The Vessel, a popular climbable sculpture in the Hudson Yards megadevelopment on Manhattan’s west side, will reopen later this year with added safety measures. The closure came after a string of suicides on the structure in 2021, prompting the owners, Related Companies, to implement new steel mesh barriers on several of its stairways and platforms. The top level of the 150-foot structure will remain off limits. The spokesperson did not confirm an exact reopening date but stated that they looked forward to welcoming visitors back later this year.
Designed by Thomas Heatherwick and opened in 2019, the Vessel quickly became a prime tourist destination in New York City. However, after three suicides within a year of its opening, the structure was closed to the public in early 2021. It reopened soon after with enhanced security, suicide prevention signs, and restrictions on hiking up the steps alone. However, it was closed again just two months later after a 14-year-old visitor tragically jumped off the edge. The Vessel has remained closed as developers investigated additional protections, such as netting.
A spokesperson for Related mentioned that the new steel mesh barriers would be cut-resistant and able to withstand outdoor elements without compromising the Vessel’s form or views. Jessica Chait, chair of the Manhattan community board, praised the upgrades but expressed that they should have been implemented sooner. She stated that while it took four lives for these physical adjustments to be made, they are necessary changes to prioritize the safety of all visitors to the Vessel.
The closures of the Vessel following tragic incidents have prompted a reevaluation of safety measures and led to the decision to add steel mesh barriers for increased protection. The Vessel, a significant part of the Hudson Yards neighborhood, will undergo these safety upgrades before reopening to the public later this year. The implementation of these barriers aims to prevent further tragic incidents and ensure the safety of all those who visit the popular tourist attraction.
The community in Manhattan has expressed concerns about the safety of the Vessel and called for additional protections to be put in place. The new steel mesh barriers are seen as a positive step towards addressing these concerns and enhancing the safety of the structure. While it is unfortunate that it took several tragic incidents for these measures to be implemented, there is hope that the upgrades will help prevent future tragedies and make the Vessel a safer environment for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, the reopening of the Vessel with added safety measures is a significant development for the Hudson Yards neighborhood and the city of New York. The new steel mesh barriers will provide increased protection for visitors and address concerns raised by the community. As the Vessel prepares to welcome visitors back later this year, it is hoped that these safety upgrades will help prevent further tragedies and make the popular tourist attraction a safer and more enjoyable experience for all. The importance of prioritizing safety at such attractions is underscored by the tragic incidents that led to the closures and subsequent safety enhancements.
