The Oculus, New York - all you need to know

Right next to the Ground Zero memorial, you’ll be able to admire the striking Westfield shopping centre, which also serves as the main underground interchange in Lower Manhattan.

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The centre, with 125 shops, opened in 2016 and immediately became the largest shopping centre in Manhattan. Most of the shops are located underground, and the main iconic building also houses the central underground interchange, where six lines intersect.

The iconic Oculus building

The Westfield shopping centre certainly doesn’t just attract shopaholics or underground passengers; it also captures the attention of the general public. The reason for this is the highly extravagant yet subtle and graceful main roof structure, also known as The Oculus Building.

The building depicts a snow-white dove of peace and is intended to symbolise coming to terms with the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, which took place at this very spot.

The structure consists of gently curved white steel ‘ribs’ that rise from the ground, resembling the wings of a dove. It was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.