The Vessel, a 150-foot-tall sculpture at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, is set to reopen later this year with new safety measures, nearly three years after a series of suicides forced its closure. The attraction, featuring a labyrinth of steps and landings, closed after four individuals died by suicide on the structure between 2019 and 2021. The reopening will include the installation of floor-to-ceiling steel mesh on several staircases to enhance safety while preserving the unique visitor experience. Despite concerns about the aesthetic impact of the netting, many visitors expressed support for the safety measures.
The Vessel, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is a central piece of the $25 billion Hudson Yards project, the largest private development in American history. Since before its completion, critics had raised concerns about the safety of the structure, particularly the low railings that could be a risk for potential jumpers. Following the spate of suicides, the developers implemented increased security and other safety measures, but it was not until now that they agreed to install steel mesh enclosures on parts of the attraction. For the DeSalvo family, who lost their son in one of the tragedies, the reopening of the Vessel with the new safety features was seen as inevitable but preventable.
The decision to reopen the Vessel comes after months of deliberation and consideration for additional safety measures. The netting and barriers are intended to prevent future tragic incidents while allowing visitors to continue to enjoy the structure. Despite concerns over the impact on the Vessel’s appearance, many visitors and observers view the safety measures as necessary and overdue. With the top level of the Vessel remaining closed, the safety enhancements aim to strike a balance between maintaining the attraction’s appeal and ensuring visitor safety.
While the Vessel’s reopening is a hopeful sign for many, the memories of the tragic suicides that led to its closure still linger. The DeSalvo family and others impacted by the deaths of their loved ones on the structure continue to advocate for increased safety measures and awareness around suicide prevention. As visitors prepare to return to the Vessel, the importance of mental health resources and support for individuals in crisis remains at the forefront. Resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and SpeakingOfSuicide.com are available for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or seeking help for themselves or a loved one. As the Vessel reopens with new safety measures, the hope is that it can continue to be a place of enjoyment and reflection for visitors while prioritizing the well-being of all who experience it. So, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have a loved one who is severely depressed, there are resources available to help guide you through this difficult time.
