Vessel, Architectural structure in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, United States
Vessel is a walkable sculpture in Hudson Yards, Manhattan, shaped like a honeycomb structure made of copper. It rises to a height of roughly 46 meters and consists of 154 interconnected staircases with a total of 2500 steps and 80 platforms.
British designer Thomas Heatherwick conceived this structure as part of the Hudson Yards development, and it opened in March 2019. The construction emerged as part of a large redevelopment project on the western edge of Manhattan.
Visitors come mainly to take photographs and find viewpoints, with some seeing it as a symbol of modern urban development. The staircases encourage a slow climb upward while experiencing the city from shifting angles.
Visitors enter through timed admission tickets, and up to 1000 people can explore the different levels at once. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the stairs can be demanding.
The framework was manufactured in Italy and kept hidden behind a tall fence under strict secrecy before being shipped to New York. Each platform offers a different viewpoint, as no two levels allow exactly the same view.
Location: New York City
Inception: 2019
Architects: Thomas Heatherwick
Creator: Thomas Heatherwick
Official opening: March 15, 2019
Height: 45.7 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: steel
Creator: Thomas Heatherwick
Website: https://hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel
GPS coordinates: 40.75381,-74.00217
Latest update: December 3, 2025 08:49
Stairs serve not only to overcome elevation changes but often rank among the notable structures of their cities. The Spanish Steps in Rome with its 135 steps has connected two districts since 1725 and became a meeting point for locals and visitors. In Montmartre, 222 steps lead to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, while Jacob's Ladder on Saint Helena with 699 steps forms one of the longest straight stairways in the world. The selection includes various construction types: spiral staircases in medieval towers, rock-carved ascents to temples and fortresses, and modern outdoor stairs made of concrete and steel. Some stairs were built for practical reasons like the steps to Table Mountain in Cape Town, others as part of religious sites like the stairs to the Golden Rock in Myanmar. Each staircase tells the story of the engineering skills of its era and the people who use it daily.
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