The Oculus

Overview

The Oculus is Santiago Calatrava's breathtaking, wing-shaped transportation hub and shopping mall at the World Trade Center site. Its soaring white steel ribs create one of the most dramatic interior spaces in New York.

Highlights

• The Architecture: The massive, skeletal white steel and glass structure evokes a bird being released from a child's hands, with a central skylight that opens fully once a year on September 11.
• The Interior: A vast, cathedral-like white marble concourse connecting 11 subway lines, the PATH train, and an upscale shopping mall.
• September 11 Skylight: On each anniversary, the skylight opens fully, allowing an unobstructed column of light to flood the interior.

History

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it was completed in 2016 at a cost of nearly $4 billion, making it the most expensive train station ever built. The design was inspired by the image of a child releasing a dove.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The Oculus is a public transit hub — simply walk in to experience the architecture.
• Photography: The symmetrical interior is exceptionally photogenic from the center of the main hall.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.