The Oculus is a building in New York City that serves as the main transportation hub for the World Trade Center site. It was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2016. The building is located in Lower Manhattan and serves as a hub for the PATH rapid transit system, as well as various other modes of transportation, including buses, ferries, and the New York City Subway. The Oculus is known for its unique and distinctive design, which features a large, white, steel structure with a ribbed, wing-like shape. The building has a large, open atrium that serves as a public space and provides access to the various transportation options. In addition to its transportation functions, the Oculus also contains retail space and a food court.
How to Visit the Oculus at the World Trade Center in NYC
Here are some steps you can follow to visit the Oculus at the World Trade Center in New York City:
- b The Oculus is open to the public every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is a good idea to check the schedule of the transportation options that you plan to use, as their schedules may vary.
- Get to the Oculus: The Oculus is located in Lower Manhattan, near the World Trade Center site. You can get there by taking the PATH train, the New York City Subway, a bus, a ferry, or by driving and parking in a nearby parking garage.
- Explore the Oculus: Once you arrive at the Oculus, you can explore the building’s large, open atrium and visit the various retail stores and food options located inside. You can also access the various transportation options available at the Oculus, such as the PATH train, the New York City Subway, and buses.
- Take in the sights and sounds: The Oculus is a unique and visually striking building, and it is worth taking some time to appreciate its design and features. You can also enjoy the hustle and bustle of the transportation hub as you watch people coming and going.
- Leave the Oculus: When you are ready to leave, simply follow the signs to the transportation option you will be using to depart the Oculus. Make sure to check the schedule and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
20 Facts about The Oculus NYC
Here are 20 facts about the Oculus in New York City:
- The Oculus is a shopping mall and transportation hub located in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
- It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2016.
- The Oculus is known for its distinctive architecture, featuring a large, white steel structure that resembles a bird in flight.
- The mall is named after the Latin word for “eye,” and the design of the building was inspired by the form of an eye.
- The Oculus covers an area of 365,000 square feet.
- It is home to over 100 retail stores and restaurants.
- The mall is located at the World Trade Center site and is connected to several subway lines and the PATH train.
- The Oculus is the hub for the PATH train, which provides public transportation to New Jersey.
- The mall features a large atrium, with a skylight that allows natural light to flood the space.
- The Oculus is home to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which honors the victims of the September 11th attacks.
- The mall has a total of 13 escalators and 4 elevators.
- The Oculus has a “green roof” that helps to reduce the heat island effect and improve air quality.
- The mall’s steel structure weighs approximately 1,200 tons.
- The Oculus has received criticism for its high cost, which exceeded its original budget by over $2 billion.
- Despite its controversies, the Oculus has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
- The mall hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, including art installations and fashion shows.
- The Oculus is the first building in the United States to receive the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s “Best Tall Building Americas” award.
- The mall’s design has been compared to that of the Sydney Opera House and the Louvre Pyramid.
- The Oculus has been featured in several films and TV shows, including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.”
- The Oculus has been praised for its innovative design and its role as a transportation hub, but it has also been criticized for its high cost and its function as a corporate-controlled space.
