City Hall station (IRT Lexington Avenue Line)

City Hall station was a local station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway, located at the intersection of Centre Street and Reade Street in Lower Manhattan. It operated from 1904 until 1945.

The station was constructed as part of the original New York City Subway line, which was built by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT). Opened on October 27, 1904, it was known for its elegant design, featuring Guastavino tile arches, skylights, and ornate chandeliers. The platform was curved, making it difficult for passengers to board and alight from trains safely.

As ridership patterns changed and longer trains were introduced, the curved platform at City Hall station became a significant operational issue. The station was too close to the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall station to the south and worth the cost of redesign to accommodate longer trains.

Consequently, City Hall station was closed to the public on December 31, 1945. While no longer in passenger service, the station remains a well-preserved example of early 20th-century subway architecture. It is sometimes used for film shoots and occasionally opened for special tours. The station serves as a turning loop for the 6 train.