The Vessel NYC

Steffen

28. June 2023

248 ratings

The eye-catching Hudson Yards has been open since March 2019. What the building on Public Square and Gardens in front of The Shops shopping center is actually supposed to represent is not exactly known. New Yorkers love it, though. Unfortunately the stairs & the elevator are closed until further notice!

Design, art, or just a stairwell of a different kind. But it is a fact that the Vessel looks really unique and you can take great photos. Initially, you could climb up to the Vessel and enjoy the view from the top, but for some time now the stairs and elevator have been closed to the public. Unfortunately, it is also not known if and when they will be accessible again. Currently, you can only enter the building at the bottom or admire it from the outside. As soon as this changes, we will of course inform you!

Table of Contents

What is the Vessel in NYC?

Comprised of 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs – almost 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings – the vertical climb offered remarkable views of the city, the river and beyond.

NEW: Both the Sightseeing Flex Pass and the Sightseeing Day Pass now include tickets for The Edge!

Sightseeing Flex Pass

The construction started in April 2017 and the structure was revealed for the first time in December 2017. Beautifully sitting right in the middle of the Hudson Yards Plaza the area is also connected to the nearby High Line Park that will probably lead over 8 Million tourists per year to see the newest attraction in New York City. You’ll get to the Vessel in NYC with the 7 Train. The subway stop Hudson Yards is only a 5-minute walk away.

The Vessel is probably one of the most unusual buildings you will ever see. It’s part structure, part sculpture, part giant staircase that could’ve straight come out of a M.C. Escher painting.

Walking tours at The Vessel NYC

If you would like to explore the area with a special tour guide during a walking tour there is a great tour that we highly recommend. The two-hour tour takes you to the Vessel in NYC and the close by High Line and offers a great overview of the neighborhood, its architecture, and the art scene. This way you’ll make the most of your visit to this mesmerizing area.

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Is there an elevator inside the Vessel?

Note: The stairs & the elevator are still closed indefinitely!

If you’re wondering if the Vessel in NYC is wheelchair accessible, we can assure you that it is. The structure also has ramps and elevators to make it easier for people with disabilities or other health conditions. Anyone is able to enjoy the experience of the Vessel.

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Click Here To Learn More

Views from the Vessel in NYC

Attention: Currently it is still not possible to go up!

People used to climb the Vessel to see different perspectives of the city from different heights, angles and vantage points. But the Vessel doesn’t offer stunning city views like one of the observation decks in New York. You got to see an overview of the Hudson Yards, New Jersey and the adjacent High Line.

By visiting the Vessel at Hudson Yards your main focus should be the design aspect of the sculpture and its beautiful colors when the sun hits the bronze steel. Amazing photos are guaranteed.

Sightseeing Pass

The Vessel in New York – FAQ’s

Do you still have questions regarding your visit to The Vessel? Not a problem. I will try my luck as a medium and try to guess the questions that might be running through your mind right now. Oh, and as always: is there anything else you’re not sure about involving your trip to New York, questions or otherwise, just drop us a comment, and we’ll get back to you asap.

FAQ

Where is the Vessel of New York located?

Hudson Yards is on the west side of Midtown Manhattan at 10th Avenue and 33rd Street, just near the Hudson River. The Vessel is located all the way on the west side of New York City between 10th and 11th Ave, located right by the Shops and Restaurants at the Hudson Yards. You can get off at Penn Station and walk a few avenues west, or get off the Q or 7 train. The Vessel is located in the center of Hudson Yards a large complex of includes shops, residential flat buildings, public green space, and commercial space.

When is The Vessel open?

The Vessel is currently closed for the public. Unfortunately you can not got up the stairs. You can only enter the building at the bottom and look upwards. It’s not clear if and when it will be open for the public again.

When is the best time to visit The Vessel in New York City?

That’s easy: The best time to visit The Vessel NYC is during sunset. In that light the bronze structure really comes to life. Make sure to google ahead of your visit when the sun will approximately set. Just get there an hour beforehand to really soak it all in. That will give you more than enough time to truly enjoy the view and take a lot of pictures.

Do you need tickets for the Vessel in NYC? Is entrance to the Vessel free of charge?

Since the stairs and elevator are currently closed, you don’t need tickets at this time.
Before it was closed, you had to book tickets in advance for certain time slots, but they were free.

About the author

Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 20 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

The Vessel NYC

What is the Vessel in NYC?