Reopening of 167 St on the B, D lines

Image by MTAPhotos
MTA New York City Transit performed major station repairs and upgrades at the 167 St station on the Grand Concourse line, reopening the station in January 2019. This station originally opened for service in July 1933.

While crews made critical repairs to the station infrastructure such as concrete and metal platforms, stairs, beams and columns, they also modernized the station with enhancements to entrances including stairs, LED lighting, digital signage providing real-time service information, and new turnstile areas with security cameras and brighter lighting. New artwork commissioned by MTA Arts & Design was also installed throughout the station platforms.

The glass mosaic murals are collectively titled "Beacons," are by artist Rico Gatson and provide an expressive burst of color and history. Gatson’s series of portraits celebrate the energy and spirit of eight people with Bronx connections known internationally for their contributions to society. From Celia Cruz to Sonia Sotomayor to Maya Angelou (pictured here), these portraits speak to the great pride and history of the community and its former, current and future residents.

Gatson is based in New York, and his work merges perceptions, history and current events. Using painting, video, sculpture and installation, his work incorporates themes that relate to African-American histories and spirituality. His work has appeared in national museums and exhibitions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the New Museum of Contemporary Art.

Credit for this photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Ovoke Ukpokpo

Mandatory credit for artwork: Beacons (2018) © Rico Gatson, NYCT 167 Street Station. Commissioned by Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts & Design. Maya Angelou portrait derived from a photograph by Brian Lanker.