The Vessel, the shimmering, honeycomb-shaped centerpiece of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, is set to reopen to the public this Friday, February 27, 2026, marking its return for the spring season with updated safety configurations.
The 150-foot-tall structure, which became an instant architectural icon upon its debut in 2019, has spent much of its history shuttered following a series of tragic suicides. This latest reopening follows a successful phase-in of extensive safety modifications, including floor-to-ceiling steel mesh barriers designed to prevent further incidents while preserving the landmark’s panoramic views.
A Challenging Path to Reopening
Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the $200 million sculpture consists of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and 80 landings. It first closed in January 2021 after three people died by suicide at the site.
An initial attempt to reopen in May 2021 relied on operational changes including a “buddy system” requiring visitors to enter in groups and a $10 ticket fee to fund increased security rather than using physical barriers. However, the site was closed indefinitely just two months later after a fourth death occurred.
Following years of consultation with safety experts and community boards, developer Related Companies began installing “cut-resistant” steel mesh across the structure’s open-air walkways in 2024.
What’s Open Now
While early reports during the retrofit suggested the summit would remain entirely off-limits, the current reopening plan allows for limited access to the structure’s highest point. According to the official site guidelines for the 2026 season:
- Lower Levels: The first two levels remain fully accessible with a 360-degree walking path.
- Upper Levels: From the second level upward, only areas retrofitted with the protective mesh are open to the public which is roughly half of the original traversable area.
- The Top Level: Visitors can now access a single designated platform on the top level that has been fully secured with safety mesh.
Visiting Information
The Vessel will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are required for all guests, with general admission starting at $10.
In a nod to the local community, New York City residents can reserve free tickets for Thursday visits through the official website, provided they present a valid ID.
“Vessel was always designed to be entered and explored,” a spokesperson for Hudson Yards said. “These physical adjustments allow us to prioritize the safety of every visitor while maintaining the unique experience of the New York skyline.
