1972 Vignelli Map of the New York City Subway System

A masterpiece of 20th century graphic design, this is the 1972 Massimo Vignelli map of the New York Subway system.

Function over Geography

Vignelli's masterpiece prioritizes function over geography, illustrating New York's jumbled subway network in a simple systematized graphic. His map employs clean lines with 45 and 90 degree turns, fully dispensing with the actual curves of subway routes. Vignelli correctly intuited that users would travel 'dot to dot' and thus had no need of precise geographical accuracy.

The Map's Reception

Vignelli's map received mixed reviews. Graphic designers and other artists hailed it as a triumph of modernist design and utility. Others criticized the absence of above-ground landmarks, the distortion of those that do appear (particularly Central Park), and the murky beige indicating water. Nonetheless, the Vignelli map was used in New York Subways from 1972 until 1979, when it was replaced by the current Michael Hertz model.

Publication History and Census

This map was designed by Massimo Vignelli and published by the New York City Transit Authority in 1972. The map appears on the market from time to time.