The (Mostly) True Story of Helvetica and the New York City Subway

Unpublished

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Helvetica is not the typeface Massimo Vignelli chose for the signage of the New York City subway. Massimo Vignelli did not design the signage for the New York City subway. Helvetica is the typeface of the signage of the New York City subway. Despite what Helvetica: The Film says or your eyes tell you as you take the subway to work—or for a leisurely tour of the depths of Brooklyn—these statements are all true. The contradictions are simply part of the convoluted history of introducing a rational, coherent, consistent and complete sign system to the world’s most complex subway system—and then trying to maintain it. The true story wlll be untangled, explained and displayed by Paul Shaw on February 5 at the Type Directors Club. Before you arrive, look at the subway signs you encounter as you travel from work or home.

Admission is free for members and $20 for non-member professionals and $15 for non-member students.

Seating is limited so please RSVP.