Photo courtesy of Ellen McKnight
More Atlantic Avenue Tunnel Tours
Saturday & Sunday, January 23 & 24
Saturday, January 30
Due to high demand, OHNY and the Brooklyn Historic Railway Association are again offering special guided tours of the world’s oldest subway tunnel, built in 1844 and constructed in seven months using only hand tools and primitive equipment. Bob Diamond, who rediscovered the tunnel in 1980, will lead two tours through the half-mile long underground space. Purchase tickets here.
Guests should wear sneakers or boots (no high-heeled shoes) and bring a flashlight.
Please be aware that all attendees will have to sign a waiver and please take note of the following:
- the tunnel entrance is a manhole in the middle of Atlantic Avenue, which you climb down via ladder
- there is also a set of wooden steps that are unevenly spaced, without a hand rail
- remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing– it is an underground tunnel and a bit dirty
- there will be 70 people on each tour
- the tour takes about 1 1/2 hours, as we all have to enter and exit from one manhole
That being said, there will be volunteers to help you down the steps and accompany the tour group. Check out photos from our recent tours and read comments from past attendees below:
I am so happy to have access to this – without heavy security, merchandising, and everything else that usually gets in the way of feeling directly linked to a historical place… but that’s why I love OHNY already!
This was awesome! If anyone has any doubt to go check this out don’t this is coolest urban spelunking experience your gonna get.
Thanks again for putting the tour on. It was very fun and Mr. Diamond gave quite a presentation.
OHNY: open house new york 
I offered to volunteer for tunnel tour 1/23 or 1/30 and have not heard from you. My current availability is 1/30, 12:30… PLS let me know if you still require assistance. Thanx
Hi Elaine, The Volunteer Council is managing volunteers for the event and received an overwhelming response! If you have not been contacted already, then it is safe to assume that we have enough volunteers. I will follow up with the VC and make sure, but thanks again for offering and apologies for the delay.
Why is it $25 dollars with you, but only $20 if you go directly through Brooklyn Historic Railway Association?
You can choose to attend a tour directly with the BHRA, the reason it is $25 with OHNY is because it is a fundraiser for us and we are splitting proceeds. In addition, although their regular tours are cash only, we take reservations through credit card and so there is a fee associated with that for us.
Thanks for your inquiry.
How do we get tickets for April 17 or 18 and what time of day is the tour? Thank you.
please see this link for all info: http://www.nycharities.org/events/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=1303
What is the policy on photography/videotaping during the tour?
You can take photographs on the tour, we will have to double check about videotaping and get back to you.