The High Line

Overview

The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park built on a historic freight rail line 30 feet above the streets of Manhattan's West Side, combining innovative landscape design, public art, and dramatic urban views.

Highlights

• The Architecture: Views of Frank Gehry's IAC building, Zaha Hadid's 520 West 28th, and Jean Nouvel's 100 11th Avenue — a world-class architectural parade.
• The 10th Avenue Square: A stadium-like seating area with a giant window looking down onto 10th Avenue traffic below like a living screen.
• Wildflower Meadow: The northern section features naturalized wildflower plantings inspired by the original self-seeded landscape that grew on the abandoned tracks.

History

The elevated railway was built in the 1930s to lift dangerous freight trains off the streets. Abandoned in 1980, it was saved from demolition by community activists. The park opened in three phases between 2009 and 2014, designed by James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

Visitor Tips

• Direction: Walk south-to-north (starting at Gansevoort Street near the Whitney Museum) for the best progression of views.
• Sunset: The western exposure makes the High Line spectacular at sunset, especially from the 10th Avenue Square.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.