NEW YORK — The Vessel sculpture in New York City has once again welcomed visitors after its reopening on Monday, featuring new safety enhancements designed to reduce the suicide risk that led to previous closures, most recently in 2021.
Around 75 guests lined up on Monday morning to explore the unique beehive-shaped structure after purchasing their tickets. They quickly passed through security and began their ascent through the interconnected stairways and viewing platforms, with the highest point reaching approximately 150 feet (45 meters). Newly installed flexible netting permits guests to extend their phones outward for pictures while preventing them from leaning over the edges for safety.
“The views from both the lower and upper levels are breathtaking,” remarked Alexandre Paes, a software engineer visiting from Rio de Janeiro.
Since its introduction in 2019, the Vessel’s meandering staircases previously attracted a wave of tourists. However, the structure faced closure after three tragic incidents where individuals jumped from it, prompting new safety measures such as the presence of security staff and a rule prohibiting solo visits. Nonetheless, an additional incident in 2021 led to yet another shutdown.
The recent reopening features floor-to-ceiling mesh barriers across all open sections of the Vessel, partially blocking some viewpoints and restricting access to several higher areas.
Thomas Heatherwick designed the Vessel, which was crafted in Venice, and its stakeholders were taken aback by the ongoing safety challenges. “Our goal was for people to enjoy their experience here,” commented Andy Rosen, COO of Related Companies, the entity behind Hudson Yards.
On reopening, visitors relished their time taking selfies and capturing the dynamic light shifting across neighboring skyscrapers that filters through the structure’s hexagonal openings. “It marks a fresh start,” said Rosen, adding that even the altered views still provide an engaging experience for those exploring the sculpture.
“The netting offers great safety and also helps those like me who have a fear of heights,” stated Daniel Palumbo from Pennsville Township, New Jersey.
Rising elegantly like a giant basket, the Vessel features hollow spaces designed to be scaled via staircases. Currently, visitors can access the highest level from one section at the elevator exit, which offers a view toward the tallest buildings in Hudson Yards.
Paes shared his thoughts on the view, noting, “This particular view isn’t the most picturesque for photos. I think capturing an image of the river would be much nicer.” He mentioned his experience with a more stunning view of the Hudson River from the nearby Little Island park.
Unfortunately, the elevator wasn’t functioning on Monday morning, leaving some guests unable to reach the top and causing at least one to receive a ticket refund. “I came here two years ago, and it was closed,” said Andrea Niño de Guzmán from Milwaukee, who took photos with her cousin visiting from Guadalajara, Mexico. She noted that her other cousin, who was wheelchair-bound due to a temporary condition, chose to leave after learning about the elevator malfunction, resulting in her receiving a $10 ticket refund.
The Vessel is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with free admission available for New York City residents on Thursdays.
