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- The Vessel Remains Closed Amid Public Safety Warnings
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One of the more unusual architectural attractions in New York is the Vessel. It is the eye-catching centerpiece of Hudson Yards and is an interactive artwork. Manhattan is home to some of America's most historic and iconic landmarks - like the Empire State Building. But while there, expand one's itinerary to include more attractions for the ultimate itinerary in New York City, exploring the best of the city.
Another recently opened artistic attraction that should be on anyone's bucket list is the Hall des Lumières. It offers a unique artistic experience and really should be visited (it is Manhattan's first permanent immersive art attraction). 55 miles out of New York City is the Storm King Art Museum which boasts one of the world's most sculpture parks.
UPDATE: 2023/07/01 20:17 EST BY NOAH STAATS
The Vessel Remains Closed Amid Public Safety Warnings
Unfortunately, The Vessel in New York City has remained closed since November 2019. As the city approaches the four-year anniversary of this closure, there have been reports of a possible reopening with safety procedures in place. For now, tourists will have to view The Vessel from ground level.
Size & Design Of The Vessel
The concept of Vessel was first unveiled in 2016, it was built in 2017, and it opened to the public in 2019. The Vessel is made up of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. It has almost 2,500 steps and 80 landings rising 16 stories high. It is the main feature of an impressive 5-acre Hudson Yards Public Square.
- Steps: 2,500 Steps
- Landings: 80 Landings
- Height: 16 Stories or 150 feet (46 meters)
- Location: Manhattan, New York City
The total length of the stairs exceeds one mile or 1.6 kilometers. It has been modeled after Indian step wells and has been arranged like a jungle gym. Perhaps the world's most intriguing stairwells are the underground 'towers' of Quinta da Regaleria in Portugal.
The Vessel can handle 1,000 people at a time. Only three of the Vessel's landings are ADA-accessible. It is part of Hudson Yards - a 28-acre real estate development in the Hudson Yards of Manhattan. Construction for this massive project is going. The ground was broken in 2011, and the project's estimated completion date is 2027.
Why The Vessel Was Built
- The Vessel was built as a public space for New York City residents.
- Naming this attraction came as a surprise, with the 'Vessel' being only a temporary title.
The Vessel is a spiral staircase and a soaring new landmark and is intended to be a focal point where people can come and enjoy different perspectives of the city from different angles, heights, and vantage points. People can see the city, river, and beyond.
It was intended that the unusual shape of the structure would make it stand out like a year-round Christmas tree. The intent was for visitors to climb the structure as though it was a jungle gym.
The unusual name "Vessel" was only intended to be a temporary name during the construction, and a permanent name was intended to be chosen later. The structure opened in 2019, but now at the end of 2022, it seems the temporary name has stuck.
Experience Manhattan from an all-new perspective - and an experience where one needs to climb good old-fashioned stairs. This is an attraction where visitors need to exert themselves somewhat to earn a view of Manhattan.
Planning A Visit To The Unusual Vessel
Unfortunately, Vessel has been plagued by suicides that have forced it to close. As of the time of writing, November 2022, the Vessel is indefinitely closed to the public.
Access To The Main Structure:
- Status: Temporarily Closed
- First Hour: Free Admission
- After First Hours: $10.00 Per Person (Kids Under 5 Are Free)
Access To The Base:
- Admission Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10.00 am to 8.00 pm; Sun 11.00 to 7.00 pm
While the Vessel itself is closed to the public, people can still access the ground-level base. This part is free and open to the public Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm and on Sundays from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm. No reservations are required to visit the base.
Tickets to visit the Vessel are required for all age groups. Group tickets for 15 and more people should email them. When it is open, it is normally open in most weather conditions (although it may close due to inclement weather). Dogs are not permitted (apart from service animals).
Try not to miss the time slot on one's admission ticket. If one does miss the time, then see an Experience Ambassador who may be able to accommodate one on the next available entry time (although this is not guaranteed).
Will The Vessel In New York City Ever Open Again?
- The Vessell has been closed since November 2019.
- Barriers are being created to prevent jumpers, although that finish date is TBD.
Although there have been rising efforts from the public to see The Vessel from the viewing points above ground, as of now: it's still closed. Unfortunately, because of the number of deaths and injuries reported here, the city was forced to close the structure, as there wasn't enough funding to provide adequate security for all levels. One of the main issues here is that people were coming to end their lives, jumping off various sections of the structure. Due to its design, that makes hiring security guards to monitor every single opportunity for suicide is not worth the expense.
Due to suicides on The Vessel, the property has been closed for nearly four years. There are mentions of a company trying to get glass barriers made to block guests from jumping or falling off the sculpture, but these are all speculations as of the summer of 2023.
The structure tried different things, like plexiglass shields and extensions along viewing platforms, which didn't do much to help the situation. It's unfortunate that people have taken a liking to this location for that very reason, as well as the ongoing mental health crisis plaguing the city. Until this is sorted out (if ever), visitors to the Hudson Yards area won't be able to enjoy the views from this now-infamous structure. Perhaps things could change in the future, but as of 2023: The Vessel is closed.
Shopping At Huston Yards
The Vessel is a part of Huston Yards. Huston Yards is New York City's newest neighborhood and a shopping paradise. It is home to over 100 diverse shops with plenty of culinary experiences enough to whet any appetite. It has plenty of public art and dynamic cultural intuitions, as well as a generous 14 acres of public plazas, groves, and gardens.
Browse online the quality selections of women's apparel, men's apparel, children's apparel, jewelry, and more. There are too many shops to list out here, but suffice it to say that one is sure to find the outfit one is looking for.
Shopping Hours (May Vary By Store):
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am-8:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Hudson Yards is a massive undertaking in Manhattan, and parts of the project remain under construction. There are reports that the area may receive a casino. Phase 2 of the project could be completed by 2024, although this could end up being delayed. Much of the area is complete now and offers some of the glitziest neighborhoods New York City has on offer.