MTA Arts & Design

Times Square-42nd Street

Jacob Lawrence

New York in Transit, 2001

Glass mosaics on stairway wall between N, Q, W, R and S mezzanines

The enormous mosaic mural is the focal point of the mezzanine in the Times Square subway complex. Its shimmering and detailed surface pays tribute to the diversity and strength of New York City - its neighborhoods, cultural life, recreational pleasures, love of sports and, of course, its subway system. New York in Transit was Jacob Lawrence's last public work. In it he evokes city life seen from an elevated train and the sensitive and loving portrait shows a slice of city life and is a parting gift to New York City, seen by millions of people who live and visit here.