The Interborough Rapid Transit opened on October 27, 1904, to the joy of New York subway riders. In 1940, the IRT became the 4/5/6 when it integrated with the city-owned New York Subway system.

The City Hall station on the IRT local track was lavished with fine architectural details: glass tiles and large chandeliers. But the Gustavino vaulted ceilings and skylights were lost on busy commuters, and the stop was one of the least-used in the system. The nearby Brooklyn Bridge stop was frequented by the express train and closer to connecting streetcars.

In 1945, the station was closed when the tracks had to be expanded because the curved track could not be lengthened. The station is still visited by empty 6 trains following the looping track on the northbound rotation. To see the station for yourself, simply stay on the downtown 6 train as it travels around the loop.

The New York City Transit Museum hosts sporadic tours of the abandoned station; however, you must be a member of the museum to attend. Check the website for details.