After a three-year closure following a series of tragic suicides, Manhattan’s renowned Vessel sculpture at Hudson Yards has reopened with new safety measures, including netting aimed at preventing further tragedies. The beehive-shaped structure, known for its stunning architecture and sweeping city views, had become a popular tourist destination before the tragic events forced its closure in 2021.
The reopening on Monday saw around 75 visitors eager to experience the multi-tiered viewing platform, which now features floor-to-ceiling mesh barriers that allow visitors to capture photos but restrict risky access. Despite the added safety precautions, including a ban on solo visits, the eerie memories of the past linger.
The Vessel’s closure followed the suicides of four individuals, including a 14-year-old boy, sparking a public outcry for improved safety measures. Though the new netting partially obstructs views, visitors appreciated the enhanced security and the opportunity to once again explore this towering architectural marvel. For some, like Daniel Palumbo from New Jersey, the new barriers provided an added sense of security: “The netting is good, not only for safety but for people like myself that are afraid of heights.”
While visitors were excited to return, they couldn’t ignore the Vessel’s tragic history. Many hope that these changes will allow the structure to reclaim its place as a cherished landmark without further heartbreak.
