Vessel: New York’s controversial landmark

A gigantic, shimmering honeycomb of steel and concrete stands in the middle of Manhattan. The Vessel in Hudson Yards is a structure that polarizes. But since its reopening with new safety measures and a $10 admission fee, the question for every New York visitor is: Is it worth climbing what is arguably the most famous staircase in the world, or is the view from below enough?

The Vision: A Work of Art to Touch

The origin story of the Vessel is that of an ambitious dream. The goal was to create a landmark for Hudson Yards, the largest private real estate development in US history. Instead of a static sculpture admired only from afar, the commissioned British designer Thomas Heatherwick had a different idea. He wanted to create something that people could actively “use and touch.”

The inspiration for the extraordinary design came from Heatherwick’s team’s study of the ancient stepwells of Rajasthan and Gujarat in India. These consist of hundreds of symmetrically arranged stairs leading deep into the earth. The Vessel inverts this idea, transforming the subterranean model into an impressive structure that strives for the sky.

The Vessel in Numbers: Facts at a Glance

The impressive structure of the Vessel is best described in numbers:

• Height: The structure rises 46 meters (16 stories) high.
• Staircases: A complex web of 154 interconnected staircases forms the structure.
• Steps: Visitors can climb nearly 2,500 individual steps.
• Platforms: 80 observation platforms offer ever-new, fascinating views.

Copper, Steel, and the Glow of the Skyline

The shape of the Vessel is reminiscent of a basket or a honeycomb and widens from 15 meters at the base to an impressive 46 meters at the top.

Its most striking feature, however, is its shimmering, copper-colored outer skin. The undersides of the stairs and platforms are clad in polished stainless steel. Standing in front of it, it was precisely this reflective effect that immediately captivated me. The polished underside not only reflects the surrounding skyscrapers but also captures the throng of people, making you a part of the artwork itself.

After construction began in April 2017, the Vessel opened on March 15, 2019, and has since established itself as one of New York’s modern landmarks.

It wasn’t long before the Vessel had to close again. Four people had taken their lives there, despite precautions being in place. The operators had to search for a solution that would prevent these tragedies as much as possible.

The Reality Check: Our Day at the Vessel

After more than 3 years, the Vessel reopened to the public in October 2024. In the meantime, safety measures had been implemented to protect all visitors. Floor-to-ceiling, cut-resistant steel nets were installed on the staircases and platforms. These nets are designed to obstruct the view as little as possible, but they represent a visible and permanent change to the original design.

Additionally, access is partially restricted. The lowest levels are fully accessible. The topmost level remains completely closed to the public. Furthermore, all visitors must undergo a security check at the entrance, including a bag inspection and metal detector.

We had initially decided not to buy tickets in advance and to decide on-site whether we wanted to visit the observation structure. There were still plenty of tickets available online, so this wasn’t a problem.

When we emerged from the nearby metro station, our astonishment was great. This was not how we had imagined the plaza where the Vessel stands. The structure is surrounded on three sides by giant skyscrapers. As a result, despite its actually quite large dimensions, the Vessel appears rather small. I found it looked almost a little lost among the skyscrapers. You only really have a clear view of the surroundings in one direction—towards the Hudson.

This, ultimately, was the deciding factor for us not to climb the stairs and to use the admission fee we saved for something else.

But despite this decision, it was definitely worth going there. The structure is truly unique. I was particularly thrilled by the architecture. The reflections of the buildings are worth seeing and great for photographers.

Who is the Vessel worthwhile for?

Even though we decided against the climb, the visit was a highlight. The architecture is simply breathtaking up close and a fantastic photo subject. For those seeking unique perspectives of the surrounding skyscrapers and the Hudson River, and who want to experience the structure from the inside, the $10 is money well spent. For everyone else: Go there, be amazed, and take in the impressive atmosphere—that alone is worth the detour and doesn’t cost a cent.

Our Tip: For photographers, a visit in the late afternoon is worthwhile. When the low-hanging sun hits the copper-colored facade, it creates particularly warm and impressive reflections.

And after the visit?

The Vessel is the centerpiece of Hudson Yards. In this New York neighborhood, you’ll find luxury shops, restaurants, and the observation deck The Edge. A visit can thus be perfectly combined with a shopping trip or the breathtaking view from one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers.

How about a stroll on the High Line? The famous High Line, a park on a former elevated railway, ends or begins right at Hudson Yards, depending on which way you walk it. We started our tour on the High Line there after visiting the Vessel.

Visitor Information

Address

20 Hudson Yards
New York, NY 10001 USA