In a remarkable display of symbolism, Zohran Mamdani chose the decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall as the venue for his private swearing-in ceremony, marking his official ascent as New York City's new mayor. As a candidate who campaigned on promises such as free public transit, this choice resonates deeply with his commitment to revitalizing civic engagement and serving the working-class community.
Opting for a midnight ceremony on New Year's Eve, Mamdani held the event in the historic City Hall subway station located in Lower Manhattan. This decision was not only a nod to the city's rich history but also a declaration of his administration's focus on civic priorities that benefit all New Yorkers. The subway station, which has been closed for 80 years, is renowned for its architectural beauty, featuring stunning chandeliers, glass skylights, and intricately tiled vaulted tunnels.
In a statement to Streetsblog NYC, Mamdani reflected on the significance of the station, which first opened its doors in 1904. He described it as a "physical monument" to a city that embraced both beauty and innovation, transforming the lives of working people. "That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past," he asserted, indicating that his administration aims to revive this spirit of civic innovation and service for the future.
The intimate ceremony was attended by close family members and political allies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was entrusted with delivering the oath of office. Looking ahead, a public inauguration is scheduled to take place in the afternoon near City Hall, followed by a community block party to celebrate Mamdani's historic victory.
The City Hall station holds a special place in New York City's transit history. Trains first departed from this station on October 27, 1904, making it the first stop on the city's inaugural subway line. Offering service as far as the Bronx, where Mamdani completed his high school education, the station was eventually closed in 1945. As train cars grew longer to accommodate a burgeoning ridership, they became incompatible with the station's curved design, leading to its permanent closure.
Once celebrated as an underground cathedral and dubbed the "Mona Lisa of subway stations," the City Hall subway station was designed by architects George Heins and Christopher LaFarge. Its exquisite features include vaulted ceilings adorned with Guastavino tiles, large brass light fixtures, and glass skylights that provide a glimpse of the park above. While the station is no longer operational, the public can still catch a glimpse of its historic tunnels from a train car on Manhattan's 6 line, or through guided tours offered by the New York Transit Museum.
Zohran Mamdani's choice to host his swearing-in ceremony at the historic City Hall subway station not only honors the legacy of transit innovation in New York City but also sets a tone for his administration focused on equity and accessibility. As he embarks on this new chapter, Mamdani's commitment to a city where every New Yorker can thrive is evident, and the echoes of the past will surely inspire the future of New York City's governance.