Opening Ceremonies

On Friday, March 15th, Hudson Yards, New York’s newest neighborhood officially opened to the public, marking a historic moment for the city.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was master of ceremonies for the Grand Opening program, which included remarks from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer; Stephen M. Ross, Chairman of Related Companies; Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York; Blake Hutcheson, Chair of Oxford Properties Group and President of OMERS; and Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio. Afterward, they were joined on stage by the beloved Big Bird who helped lend a hand for the confetti cannon. 

Live performances by singer/ songwriter Andra Day; Dancers of The Ailey School; and the National Chorale, The Professional Performing Arts High School Choir, marked the extraordinary occasion.

One hundred notable New Yorkers—civic leaders and Broadway stars, sports and cultural icons and fashion designers, media personalities and artists, chefs and corporate heads—gathered in in the Public Square and Gardens before taking the inaugural walk up Vessel.

First walkers included José Andrés, Carmelo Anthony, Daniel Arsham, Tony Danza, Roger Goodell, Robert Hammond, Thomas Keller, Steven Kolb, Henry Kravis, Padma Lakshmi, Michael Lomonaco, Curtis Martin, Debi Mazar, Bill Pederson, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Hilary Rhoda, Adam Silver, Martha Stewart, Adam Weinberg and Ali Wentworth.