Fifth Avenue–59th Street: A Gateway to Luxury and Central Park in Manhattan

The Fifth Avenue–59th Street station is a major subway complex located in a prime enclave of Manhattan, New York. It serves as a key transfer point between the BMT Broadway and IRT Lexington Avenue lines, providing access to one of the most exclusive and visited areas of the city. Its strategic location next to Central Park South, Grand Army Plaza, and the Museum Mile makes it an essential stop for tourists and New Yorkers alike.

Connections and Services

The Fifth Avenue–59th Street station consists of two distinct sections, internally connected:

Fifth Avenue–59th Street (Broadway Line)

• This part of the complex is a local station on the BMT Broadway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • N (yellow)
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow) – (except nights and weekends)
• Main entrance: Several entrances at the southeast corner of Central Park South (59th St) and Fifth Avenue, near Grand Army Plaza.

Lexington Avenue/59th Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green) – (except nights)
  • 6 (green)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located on Lexington Avenue, near 59th and 60th Streets.

An underground passageway connects these two sections, allowing passengers to make convenient transfers between the Broadway and Lexington Avenue lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is strategically located under Grand Army Plaza, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street (Central Park South), on the border between Midtown East and Central Park South.
• Its prime location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Central Park South

    • The southern end of Central Park, with direct access to the park.
    • Grand Army Plaza: Includes the equestrian statue of Sherman and the Pulitzer Fountain.
    • The Plaza Hotel: An iconic luxury hotel.
    • High-end shops and restaurants.

  • Fifth Avenue (Museum Mile and Luxury Shopping)

    • Famous for its designer stores and luxury brands (Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., etc.).
    • Apple Store Fifth Avenue (the glass cube).
    • Proximity to the start of the Museum Mile.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): A few blocks south.
    • Carnegie Hall: A prestigious nearby concert hall.
    • St. Patrick’s Cathedral: A short distance south on Fifth Avenue.

History and Evolution

• The Lexington Avenue Line section (trains 4, 5, 6) opened on November 23, 1918.
• The Broadway Line section (trains N, R, W) opened shortly thereafter, on September 7, 1919.
• The complex has undergone several renovations throughout its history to maintain and improve facilities and accessibility.
• The walkway connection between both sections has facilitated transfers since its creation.

Interesting Facts

• The station is very busy due to its proximity to major tourist attractions, luxury shopping areas, and Central Park.
• Its location makes it a symbol of the glamour and vitality of Midtown Manhattan.
• It allows for an important transfer between two of Manhattan’s main north-south trunk lines (Broadway and Lexington Avenue).