The Vessel: An unusual viewpoint in New York

What You Need to Know About The Vessel in New York

• The Vessel is a striking structure that dominates the main plaza of Hudson Yards, on the west side of Manhattan in New York. This newly developed neighborhood sits along the Hudson River at 34th Street. The Vessel is an intricate network of 154 staircases and 2,500 steps. The entire structure rises just over 45 m (148 ft) high, offering unique perspectives of the neighborhood, surrounding buildings, and the Hudson River.
• This unusual structure was designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick. Not familiar with his work? This talented designer also created the United Kingdom pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 and the torch for the London Olympics in 2012.
• The Vessel is made of steel, copper, and concrete. The monument was built in Monfalcone, Italy, and shipped by cargo to New York—a journey reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. Even before arriving in New York, the structure had already earned several nicknames. According to the New York Times, Hudson Yards developers called it “the Social Climber,” a pun on the staircases. CNN wondered whether the structure would become New York’s answer to the Eiffel Tower.
• The Vessel officially opened on March 15, 2019. The attraction unfortunately closed in October 2021 following a series of tragic incidents. The closure lasted three years while major safety upgrades were completed. The Vessel reopened to the public in October 2024. A metal mesh now surrounds the structure, preventing further accidents. Another change: advance paid reservations are now required.

How to Buy Tickets for The Vessel in New York

• Admission to the Vessel is paid for all visitors, with free entry on Thursdays for New York residents. Book as far in advance as possible—availability is limited and demand is high. The reopening has naturally attracted visitors from around the world.
• To reserve your ticket, visit our ticket booking module for the Vessel in New York. Select your visit date and number of tickets, then proceed to secure payment to receive your tickets immediately. With CNEWYORK, you can pay directly in euros, Swiss francs, or Canadian dollars, avoiding currency exchange fees and bank charges.
• Flexible tickets for the Vessel are available by contacting us through our contact form.
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel or modify tickets up to 24 hours before your visit.
• Book early—the Vessel is one of New York’s most visited landmarks and attractions. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Practical Information

• Address: 20 Hudson Yards, New York. The monument sits in the heart of Hudson Yards—you can’t miss it when you arrive.
• How to reach the Vessel by subway: Take the 7 line to its final stop, 34 St-Hudson Yards.
• What are the opening hours? The Vessel is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Sunday hours are 11 am to 7 pm.
• Tip: As of May 2026, the Vessel is included in both the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass. Simply show your pass at the entrance—no need to reserve a time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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