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17 Vintage Photos Of New York City In 1959

History Vintage Photos June 2, 2025

Last Updated on June 2, 2025 by Matt Staff

Dating back to 1959, New York City stood as a truly vibrant crossroads, melding together the worlds of the old as well as the new. It was a reality where classic mid-century charm met the rumblings of steady, modern change. This collection of 20 vintage 1959 New York City photos serves as a powerful time capsule.

1. New York City in 1959 looking especially wonderful

1950s Times Square scene with vintage cars, large colorful billboards advertising whisky, televisions, and films, and tall buildings in the background under a blue sky.
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2. Central Park, New York City, 1959

Two men in suits push vintage baby carriages with small children inside. One child holds a balloon. Several people walk in the background along a tree-lined path on a sunny day, possibly at a park or public event.
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3. East River Drive, New York City, 1959

A man and woman in 1950s attire run joyfully on a city street with tall skyscrapers and vintage cars in the background, possibly New York City. The man holds a briefcase, and both look happy and energetic.
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4. Times Square, New York City, 1959

A couple embraces and kisses behind a "POLICE LINE" barrier on a busy city street at night, with neon signs and people in the background.
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5. Bleecker Street, New York City, 1959

Black-and-white photo of a city street with tall buildings, vintage cars, and people walking. A cinema marquee reads “2 Simone Signoret Classics: Room At The Top, Becker’s Casque d’Or.”
mrhistoricalmaniac

6. Hanging out in front of an iconic café in Greenwich, New York City

Black-and-white photo of young people gathered outside Cafe Wha? in an urban setting, some leaning on a vintage car, others standing or sitting near the entrance, evoking a 1960s or 1970s counterculture vibe.
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7. Seven Arts Coffee Gallery, New York City, 1959

Black and white photo of two people talking at the bottom of a stairwell, with posters on the walls. A sign above reads, "POETS READ EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 2 A.M.
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8. Harlem Motorcycle Club, New York City, 1959

A group of Black men and a woman in leather jackets and hats sit on motorcycles, with the woman sitting sideways behind one of the riders, looking toward the camera. The scene appears vintage and vibrant.
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9. Times Square, 1959

A busy city street scene from the mid-20th century with crowds of people walking, vintage cars, and colorful advertisements and signs on tall buildings. The atmosphere is lively and bustling.
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10. Selling some tasty pretzels out in an ever busy New York City, 1959

An elderly woman sits next to a large basket stacked with pretzels on skewers, selling them on a busy city street. Pedestrians walk by, and storefronts and signs are visible in the background.
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11. Sixth Avenue, New York City, 1959

A street scene in black and white shows a man playing an accordion, a woman and two men standing nearby, and a German Shepherd dog on a leash; cars and pedestrians are in the background.
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12. On the subway, 1959, New York City

Four people sit closely together on a subway bench, laughing and smiling. They wear winter coats and hats, and the subway car is dimly lit, with ads and metal doors visible in the background.
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13. Patrons attend to a poet in the Gaslight Café

A group of young adults sit and chat in a dimly lit, vintage-style room with artwork, a clock, and a piano in the background; one person stands, holding a cigarette.
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14. Enjoying the view, New York City, 1959

A man and woman stand together by two empty chairs on a grassy riverbank, looking at each other, with the New York City skyline, including the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings, visible across the water.
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15. A family of 13 rides the New York City subway

A family with several children, all dressed in formal clothing, sits together on a subway bench. The parents are seated in the middle, surrounded by their children, in a black-and-white vintage setting.
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16. 7th Ave. and 46th St. in New York City, 1959

Vintage photo of a busy city street with people walking, cars parked, and large theater billboards advertising shows like "The Diary of Anne Frank," "Flower Drum Song," and "Two for the Seesaw.
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17. Grand Central Terminal, New York City, circa 1959

Cars and taxis drive toward the ornate facade of Grand Central Terminal in New York City, surrounded by tall office buildings, with a blue sky and unfinished skyscraper in the background.
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New York City in 1959 captured a vibrant moment suspended between postwar optimism and sweeping cultural change. These rare photos offer a vivid look at the everyday life, fashion, and energy of a city in transition. If you enjoyed this trip through time, don’t miss 35 Vintage Photos Of The Mid-1880s or explore 20 Vintage Photos of Central Park In The Summertime (1940s-1980s).

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