The Vessel
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a unique monument that has had a troubled history since opening in 2019
It is not the view from the top, but rather the unique design of this 150-foot tall monument of stairs that makes it worth visiting. The Vessel, NYC's newest attraction/landmark is worth visiting if you are interested in unique architecture and design.
Due to ongoing safety concerns visitors can only view The Vessel from ground level at this time. Although the official website lists its status as as temporarily closed, access to climbing the Vessel has been closed for several years. It is difficult to say whether or not the safety issues will be resolved, but, until a viable solution is found, access to the top of the Vessel is likely to remain closed.
In spite of the above, access to the ground-level base is free and open to the public Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm, with no reservation required.
Some of the information in this article is not relevant unless the Vessel does reopen.
So what is there to do here other than climbing the 2500 steps, or getting some great pictures for your instagram feed? Not so much to be honest, but again it is free and there is a view of the Hudson Yards from the top. The downward view of the inside is probably more interesting though. If you are looking for city views there are much better options available, both free and paid.
Both a ramp and an elevator to the top do make the vessel fully accessible, but for those who are able, it really is designed to be climbed.
Opinions about the vessel vary widely. People love it, hate it, or anywhere in between. Some compare it to the beloved Eiffel Tower in Paris, noteing that people where very critical of it at first too, but honestly, comparing this to the Eiffel Tower is like comparing fast food to fine dining. Having said that, the overall reviews are positive. It certainly is an interesting subject for photographs.
Some wonder about the reasoning behind this attraction. From a commercial perspective, it was probably intended to draw people to the upscale shopping centre, luxury real estate, and The Shed Performing Arts Theatre that are part of the same development.
We don't suggest putting the Vessel on your must see list, but if you have the time, or happen to stumble across it, you may want to take a look.
Questions and Answers about the Vessel
When did the Vessel open? The Vessel opened on March 15, 2019.
How high is the Vessel? The Vessel is 150 feet high.
How wide is the Vessel? The Vessel is 50 feet wide at the base and 150 feet wide at the top making the top as wide as it is tall.
How many flights of stairs are in the Vessel? The Vessel has 154 flights of stairs and nearly 2500 steps.
Who designed the Vessel? The Vessel was designed by Thomas Heatherwick.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoThe Vessel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: (332) 204-8500
Official Website: The Vessel
The Vessel Reviews
Rated out of 5
This is a fun activity for all ages. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. Nice views and a cool breeze. The cost is reasonable. Unfortunately you cannot go to the top and some of the better viewing areas are covered in netting.
JOSEPH P. - 3 months ago
Such an awesome experience! If you're like me and don't really want to spend a lot on seeing NYC from higher buildings, this is a great alternative! Even though it's a couple of stairs there's also elevators, thr view is amazing from the top and the staff was organized and kind. The tickets were affordable for $10 each. Come visit!
a - 3 months ago
Great design.
Beautiful honeycomb-shaped design structure that you can admire either at a distance or up close.
Lots of stairs and sometimes you gotta go down first before you go up.
Book your tickets in advance, slightly more by the gate and dynamic pricing in effect. (Time of day.)
Jack Hung - 3 months ago
Though an eye catching structure (not enough to call it a building) I found it overpriced to go in since the top floors were closed and most of it is wrapped in wire. The elevator goes every 15 min and takes 5 people, you will be using the stairs unless you want to wait standing. Overall $18.5 to move up and down the stairs and not being able to reach the top feels deceiving. Better seen from afar. Architecture is great and well crafted.
Mateo Sallés - 3 months ago
The building seemed super interesting. This is at the end of high line. You get a really good walk around the city. Sometimes there will be lightening alerts in the area. And during that time they do not allow people inside the building.
Sony Mathew - 3 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 34th Street / Hudson Yards | 3 minutes |
| A, C, E | 34th Street / Penn Station | 10 minutes |
How to get to The Vessel by Subway
Take the 7 train to Hudson Yards Exit and turn right onto Hudson Blvd. The Vessel is straight ahead and can't be missed. Alternatively take the A, C, or E Train to 34th Street / Penn Station, Exit onto w 34th St. and walk west to Hudson Blvd and go left to the Vessel which is straight ahead.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near The Vessel:
Photo Gallery
-
The Vessel and Public Square Photo Credit: Hudson Yards -
Looking through the Vessel from an upper level Photo Credit: Hudson Yards -
View of the Vessel and the Special Events Plaza Photo Credit: Hudson Yards -
Photo Credit: Schnitzel_bank - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mobilus In Mobili - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: nestor galina - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tedeytan - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Photographing Travis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mobilus In Mobili - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: nan palmero - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: alh1 - cc license via Flickr
