New Yorkers Are Fading Out Their Favorite Subway Card as a Nostalgic Reminder of the City's Infrastructure Past.
In just three decades, the humble MetroCard has become an unlikely relic from New York City's past. To mark its impending retirement, the city is launching an exhibit, titled "FAREwell, MetroCard," at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. The show promises to be a nostalgic journey down memory lane for fans of the iconic subway payment card.
The exhibit will feature rare and unusual artifacts from the MetroCard's history, including limited-edition cards adorned with 90s pop culture icons like David Bowie and Twin Peaks characters, a vintage vending machine prototype, and quirky ad campaigns. These relics showcase the evolution of the MetroCard, from its introduction to its widespread adoption as a cultural phenomenon.
According to Transit Museum curator Jodi Shapiro, the show invites visitors to explore the complexities surrounding the MetroCard's history, including its technological innovations and cultural impact on New Yorkers. Shapiro notes that many people in the city are resistant to change, even when something is no longer functional. This emotional connection to transit systems and payment cards is unique to New York City.
To celebrate the MetroCard's impending retirement, the MTA has also launched an edible promotional event featuring food items inspired by the card. Visitors can enjoy "free MetroCard sprinkles" with every purchase of ice cream at Carvel, as well as taste Cardvaark cookies at Zabar's for $3.59.
The "FAREwell, MetroCard" exhibit will open on December 17th at the New York Transit Museum. Admission to the museum and the exhibit is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, offering a chance for visitors to bid farewell to an iconic piece of New York City history before it's too late.
In just three decades, the humble MetroCard has become an unlikely relic from New York City's past. To mark its impending retirement, the city is launching an exhibit, titled "FAREwell, MetroCard," at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. The show promises to be a nostalgic journey down memory lane for fans of the iconic subway payment card.
The exhibit will feature rare and unusual artifacts from the MetroCard's history, including limited-edition cards adorned with 90s pop culture icons like David Bowie and Twin Peaks characters, a vintage vending machine prototype, and quirky ad campaigns. These relics showcase the evolution of the MetroCard, from its introduction to its widespread adoption as a cultural phenomenon.
According to Transit Museum curator Jodi Shapiro, the show invites visitors to explore the complexities surrounding the MetroCard's history, including its technological innovations and cultural impact on New Yorkers. Shapiro notes that many people in the city are resistant to change, even when something is no longer functional. This emotional connection to transit systems and payment cards is unique to New York City.
To celebrate the MetroCard's impending retirement, the MTA has also launched an edible promotional event featuring food items inspired by the card. Visitors can enjoy "free MetroCard sprinkles" with every purchase of ice cream at Carvel, as well as taste Cardvaark cookies at Zabar's for $3.59.
The "FAREwell, MetroCard" exhibit will open on December 17th at the New York Transit Museum. Admission to the museum and the exhibit is $10 for adults and $5 for kids, offering a chance for visitors to bid farewell to an iconic piece of New York City history before it's too late.
. I mean, who doesn't love the nostalgia of using a physical card to ride the subway? It's like, a piece of NYC history 
️. But at the same time, it's also a reminder that times change and we gotta move forward 
. Can we find a way to honor the past while also embracing the future? Maybe create some new nostalgic vibes around this transition? 
! who would've thought it'd be gone in just 3 decades lol? i think its kinda cool that the city is doing this exhibit to celebrate its past and all the nostalgic memories we have with it 
. but at the same time, i'm not surprised ppl are resistant to change, nycers are a special breed 
. anyway, im hyped for the edible event tho! who wouldn't wanna get free metrocard sprinkles on ice cream? 
but now those cards are like museum pieces 
can't believe they're retiring them tho what's next gonna be like paying with coins again 
. It was so cool to have this special card that made paying for the subway a breeze. And now, it's like the end of an era 
. I'm actually kinda bummed out about it - there's something nostalgic about those retro pop culture cards 
. The exhibit is gonna be so cool to check out, I hope they have some vintage vending machines on display 
.
So I think its kinda weird that people are getting all nostalgic about the MetroCard, its just a card you use to pay for trains, right? 
.
. I mean, who doesn't love rummaging through their old wallet and pulling out that familiar card? it's crazy to think we'll be saying goodbye to it in just a few weeks. I'm actually kinda hyped about the exhibit tho, gotta see some of those rare artifacts in person 
. but yeah, it's weird how attached people get to these things... like, we know it's not the most efficient way of paying for transit, but it's become such a part of our culture 
.
its crazy how much nostalgia is surrounding the metrocard's retirement... im kinda sad 2 see it go but at the same time, its cool to see how much of an impact it had on nyc culture 
! It's like saying goodbye to a part of NYC's soul 
. I mean, can you believe it's being replaced by contactless payment? It's crazy how fast time flies, right?
featuring rare artifacts and quirky ads is gonna be so lit for all you retro fans out there. i'm totes getting my mom and dad to take me, that's gonna be a fun trip! 
I remember when I was in college, we used them all the time and they were always a conversation starter. The 90s pop culture icons on limited-edition cards are so cool, I wonder what it's like to have some of those back. It's crazy how something as functional as a payment card can evoke such strong emotions from people. Like, who wouldn't want to keep around the nostalgia? 
They should really consider keeping them as a collector's item or something! I'll def be checking out this exhibit when it opens 