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The Oculus. WOW. It was everything! Beautiful clean mall close to 9/11 memorial with so much history. I felt such a big sense of community here. Our hotel was across he street so we came over several times. If you're visiting and/or in the area this is a must to stop by.
I didn't go for the shops I went for the history I found a door that is still intact from 9/11 and the original corridor as well. It gives the history of that area on the walls. Most people don't notice this stuff
A nice little mall near the 9/11 Memorial. A variety of stores and small eats, as well as public bathrooms. The design is quite alluring, and there is a store for everyone here. And again, relatively, or at least as much as one could expect, clean bathrooms.
Another relatively new landmark in nyc that's across from the World Trade Center. It symbolizes a new hope for nyc; the structure is stunning! If you happened to go to the 911 museum or the tour, would suggest to check this place out or if you need a bathroom break or get a drink. It's also a big transportation hub.
We visited Oculus World Trade Center and were impressed by both the architecture and the atmosphere. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is the centerpiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and is famous for its striking white ribs that resemble a bird taking flight. The interior is bright, spacious, and filled with natural light, making it feel more like a modern art gallery than a transit station. What we liked most was simply walking through the space and taking in the design. Beyond being a transportation hub, it connects shopping, dining, and several transit lines, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lower Manhattan.
A striking architectural marvel right at the WTC. To me, it's symbolic of hope, strength, growth and healing post 9-11. The last time I visited, this was not here so it was amazing to see this structure up close. Instead of another typical mall, this is a beautiful addition to this area. I recommend checking it out inside and outside. Love that there is a subway stop directly to this mall.
This 800,000 sq. ft. structure is a transportation hub for PATH trains and houses the Westfield mall. At a cost of over $4 billion to construct, this building is visually appealing on the outside, but jaw droppingly impressive on the inside. You don't really get an appreciation for the sheer size and scope of this place until you first walk through the door and then gape in awe at how large, open, and beautifully designed the Oculus truly is. The main floor houses a variety of high-end retailers and dining options. While the platforms connect various subways and PATH stations. Additionally, various events are held within the Oculus including art exhibits, musical performances, retail events as well as a farmer's market. Fun fact about the Oculus: the structure's exterior steel ribs reaching up and out is symbolic of a hand releasing a dove. While the interior has a huge skylight, allowing light to fill the massive space as a memorial to the attacks on the twin towers. This light symbolizing a brightness that continues to shine through after the darkness of the tragedy.
We stopped in here while in the area. Its a good place to rest and use the restrooms and if you are up for it there are also tons of stores to shop at. The best thing is the cool architecture.
It serves as shopping mall, train station, and connection to the WTC museum and memorial. Quite a design and architectural style. It's definitely a new landmark that on the WTC ground and reminded us the history and the rise of the new horizons. The inside is just huge & spectacular and very bright too. Just a wonderful place to be at and to reminds of the past and look forward to the future.
Shopping Center and an architectually stunning space in the World Trade Center. I don't know how many stores encompass this space but there are many. There's lots going on here: *PAC, Performance Arts Center where A Christmas Carol is currently playing *Walkway to Brookfield Center--high end shops *Easy access to several MTA train lines and the Path In the summer, they'll run movie nights as well as other events. Sam Edelman and Sephora are two of my go to shops here. Love shopping at Oculus especially on a rainy day.
I love the architecture of the Oculus. It is rather spellbinding when you first walk into the structure. The site serve as a transportation area as well as shopping and eating to one's content.
We visited here on our way to the 9/11 Memorial and what struck me was the enormous size of this structure. The stark white simplicity of the silhouette felt like a skeleton and then waves of commuters would wash through as trains arrived and then disappear. Definitely unique and nothing in comparison in my experience to the size and feel of this space.
The Oculus is hands down one of my favorite buildings in NYC. Since this month marks the 10 year anniversary since opening - it was about time I wrote a review. As a longtime Lower Manhattan resident, I've admired it since day one of its opening -- and it never stops impressing me. Officially the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, this massive transit station and shopping destination stands as a powerful symbol of New York City's resilience after 9/11. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the structure was envisioned to resemble a bird being released from a child's hand -- a beautiful representation of hope and rebirth. When you step inside, you truly feel that symbolism. The scale alone is breathtaking. Built with approximately 11,500 tons of structural steel and rising 160 feet tall, the soaring white ribs create one of the most stunning interior spaces in the city. It feels open, airy, and almost cathedral-like. One of the most meaningful features is the preserved slurry wall -- a remnant of the original World Trade Center built in the 1960s to hold back the Hudson River. Seeing it integrated into the space is a powerful reminder of history and endurance. Yes, it cost around $4 billion and took 12 years to complete (opening in March 2016 after significant delays), but in my opinion, it was absolutely worth it. The result is extraordinary. Functionally, it's a major transit hub -- the third-largest in NYC -- serving over 250,000 commuters daily. It seamlessly connects the PATH trains to New Jersey with 12 NYC subway lines, making it incredibly convenient. Beyond transportation, it houses the Westfield World Trade Center mall, with over 350,000 square feet of retail and dining. Whether you're grabbing something quick at the food court (which has tons of variety) or browsing shops like Apple, Eataly, Hugo Boss, Moleskine, Longines, Charles Tyrwhitt, Kiehl's, Swatch, Goldenbar, Pure Liquid, and more -- something for everyone. Best of all, it's free to visit and open 24 hours a day (store hours vary). Even if you're not commuting or shopping, it's worth stopping by just to take in the architecture. The Oculus isn't just a station -- it's an experience. A true NYC landmark.
I cannot stop coming here ever since the Oculus was built. It smells very clean and nice every time I'm here. Nice getaway to be away from the streets. Everything is connected through the oculus, the MTA, path trains, freedom tower, and Brookfield mall so you don't need to wander outside in the cold or hot air outside. Bathrooms are all around you at each end of every level. The bathrooms used to be cleaner but not so much now. Flushing is kind of tough and very short lived. I have to flush it twice to get the toilet to flush the waste down. Also some soap dispensers are missing soap. Sometimes the bathrooms emit some smell that is off putting. Other than that, the Oculus itself is very dinosaur like with its architecture. It's like a dragon's den or an extinct dinosaur where you walk inside the skeleton. I heard that the whole architecture is made out of marble imported from Italy so you know it's expensive and fancy. Sometimes walking this mall can trip you since the floors or super sleek and smooth that can create falls so better watch out. There are elevators and escalators for immobile access. Other than that long walks to get from point A to point B. read more
1 year ago
This is a really interestingly designed building that is a mall and access to the WTC train station. There are shops and dining within, as well as a large center area. Definitely worth stopping in to view it. read more
This is an impressive structure to see in person. Even if you don't feel like shopping, go inside and check out its all-white interior with metal ribs. It resembles a dove or the interior of a whale skeleton. World Trade Center Station (nicknamed "Oculus") is one of the most interesting architecture designs of the modern age. It is a space for shopping, eating and catching the subway or train. It is located near the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Freedom Tower. Oculus is a transportation hub that took 14 years to complete at a cost of $4 billion. It is the world's most expensive train station. The transportation hub itself lies beneath the Oculus. Oculus (Latin word for "eye") opened in 2016 and replaces the original PATH station that was destroyed during the 9/11 attacks. I remember visiting Manhattan after 9/11 and seeing the temporary station that was put in place for a few years after the attacks. When I saw Oculus in person for the first time, I was pretty amazed by its design and how large it is. I love going inside the Oculus and watching all the people walk around on the lower concourse. It is one of the coolest structures I have ever been in. Oculus has over a 100 retail stores and restaurants if you want to walk around and explore more. read more
3 years ago
The Oculus is a pretty cool structure looking building from the outside. It is home to many different stores/ coffee shops and a big Transit hub. read more
The Oculus (est 2016) is a transportation hub and a shopping center as well as one of New York city's tourist landmarks. It has subway lines, the World Trade Center PATH station, and dozens of retailers. The structure's orientation serves as a lasting reminder of the attacks of September 11, 2001. The architectural design is a the brain child of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. If you look carefully from a distance the building resemble a dove leaving a child's hands. Overall, AMAZING architecture. read more
2 years ago
This was built after I moved from New York City in December 2011, so I did not know it was there. I was in New York City for a few days walking around, ran into an old friend and she mentioned visiting the Oculus. I really like the very modern almost Space Age architecture of this building. The inside is as equally cool as the outside. The only thing I will say is that this architecture doesn't really fit the style of the Wall Street buildings that surround it. read more
The "Oculus" is the transportation complex and shopping hybrid in downtown Manhattan and is part of the 911 Memorial area. Designed by Valencian architect Calatrava, it showcases his signature "dinosaur bones" and preference for curved, white spaces. The dimensions of the spaces are awe-inspiring. There are many high-end shops and some restaurants, as well as subway stations and station to take the PATH trains to NJ. Beautiful, sleek, aspirational and very 21st Century, it deserves to be explored and visited often. read more
The Oculus is a beautiful transit hub (PATH station and connections to 12 subway lines), built by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It's also a mall (lots of dining and shopping retailers). It's mostly underground but it's still incredibly light and bright given the number of windows on the ceiling. It's an incredible piece of architecture, meant to be a lasting reminder of the attacks on 9/11 (it is in alignment with the sun's angles on 9/11 from 8:46 am - when the first plane struck - until 10:28 am - when the second tower collapsed). Whether you're there to do some shopping or you just happen to be commuting through/to it, definitely take a minute and stop to appreciate the architecture (from the inside and the outside). It's pretty incredible. read more
1 year ago
The Oculus is hands-down one of the coolest buildings I've ever stepped foot into, and is arguably the coolest. From the outside, you're struck by the amazing spiral architecture, and once you're inside, you're amazed by the cleanliness and opulence. I didn't even do much shopping here, but I simply loved walking around the building and taking it all in. It looks so cool at night as well! read more
Amazing structure, building and architecture that must be seen. Located adjacent to the 911 Memorial. Although this a a shopping and dining area, the building and architecture has to be seen. Many retail shops, eateries, bars located underground but great ambiance. Check out this building, architecture and lighting- so awesome! read more
3 years ago
The Oculus is an architectural masterpiece that houses a Westfield shopping mall and a major transit hub. I frequented its subway lines and PATH - super convenient! The interior always looked spacious, bright, and clean. Cute pop-up shops and high foot traffic kept the area lively. I got to sit on GoT's Iron Throne when it was here :) Also, the 9/11 Memorial Museum & Pool and One World Trade Center are within walking distance! read more
The whole area around the WTC feels like a massively blended together park. I didn't get the purpose of this building originally of this sight but I guess it's just a structure that houses some shops and an entrance for the subway. This was our regular hub when we wanted to get across the city vs taking an Lyft/taxi across town. You really can't miss Oculus when you're outside as it looks like something outside a sci fi movie or the remains of a large dinosaur. Inside there are a bunch of shops and just a large open area. I see from some of the pictures people have posted that they probably have some cool pop up vendors based on time of the year. For us, it was just a way for us to get to the subway and the shops were OK read more
3 years ago
I love the concept of the oculus. I love the shopping and the food options. The design for me is questionable, trying to get from the Path Train to the subway whether it be the 4 or 5 or sometime the A can be a nightmare in the morning, the direction that people take because of the way the space was designed. It is just crazy with as many people that flow through that space. Not sure who designed the space but the road and parking lots at Westfield mall in Brandon Florida were equally crazy and created a nightmare during the holidays. read more
This is a great place to get some shopping done! But be sure to bring your wallet. The stores are super expensive. However if you need something out of convenience they do have Walgreens or even Starbucks. The place was super clean and safe! read more
Easily the coolest and most futuristic-looking train station in New York! I have been here both as a tourist, and as a commuter when I was visiting my company's HQ in New York. Even if you're not here to shop, getting photos here at the Oculus are a good reason to visit, especially if you're planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial while you're here. The architecture, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is absolutely mesmerizing. I really came to appreciate the station more when I learned that it was designed with the concept of hope, and that the structure itself is the portrayal of a bird about to take a flight from the hands of a child. It took 14 years to build and opened in February of 2016. I can definitely see the intention of this structure, and it is beautiful. My boyfriend took his sweet time taking multiple photos on our first visit here. Visit here if you can! read more
Absolutely stunning. The Oculus is a major transportation hub, as well as a shopping center. Lots of really nice places to shop and spend a number of hours. Oculus is a Latin word for "eye" and when standing at the bottom can understand why it's called Oculus. It's so clean, peaceful and felt safe with all the amount of people walking thru. We walked through this, as it exited from the One World Trade Center. read more
4++ an absolute architectural marvel located in the financial district (right next to the 9/11 memorial) in south Manhattan. As a tourist, I think it is a must visit, especially if you are already visiting the memorial. As a local, it houses lots of high-end shopping and acts as a transport hub. The design was from architect Santiago Calatrava and was inspired by a child's hand letting go of a dove. It truly is beautiful to look at inside and out. Also, I think it was used in a scene from either John Wick two or three where there was a chase between Keanu and Common, lol. It's close to Eataly and a lot of other cool restaurants and eateries because technically it's a mall. And the only downside is that there are (or at least were when I was there) heavily armed guards walking through with assault rifles. But that's just the world we live in at the moment, unfortunately. If you're visiting or live in New York, I definitely think it's worth a trip. read more
3 years ago
This is the place I usually visit because I've got a transfer here, or because it's the closest subway stop to the 9/11 memorial. While it's great for pictures, the Oculus is mainly like any other Westfield mall - clean, spacious, and filled with consumer boutique shops. It's easily accessible through countless trains and pedestrians entrances, which is nice. There's also a cute animal cycling sculpture that you can take a picture on (might have a waiting line though). read more
This was a very clean looking building both inside and outside. Besides it being a transportation hub where I was able to catch several different subway lines (e.g. 1, 4, and the PATH) during my most recent visit to NYC, there was also quite a few number of shops and restaurants inside. It was pretty much a more modern version of the famous Grand Central Station. Each time that I've been through here, I would see a lot of people in here just taking photos. They currently had the Wildlife Wonders sculptures outside in the plaza. read more
11 months ago
Arrived on the train from midtown to visit 9/11 memorial. Visually stunning but a little confusing to follow signs. read more
2 years ago
TRANSPORTATION HUB. Besides being one of the World's most expensive Train Stations the OCULUS is also a major Shopping & Dining destination. Designed by the SPANISH Architect SANTIAGO CALATRAVA whose design represents a Winged Bird. The OCULUS opened in 2016. WORTH VISITING. read more
2 years ago
I understand that Oculus was conceived to pay tribute to the idea of renewal and rebirth. This idea was important to Santiago Calatrava (the architect); that's why it was situated near the Trade Center's Ground Zero. Tip: Oculus is worth a visit so that it can put you in awe of what humanity is capable of building. It's truly amazing to look upon :-) This location is not only awe inspiring; it's also a subway terminal. That makes it very easy to get to. It also has a number of fun things to do close by as well. Let's consider the building; the structure is nothing short of amazing, and it's beautiful both outside and in. It's a must-visit site for visitors to New York City, especially those interested in the World Trade Center and/or the Financial District. It provides access to both the NY subway and the Westfield WTC mall; regardless though, it's a completely awesome place to visit! Situated very close to the 9/11 Memorial, Oculus opened in 2016 after twelve years of work. The building was a component of NYC's plan to rebuild the Wolrd Trade Center after the 9/11 attack. read more
The Oculus houses a transit station that has 12 subway lines passing through and has various stores/boutiques/retailors. They even have farmers' markets, musical performances, and art exhibits that occur on a weekly basis. I really liked the architecture, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava - the white metal-clad steel 'ribs' that create a dome-like structure is supposed to symbolize a hand releasing a dove - how cool is that? If you stand on top of the stairs on one side, you can get a nice picture of the top - the lights also change to different colors. We stopped by often to shop around as well as to dine while we were in the area - it was super convenient as it was walking distance from where we were staying at. +transit center +Westfield WTC read more
My first time at The Oculus! What a stunning structure; I read that architect Santiago Calatrava intended it to be a dove leaving a child's hands. And it does! Walking up to The Oculus on the outside, you see the spread of the wings. Once inside, it's even more impressive. I stood at the very top at one end and took a video. I'll post the video below. Just to think, it's a shopping, dining, and transportation hub. You can shop in this beautiful building, meet friends for dinner, and it's so convenient you can hop on the train home! Also, there are weekly events, like entertainment, artist displaying their work, and special projects. The Stranger Project caught my attention; It was a project where anonymous people wrote secrets about their life, or some wrote about bullying or how they felt about themselves. I'll post some of the writings below. I was here for about five hours, not shopping, to be honest. It's the look and feel of this beautiful place that kept me here. I met people and sat down at the unique places to eat and people-watch. Tip, because I had a guy stop me and ask me this question. So, If you come inside the Brookfield end, which is beautiful! Go to the second floor, take the escalator down, and the doors will open to The Oculus. It's the most beautiful thing! And I'll post pictures of how to get to the other side. I hope this helps, and please visit. read more
3 years ago
A pretty big building with "wings" on both sides. It was Memorial Day weekend when we were there so the American flag was hung at both ends inside the building. It is quite cavernous inside with high ceiling. There are many shops and some eateries here too. Restroom can be quite busy at times. On Friday there is a smorgasbord at the WTC plaza next to it where you can try international and ethnic cuisines from the various vendors. There are also elephant sculptures around the building installed in 2023. The one I saw was by Gillie and Marc and it was of the Rabbitwoman and elephant. The subway is linked to it too. read more
This man-made beauty opens your eyes and you won't want to blink. Constructed so elegantly this can be admired from all angles, inside and out. Just come and take a look. It's a wonder why this type of architecture isn't all over NYC... just throwing that out there. read more
2 years ago
Such a great experience! I love NYC and this is a must see~ lots of history at ground zero! read more
This shopping center has a very unique architecture. I was very impressed with it. Everything is white to give a clean feel. Very convenient to get here by subway. I definitely recommend this while visiting Ground Zero area read more
Transportation hub, shopping center & architectural masterpiece representing Nyc's resilience & strenght to rise again after 9/11~ makes the Oculus worth a visit. Rain or shine there's something to do around this area. There are artwork/ wall art just outside making it a good backdrop to take pictures especially on a sunny day. There are also lots of shopping to do inside. Its not that crowded everytime i visit. Bathrooms are clean & you can easily catch a lot of trains from here which makes it very accessible. Tourist or native New yorkers this place is a must see! read more
I thought it was just a sculpture from the outside but the fact that it's a shopping mall makes this the coolest mall I've even been in. I absolutely love the all white esthetic and that the subway train 1 is literally right there underneath the street entrance - that makes it so convenient with quick easy access for an easy commute to Penn Station, Times Square, etc. Unfortunately I didn't have time to explore all of the shops but was impressed with what I did see. The Apple Store was convenient for charging up my phone that had nearly died. Can't wait to go back to really explore & shop here. read more
We first stumbled into this eye-catching architecture when we visited the 9/11 Memorial. It's a wonderful sight. An absolute photo op not only for the structure itself, but also the animal sculptures and murals around it. Inside is a shopping mall with a huge expanse of space in the middle. We stopped by the Apple Store and the restrooms every time we visit. But this past weekend we were here for the Genshin Impact Summer Festival. Despite the 4 hour wait due to over 1000 attendees, we had a fun and unique experience on this visit. A must stop if you visit downtown Manhattan. read more
3 years ago
The Oculus definitely has awesome architectural design and it's both a transit hub and shopping mall. The stores are for the most part, high end. During the holidays, they have it nicely decorated and this year, they had a roller-skating rink. It's very close to the WTC Memorial and if you work in one of the connecting buildings, you wouldn't have to go outside to catch the train or enter the building. read more
The Oculus is probably one of the more impressive architectural designs within the city. Located right next to World Trade Center, Ground Zero, and the 9/11 museum. The Oculus is super clean and there are helpful people at the information desk if you have any questions about the shops or area. I'm typically down here to catch the PATH train or use the restrooms when I'm downtown. Pro tip: The apple store is a great place to recharge if your phone is dying. read more
Oculus is one of my frequent spots in downtown Manhattan and every time I am here, I discover new interesting stores! The stores are usually open by 9-10am and the main center never closes, because it connects to MTA subways and New Jersey PATH trains. If you're hungry, there is something for everyone's tastebuds. And if the Oculus shopping stores bore you or don't meet your wallet expectations, Brookfield Plaza Mall is walking distance via tunnel. Oculus is definitely a New York landmark. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Reading some of these reviews both made me not want to come here and made me want to come here even more, if that makes any sense. I get being outraged at our culture for taking a site that has immense tragedy and turning it into a mall. I think about how I felt that day and the months following and the fear, sadness and tragedy of it all. However, I can't help but also think about how I was supposed to visit the area on that day, to go to Century 21, and buy some new clothes for my new life in NYC. So when I hear people say that it's more of a revitalization of it's previous life, a way of taking back what was stolen, that does make me feel better about it's mall-ness. And anyway, we were going to take the PATH train from Newark, since we were staying in FiDi, so I'd have to come through here anyway. I also made the mistake of wearing new loafers on this trip, so to the Under Armor store I went to get some walking shoes. I think the architecture is beautiful. Is it practical? Is it the best structure I've ever seen in my life? No and no. But it's fun and I can see why people like to take pictures in and of it. The inside is confusing AF and it took us quite some time to find our way around but I feel like this was done on purpose. Do I think this is a destination that you must see when in NYC? No. Do I think it's a nice place to hang out if you're in the area? Yes. read more
Stopped by on a tour with younger sibling to see the beautiful architecture. Located across the street from the 9/11 memorial, it was worth a stop to and check it out. It is a commercial space with lots of retail shops. The subway also runs through this location, so if you're looking to visit the oculus itself or the 9/11 memorial this is the closest stop. This facility also has clean restrooms and a charging space. It's a great pit stop if you're looking for a space to duck in for a few minutes. read more
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