There’s nothing quite like experiencing modern art masterpieces while navigating the chaos of the subway. One of the most striking examples of this underground creativity is the Times Square Mural, a vibrant 53-foot-long, 6-foot-high installation by legendary Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. Installed in 2002, this permanent work in the Times Square 42nd Street subway station pays homage to the past, present, and future of New York City’s daily grind.
A Comic Book-Inspired Subway Journey
Lichtenstein’s mural, one of the largest public artworks in the NYC subway system, encapsulates the evolution of commuting with his signature bold colors, comic book imagery, and Ben-Day dots. The mural unfolds like a visual time capsule, blending:
Futuristic elements inspired by Buck Rogers comic strips, including a bullet-shaped spaceship soaring past swirling skyscrapers.
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A nod to the city’s subway origins, with a Beaux-Arts-style depiction of the 42nd Street sign, referencing the subway’s opening in 1904.
A dynamic mix of movement and color, echoing the hustle and bustle of Times Square’s nonstop rush hour energy, without the pushing and shoving.
Though Lichtenstein completed the design in 1994, just a few years before his death in 1997, the MTA didn’t install the mural until 2002, making it a posthumous tribute to one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.
3 W 42nd St, Manhattan, New York County, 10036Roy Lichtenstein: The Master of Pop Art
Lichtenstein (1923–1997) was one of the pioneers of the Pop Art movement, alongside Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. A New Yorker, his work took inspiration from comic books, advertisements, and mass media, transforming everyday visuals into high art with his signature:
Ben-Day dots – Mimicking comic book printing techniques with carefully placed colored dots.
Bold black outlines – Giving his pieces a graphic, almost industrial feel.
Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) – Drawing from the simplicity of comic book palettes.
Irony and humor – Playfully elevating lowbrow imagery into fine art.
His breakthrough came in 1961 with Look Mickey, a parody of a Donald Duck comic strip, which set the stage for some of his most famous works, including:
Whaam! (1963) – An explosive fighter jet battle scene, inspired by a DC Comics panel.
Drowning Girl (1963) – A melodramatic comic-inspired portrait of a woman lost in turmoil.
Oh, Jeff… I Love You, Too… But… (1964) – A classic Pop Art depiction of romance and uncertainty.
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Lichtenstein’s Market Value: The Price of Pop Art
Lichtenstein’s works are some of the most valuable in the art world, frequently selling for tens of millions of dollars. Some of his record-breaking auction sales include:
💰 Masterpiece (1962) – $165 million (sold privately in 2017)
💰 Nurse (1964) – $95.3 million (Christie’s, 2015)
💰 Woman with Flowered Hat (1963) – $56.1 million (Sotheby’s, 2013)
💰 Sleeping Girl (1964) – $44.8 million (Sotheby’s, 2012)
Where to See Lichtenstein’s Work Today
If you’re a fan of Pop Art, you can experience Lichtenstein’s masterpieces at these top locations:
📍 Times Square-42nd Street Subway Station – Times Square Mural (New York City)
📍 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Drowning Girl, Girl with Ball (New York City)
📍 Whitney Museum of American Art – Various works (New York City)
Final Thoughts
Lichtenstein’s Times Square Mural is more than just subway decor—it’s a bold, playful tribute to the city’s energy, history, and ever-moving future. Whether you’re rushing for a train or simply exploring the artistic gems hidden in NYC’s subway stations, this mural is a must-see for any modern art lover.
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Brett Williams
Brett Williams is the founder of Ylore Travel, a platform dedicated to making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide. With experience exploring over 50 countries and living in four, Brett’s passion for discovering new places and immersing himself in diverse cultures inspired the creation of Ylore Travel. Based in New York, he continues to seek out unique experiences and empower others to explore the world at their own pace.