New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a limited number of authentic street signs commemorating Lower Manhattan’s iconic Mulberry Street, spanning Little Italy, Chinatown, and New York’s own Little Australia. Today's release is part of the agency's monthly 'sign drops', pulled from the wide range of hand-made signs from the NYC DOT Sign Shop, which produces over 70,000 signs each year.
“Mulberry Street bridges two of New York’s Manhattan’s most famous neighborhoods ethnic areas: Little Italy and Chinatown,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Whether you are celebrating Italian heritage in September or looking for a warm meal in Chinatown in the fall, Mulberry Street stands out as a cultural corridor rivaling any other in our city and is a destination for visitors from around the world.”
“From Little Italy to Chinatown, Mulberry Street truly captures the spirit of New York City, layered with the history, culture, and flavors that have defined us for generations,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “We’re proud to celebrate the cultural landmarks that make our city unique, and with this latest sign drop, New Yorkers can bring home not just a piece of Mulberry Street, but a piece of the city’s living history.”
Mulberry Street first appeared on maps around the 1750s as the “Bend” to describe the street’s layout to the wetlands around Collect Pond that once existed in Lower Manhattan. Several famous structures line the corridor, including the iconic Puck Building and St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Every September, the street is perhaps best known for hosting the Feast of San Gennaro, which will turn 100 next September. It is also recognized in a 1986 Billy Joel Song “Big Man on Mulberry Street.”
A limited release of 100 signs will be sold online for $100 each and are available one per customer. All signs will be sold via the CityStore, the Official Store of the City of New York, and proceeds will benefit the city's general fund. This signage offers a bit of nostalgia and a literal piece of the city's infrastructure.
Monthly sign drops from NYC DOT feature signs for iconic New York City streets, commemorations of famous New Yorkers, celebrations of special occasions, and other custom releases. NYC DOT began its monthly drops in June 2024, with the release of Christopher Street/Stonewall Place street signs to commemorate Pride Month.
Other recent sign drops include:
