Story perspectives

Cardvaark Returns: Celebrating MetroCard's Legacy at NYC Museum

12/25/2025

50 9

Summary

Story summary

New York Transit Museum (the museum) resurrects Cardvaark for its FAREwell MetroCard exhibit.
Cardvaark, conceived in the 1990s to teach New Yorkers how to use the MetroCard, was abandoned.
Curator Jodi Shapiro notes Cardvaark was designed to engage riders at stations like Times Square.
Cardvaark now greets visitors from an operator’s car amid MetroCard memorabilia from the MetroCard’s 30-year history.
Limited-edition cookies featuring his likeness mark the MetroCard’s impending retirement.

1 of 1

Story summary

New York Transit Museum (the museum) resurrects Cardvaark for its FAREwell MetroCard exhibit.
Cardvaark, conceived in the 1990s to teach New Yorkers how to use the MetroCard, was abandoned.
Curator Jodi Shapiro notes Cardvaark was designed to engage riders at stations like Times Square.
Cardvaark now greets visitors from an operator’s car amid MetroCard memorabilia from the MetroCard’s 30-year history.
Limited-edition cookies featuring his likeness mark the MetroCard’s impending retirement.