A Historic Subway Station Hosts New York City’s New Mayor’s Private Oath
In a gesture rich with symbolism, Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, chose the abandoned subway station beneath City Hall for his private swearing-in ceremony. This setting, closed to the public for decades, reflects Mamdani’s campaign promises, including free public transit for all New Yorkers. The ceremony took place under the intricate arches and chandeliers of this architectural gem, echoing a bygone era of civic grandeur.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, took the oath shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve in the City Hall station of Lower Manhattan. This choice of venue underscores his commitment to honoring the city’s legacy of serving its working-class citizens, while also setting the tone for his administration’s focus on public service.
The station first opened in 1904, a testament to New York City’s pioneering spirit, featuring ornate glass skylights and tiled vaulted ceilings. Though it ceased operations 80 years ago, it remains a symbol of the city’s historical dedication to innovation and progress.
In an exclusive statement to Streetsblog NYC, Mamdani reflected on the station’s opening as “a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives.” He emphasized that his administration aims to revive this ambition, not just within the subway tunnels, but throughout the city.
The intimate gathering was attended by close family and political allies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who administered the oath. James later expressed her pride on social media, highlighting the subway’s significance in connecting New Yorkers and its representation of the new mayor’s vision for a thriving city.
The historic City Hall station, with its brass chandeliers and Guastavino vaulted ceilings, was the first stop on the city’s original subway line in 1904. It once carried passengers all the way to the Bronx, where Mamdani attended high school. However, as train cars expanded to accommodate more riders, the curved platform became impractical, leading to the station’s closure in 1945.
This “Mona Lisa of subway stations,” as it was once hailed, stands as a relic of the city’s transportation evolution. Designed by architects George Heins and Christopher LaFarge, it features grand brass lighting and skylights offering views to the park above. Today, the station can still be glimpsed by passengers on the 6 line or through guided tours by the New York Transit Museum.
