In New York City, there are more than 470 train stations, and in a significant number of them you can discover interesting pieces of art that can span the entire history of the MTA.
Though many of the more contemporary mosaic works are quite massive and difficult to miss, there are also a considerable number of more subtle pieces that might go unnoticed by people on their commute.
One of these more sneaky or less detectable art installations is at the 34th Street Herald Square train station. This work, which is on the N/R platform of the station, consists of a hidden pair of musical instruments. These instruments, which are disguised as green metal bars that could be mistaken for infrastructure, are part of an installation called Reach New York, An Urban Musical Instrument.
In what appears to be air ducts in this piece, there are actually speakers inside and the holes have motion sensors in them so that if you reach up and put a hand in front of one of them, a musical note plays.
This interactive exhibit was created by artist Christopher Janney in 1996, and it was installed in the subway to inspire interactions between people waiting for their trains. Those waiting can compose a unique song using their own take on the notes in the metal bar instruments.
This hidden musical gem is just one of many interesting and subtle art installations to be found in stations across the city.
