The High Line is a public park that has been developed on Manhattan’s West Side on an abandoned elevated freight train line. It originally opened to trains in 1934. The growth of trucking in the 50′s led to a significant drop in the usage of freight trains. The last train rode line in 1980. Eventually, it was slated for demolition.
In 1999 Friends of the High Line was formed. They brought community attention to the space and the City of New York took notice. In 2004 the city committed $50 million to help preserve the line and create the mile-and-a-half long public elevated park.
The first section of the New York High Line opened in June 2009. Two years later the second section opened to the public. The landscaping around the park is inspired by the plants that naturally grew there when the area was abandoned.
Friends of The High Line hosts public art projects in and around the park. Since 2009 High Line Art has been displaying beautiful commissioned art pieces, as well as exhibitions and performances. Spencer Finch was commissioned to create the first permanent art installation. “The River That Flows Both Ways” can be seen in the window bays of the former Nabisco Factory loading dock. Each window pane is based on a single pixel in each photograph taken once a minute, by Finch, on a 700 minute journey down the Hudson River.
Some great food can also be found in the park! From tacos, to hot dogs, to popsicles and more! There are plenty of places to sit, eat, people watch, and enjoy the view!
We would love to take you to the New York High Line if you choose one of our New York Guided Tours.
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