Scaling the Stairway to Heaven (or at Least a Really Nice View): Can You Actually Walk Up the Vessel in NYC?
Ah, the Vessel. New York City's honeycomb-haired darling, a beacon of urban exploration, or a confusing jungle gym for adults, depending on who you ask. But one question plagues tourists and locals alike: can you actually walk up the thing?
The answer, my friends, is a resounding it depends. Buckle up, because this architectural marvel comes with a plot twist more dramatic than a Broadway show (and possibly with better hairspray).
Act I: The Ascendancy (or When Dreams Took the Stairs)
Ah, simpler times. Back in 2019, the Vessel was a haven for the ambitious calf muscle. Those 154 flights of stairs were your oyster, offering panoramic vistas of the city that would make even pigeons jealous. Tickets were a steal (a cool ten bucks!), and the only requirement was a companion to prevent you from reenacting a particularly enthusiastic scene from The Lion King (circle of life, anyone?).
Act II: The Great Stairwell Shuffle (or When the Party Got Shut Down)
Let's just say the Vessel became a bit too popular. Maybe a few too many people mistook it for a particularly scenic suicide attempt location. The mood got somber, the lawyers got involved, and in 2021, the climb to the top was sadly nixed.
Act III: The Present Day (or So You're Stuck Taking Photos Like a Basic Tourist)
Fear not, intrepid adventurer! While you can't exactly summit Everest in Manhattan anymore, the Vessel isn't completely off-limits. You can still wander around the base and get some pretty spectacular ground-level views. Think of it as a chance to practice your downward-facing dog with a backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers.
But hey, there's always hope! Maybe one day the city will figure out a way to make the Vessel safe and accessible again. Until then, just be sure to pack your comfy shoes for all that walking... around the base. And maybe bring a yoga mat, just in case.
