So You Wanna Climb the NYC Honeycomb: A Guide to the Vessel
Ah, the Vessel. New York's shiny new jungle gym for adults (and slightly adventurous children). It's been gracing (or depending on your taste, disgracing) the Manhattan skyline since 2019, and let's face it, it's kind of become a must-see attraction. But what exactly is this behemoth of bronze and stairs? Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wonderful weirdness of the Vessel.
What is it? Stairway to Heaven? Escher's Labyrinth Come to Life?
The Vessel is a giant, beehive-shaped sculpture perched proudly in Hudson Yards. It's not quite a building, not quite a jungle gym, but it is definitely a conversation starter. Imagine a jungle gym designed by an architect with a serious case of the zig-zags, and you're on the right track. Over 150 flights of stairs weave their way up the Vessel's 16 stories, offering panoramic views of the city (if you can manage to not get too winded from the climb).
Is it Art? Is it Exercise? Is it a Social Experiment to See How Many People Can Fit on a Stairway at Once?
The answer, my friend, is yes. The Vessel is all of these things and more. It's a piece of public art, a way to get your daily dose of exercise (seriously, those stairs!), and a prime people-watching spot. Think of it as the real-life version of that crazy Escher painting where the stairs just keep going...up and up and up (and maybe a little down too?).
Okay, I'm Sold. How Do I Experience This Stairway to...Wherever?
Unfortunately, as of July 2021, the Vessel is closed to the public. But fear not, intrepid explorer! There are rumors of a grand reopening, so keep your eyes peeled for updates. In the meantime, you can always admire it from afar and snap a photo to prove you were there (because let's face it, seeing the Vessel on social media is practically a rite of passage these days).
Frequently Asked Vessel Questions
How to get to the Vessel? (Once it reopens, of course!) The Vessel is located in Hudson Yards, on Manhattan's west side. There are plenty of subway and bus options nearby.
How much does it cost to climb the Vessel? In the past, there was a small admission fee. Keep an eye out for official updates closer to the reopening.
How many steps are there in the Vessel? This might come in handy if you're training for a marathon – there are a whopping 2,500 steps!
Is the Vessel accessible? The Vessel does have ramps and an elevator for those with accessibility needs, but not all landings are accessible.
Is the Vessel safe? Safety first! The Vessel has strict capacity limits, and there are staff members on hand to keep things in order.
