Climbable sculpture in Hudson Yards in Manhattan closed in 2021 after four people died by suicide
The Vessel, the huge climbable centerpiece of New York’s upmarket Hudson Yards development that saw a number of suicides, is set to reopen later this year with new safety features, according to developers.
The 150ft sculpture, designed by Thomas Heatherwick and built at a cost of $260m, was closed three years ago after four people jumped to their deaths. Besides overall criticism of its design – including descriptions of it as a giant gold shish-kebab rotisserie – the construction was grimly described to the Guardian as “staircase to nowhere”.
Before its closure, Related Companies, the company that controls Hudson Yards, imposed a $10 entrance fee and a rule requiring that visitors do not climb the structure alone. But that plan proved unsuccessful when a 14-year-old boy jumped in front his family.
Sounds like most famous structures in the city. When it was built the locals called it classless and gaudy, including the empire state and wtc. this thing doesn’t do much for me but it’s different and one more thing that makes an aging NYC distinct against new cities with modern architecture. Sure it’s a symbol of wealth and greed. So we’re some of the greatest works left from the Renaissance. However This chapel to euthanasia could be closer to wall Street.