Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Vessel

Vessel is an architectural structure and tourist attraction at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, New York City. Designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, it rises 16 stories and features 154 interconnected stairways, nearly 2,500 steps, and 80 viewing terraces. Completed as part of the Hudson Yards redevelopment, it became the plaza’s main focal point when it opened on 15 March 2019. The concept was announced in 2016, and construction began in April 2017 with components made in Italy and shipped to the United States. After multiple suicides, the attraction was closed indefinitely in January 2021, briefly reopened in May, and then closed again in July. It drew mixed reviews and early criticism over copyright and accessibility issues, both later resolved.

The Vessel sculpture in Manhattan, with honeycomb-like stairways beside glass skyscrapers and train tracks in the foreground.
The Vessel rises beside the High Line in New York City, framed by surrounding skyscrapers and rail tracks.
October 2019 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vessel lit up at night with golden lights and people gathered below.
The Vessel glows with golden lighting at night, with visitors gathered at its base.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vessel glowing with golden lights at night, with people gathered around its base.
The Vessel illuminated during the holiday season at night.
December 2021 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vessel partially visible among trees and illuminated skyscrapers at twilight.
The Vessel rises in the mid-ground, framed by trees and glowing skyscrapers at dusk.
June 2023 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vessel rises among glass skyscrapers, with a chain-link fence and Gate 14 sign in the foreground.
The Vessel seen from behind a fence at Hudson Yards, surrounded by nearby skyscrapers.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleVessel
TypePublic sculpture and observation structure
AbbreviationTKA

Historical context

Concept revealed14 September 2016
Opening name usedHudson Yards Staircase
Opened to the public15 March 2019
Construction completedDecember 2017
Completion milestoneThe highest piece was installed in December 2017
Number of pieces75 pieces
Construction startedApril 2017
CostEstimated to have cost between US$150 million and US$200 million; the original projection was US$75 million
Public roleMain feature of the Hudson Yards public plaza
Commissioned byStephen Ross, CEO of Related Companies
ProjectHudson Yards redevelopment project
FundingFinanced by Related Companies, the Hudson Yards developer

Location and ownership

Adjacent public squareA 5-acre (2 ha) public square built on the platform above Hudson Yards, with 28,000 plants, 225 trees, a tree canopy on the south side, a fountain at the southeast entrance, and a seasonal entry garden opposite the 34th Street–Hudson Yards station entrance
SettingBetween the buildings of Hudson Yards, connected to the High Line at the south end
LocationHudson Yards Public Square, Hudson Yards, Manhattan, New York City, United States

Creator

Landscape designer of surrounding plazaThomas Woltz of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
DesignerThomas Heatherwick
Designer nationalityBritish

Discovery and provenance

First media report of commissionOctober 2013

Physical characteristics

Total stair lengthMore than 1.6 km
Height16 stories (46 m)
ShapeElaborate honeycomb-like structure
DimensionsBase diameter 15 m; top diameter 46 m
CapacityAbout 1,000 people at a time
Terraces80 terraces
StepsAbout 2,500 steps
Staircases154 staircases

Materials

Main materialSteel
Stair materialCopper-clad steps

Technique

Manufacturing locationMonfalcone, Italy
TransportationThe steel sections were shipped to the United States via the Hudson River piers

History and restoration

AccessibilityPrimarily stairs, with ramps and an elevator added for ADA compliance; only three platforms were accessible by elevator as of 2019
Accessibility settlementIn December 2019 Related Companies and ERY Vessel LLC agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve accessibility by adding new elevators and keeping elevator access to all floors
Safety installationsNetting was initially installed and later replaced by glass barriers
Public naming statusTemporary working title; TKA stands for 'Temporarily Known As'
Public naming effortAfter opening, Hudson Yards asked the public to suggest a formal name via a dedicated website
Suicide-related incidentsFour fatal jumps occurred between February 2020 and July 2021, leading to repeated closures
Suicide prevention responseRelated Companies consulted experts on suicide-prevention strategies and considered further measures; some recommendations, such as nets or higher barriers, were not adopted
Closure and reopening timelineClosed indefinitely on 11 January 2021, reopened on 28 May 2021, and closed indefinitely again on 29 July 2021; it was reported to reopen again in October 2024 after glass safety barriers were installed
Copyright policyHudson Yards initially claimed ownership of photographs of Vessel, then changed the policy a few days after opening so visitors owned the rights to their images

Significance

ReceptionMixed reviews at opening
Critical responseSome critics praised its prominent siting in Hudson Yards, while others denigrated its design as extravagant
Design inspirationHeatherwick said the idea came from an old neglected wooden stairway he loved as a child; the structure was also inspired by jungle gym monkey bars and Indian stepwells

Appearance

Intended visual effectDesigned to stand out like a '12-month Christmas tree'
Visitor experienceIntended for visitors to climb and explore it like a jungle gym