Just when it seemed there wasn’t room for even one more building in New York, the city has just opened Hudson Yards, an entire neighborhood that has sprung up out of nowhere in Midtown Manhattan.
And, in the heart of the area, amid cranes and half-built skyscrapers, stands The Vessel, a giant staircase-shaped sculpture that you can climb.
Ready to give your legs a workout? We’ll tell you how to climb The Vessel and explore the Hudson Yards neighborhood on your next trip!
The Vessel, the new symbol of Hudson Yards
If your first impression of The Vessel leaves you confused, you’re not alone: the structure resembles a gleaming spaceship, with a labyrinth of staircases that crisscross without leading anywhere.
A somewhat futuristic addition to the streets of the Big Apple that has, however, already become the symbol of Hudson Yards. The Vessel:
- It is a staircase-shaped sculpture conceived by British designer Thomas Heatherwick and his studio.
- It is located between 30th and 34th Streets and 10th and 11th Avenues, in the heart of Hudson Yards, Manhattan’s new neighborhood.
This cutting-edge real estate project has filled (and will continue to fill, as it is still under construction) the area with luxury skyscrapers, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and public art. - The Vessel consists of 154 interconnected staircases that ascend relentlessly in a zigzag pattern. Along the way, you’ll find 80 observation decks where you can catch your breath.
- It’s open every day and admission is free, though you must reserve tickets in advance.
We recommend: The Hudson Yards neighborhood is bordered by the High Line, the elevated park built on a former train track, so you can combine both visits.
How to get tickets for The Vessel
Now that you know a little more about this sculpture, let’s see how you can visit it. Going up to The Vessel is free, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket:
- You must book tickets on the Hudson Yards website two weeks in advance.
- Tickets are made available to the public every day at 8 a.m. (New York time). We recommend visiting the website at that time, as there is currently high demand and tickets are selling out every day.
- If there are any same-day tickets left, they also go on sale at 8 a.m.
- You’ll need to select a time slot. This is just the entry time for the sculpture; once you’re there, you can stay as long as you like.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with your ticket as a PDF. You can print it or show it on your phone.
The experience of climbing The Vessel
It stands in the center of Hudson Yards plaza, between skyscrapers and gardens, and the glints of its gleaming facade guide the way for disoriented travelers.
If you stand directly beneath it, you’ll see your reflection in the sculpture, much like Chicago’s Cloud Gate.
Once inside, the adventure begins: dozens of symmetrically arranged staircases appear around you, and it’s up to you to choose which one to start with.
They all lead to the top, but the charm of The Vessel is that each visitor creates their own route and views the sculpture from different angles and perspectives.
We recommend: When you enter the sculpture, stand in the center and look up to enjoy those unique views.
Every so often, you’ll find observation platforms where you can stop to take in the exterior or interior views and give your legs a rest!!
The views of New York from The Vessel are nothing to write home about: the half-built Hudson Yards neighborhood, the Hudson River and the High Line, New Jersey on the other shore…
For us, the most spectacular part of the sculpture is inside. As you climb higher, the image of the labyrinth of staircases becomes increasingly mesmerizing.
Visitors walking along them resemble ants in an anthill, and the views down to the ground are dizzying.
After about 250 steps (depending on the path you’ve chosen), you’ll reach the top. Now all that’s left is to choose which way to go down… And keep exploring the Hudson Yards neighborhood!
IMPORTANT: At the top, don’t forget to stop by the west platform. From there, looking east, you’ll see the Empire State Building.
Visit The Vessel
- Hudson Yards
- How to get there: The nearest subway station is 34th St Hudson Yards (Line 7).
- Accessibility: For travelers with limited mobility, The Vessel has an elevator that takes you to the top floor of the sculpture.
Follow our travels on social media!!!
