping windows. This is a pick-up only event for the public, and only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for payments.
The MTA says, “You can purchase perfectly imperfect items—subway signs, grabholds, retired fleet memorabilia, and more—in person, without processing fees.”
The pop-up shop is essentially set up like a giant yard sale, as it is outside. All of the items are laid out on the ground for easy viewing.
If you’ve dreamed of owning a piece of transit history, this is your chance. "We are very pleased to present a sales program designed especially for buyers interested in acquiring a little bit of NYC Transit’s History,” said the MTA on its website.
Retro items for purchase
The MTA is phasing out MetroCards, so this is a chance to capture this moment in time as the train systems are being (slowly) upgraded.
Some popular items include Subway stop signage, like 34th Street-Penn Station and New York University signs, retro orange subway chairs, lights, speedometers, trash cans, and MetroCard signs.
These collectibles range in price from $100 to $2,500, with smaller artifacts priced below $100. All purchases from the event also come with certificates of authenticity, so you know it’s the real deal.
If you can’t make it out to the event, the MTA offers a mailing list you can join to receive information about featured items for sale.
New Yorkers have thoughts about this pop-up event
Since 2021, this quiet event has grown into one of the most popular events for buyers, collectors, and New York City Transit history buffs alike. People were lining up as early as 1 a.m. to pick up a piece of NYC subway history.
Secret NYC posted a video of the event on Instagram, and New Yorkers shared their thoughts on this event.
If you can't view the video, click here.
One user commented, “Real new yorkers take the signs off the street.”
Lots of New Yorkers were upset over the high prices for the used subway items.
“HOLD UP…wait hours only to PAY for that? Nahh, being an nyc resident who has paid all of these TAXES, you owe me FREE STUFF!!!!” said one user.
Another agreed saying, “no i pay for them seats every day. I gotta give them 2.90. What do you mean? Pay $600 for seats.”