Westfield World Trade Center helped celebrate the 10th anniversary of retail at the World Trade Center Oculus on August 7.
A re-dedication ceremony on the morning of was an exclusive event that featured an official ribbon-cutting and the highly anticipated unveiling of “TEN IN BLOOM.” The larger-than-life floral installation designed by the world-renowned Fleurs de Villes honored the 10 days of the Oculus being filled with celebratory energy, live music, local art programming, interactive retailer pop-ups, and social media giveaways.
The renowned architectural landmark that showcases premier dining and shopping as well as being a vital transportation hub in Lower Manhattan was also a day that kicked off “OCULUS 10: Celebrating 10 Years of Shopping, Dining & Connection.”
“This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the opening of retail at the Oculus, a milestone that celebrates how far this destination has come over the past decade,” said Marco Maldonado, Senior General Manager of Westfield World Trade Center.
“What began as a bold vision has grown into one of New York City’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, culture, and community, welcoming millions of commuters, residents, workers, and visitors each year. Designed as a symbol of hope and renewal, The Oculus continues to reflect the resilience and spirit of Lower Manhattan, and we are proud to celebrate ten years of creating memorable experiences alongside our retailers, partners, and the community we serve.”
During the celebration, visitors can toast to the occasion while exploring more than 80+ shopping and dining destinations, including Chef Daniel Boulud’s Épicerie Boulud, Eataly NYC Downtown, and Gansevoort Liberty Market, or discover premier retailers such as Apple, Sephora, Banana Republic, Aesop, and Swarovski.
The milestone anniversary comes at a time of tremendous momentum for Westfield World Trade Center. The center continues to strengthen its position as Lower Manhattan’s premier shopping, dining and lifestyle destination with more than 88,000 square feet of new retail and lifestyle leasing. This spring, the campus welcomed Chick-fil-A and Calzedonia, will soon welcome a new UNIQLO location, and has signed Glasshouse, a nearly 70,000-square-foot event venue that will host corporate gatherings, brand activations and large-scale experiences.
Standing 160 feet tall, the Oculus was designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a set of hands releasing a dove, serving as a permanent symbol of hope for New Yorkers following the events of September 11, 2001. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s forward-moving vitality.
