3 Architectural Masterpieces to See in NYC

Alongside its many historical and characteristic buildings, NYC is full of amazing contemporary architecture, designed by some of the world’s most creative and acclaimed architects. With so much to see and do in NYC, it is well worth taking the time to see the architectural masterpieces here.

Here are 3 architectural masterpieces to see in NYC: 


1) World Trade Transportation Hub called “The Oculus”

Located between the World Trade Center’s towers 2 and 3, you’ll find the World Trade Transportation Hub. It was part of the rebuild after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and has become a major transport center and also site to see while in the city. Also known around NYC as The Oculus, the design that went into the railway station and transport center is beautifully created and thought out. Two white arches at the exterior of the station represent two wings of a phoenix, and the light that shines throughout the interior makes being in the station unlike any other. Not only to pay tribute to the 2001 attacks but also to appreciate the construction of the Oculus, this is a must visit while in NYC. 


2) The Vessel

Located in the Hudson Yards you’ll find another masterpiece, The Vessel. The Vessel is a futuristic spiral staircase with 154 flights of stairs, and it looks like it could bring you to another world. It costed over $2 billion to construct, stands at over 150 feet, and to visit this unique private real estate construction you’ll need to reserve tickets ahead of time. It is important to note that the future of the Vessel is uncertain, so whether you can get tickets and explore inside or you can simply visit and appreciate the construction from the outside, it is still worth stopping to see and appreciate while in NYC. 


3) Solomon R Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R Guggenheim Museum is one that most visitors already have on their list to visit while in NYC, but it has to be mentioned here as well. There are only 5 Guggenheim museums around the world, and NYC is lucky to be home to one of them. Designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in NYC is one of Wright’s most standout pieces of work. The museum structure itself is a circular and has a spiral staircase that runs from the skylight down through the museum. It is an all-in experience to start from the top and work your way down the staircase as you take in the architecture of the museum as well as the 600+ incredible works of modern and contemporary art as well as sculptural installations. You’ll find artwork here by Richard Serra, Jeff Koons, Van Gogh, and Picasso just to name a few.

You can visit for $25/adults and $18/students and seniors. 
Have you ever visited any of these places? What was your take on them and would you recommend stopping to see them as well? 

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