The September 11th attacks are marked as the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in US History. For those who were alive on that day, it was a day that will forever remain ingrained into our minds. Following the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan, plans were quickly put into place to reimagine and rebuild the WTC and downtown Manhattan. The idea included a transportation hub that was meant to bring business and people back to the area.
Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the large white building with wing-shaped tips reaching toward the sky is intended to resemble a dove leaving a child’s hands. If you’ve ever been inside the Oculus you know that it is a structure unlike any other. Debuting to the public in 2016, the structure is not only a hub for transportation, but it also includes access points to various downtown attractions and the September 11th Memorial & Museum. Additionally, there’s are over 350,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a visit to the Oculus is unforgettable.
Whether you’re a tourist visiting the Oculus or a native New Yorker hustling and bustling through, it’s impossible not to take in the stunning sunlight that pours in each morning. You can even see the Freedom Tower if you take a look up through the windows. We spent an afternoon in the Oculus to see what bags tourists, New Yorkers, and commuters alike were carrying. Check out a new set of Bags in the Wild below!