Ports : Port of New York and New Jersey is welcoming visitors and workers back to the World Trade Center (WTC)

As New York City continues its recovery, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is welcoming visitors and workers back to the World Trade Center (WTC) campus this spring with a series of exciting new programs and cultural events.

In addition to visiting the iconic WTC Oculus, which features a wide range of appealing retail and dining options, there are many outdoor activities rolling out this spring and summer to entertain visitors as the campus continues its march toward a return to normal after a year-plus of COVID-19.

The campus also features colorful murals, seating at Liberty Park and the blooming Survivor Tree located on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, symbolic of the resilience that is an integral part of the Port Authority, the World Trade Center community and the Lower Manhattan neighborhood experience.

Additionally, in late spring/early summer, the agency and Westfield will further expand outdoor activations at the campus, offering various outdoor food markets and other outdoor family-friendly activities. Earlier this spring, the Oculus floor served as a location for NY PopsUp in partnership with the Guggenheim Museum Performing Arts Series, which featured dance performances from The Masterz at Work Dance Company.

“These activities continue our ongoing commitment to transform the World Trade Center campus into a vibrant public space,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “From art and pop-up performances to the many retail and dining options on campus, we are open and ready to welcome everyone back this spring.”

“We are excited to bring a variety of family-friendly activities to the campus in partnership with Westfield,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Our teams have designed and developed engaging programs that reflect the creativity and resolve that makes New York City and the Lower Manhattan community a great place to visit this spring.”

“We’re delighted to inject some ‘New York cool’ at our World Trade Center campus this spring with new exhibits and art installations, as we remain committed to our promise of creating a dynamic and enjoyable space for all,” said World Trade Center Director Aaron Sherburne.

“As the weather turns warmer, we cannot wait to partner with the Port Authority to bring the Lower Manhattan community new reasons to visit the World Trade Center campus,” says Marco Maldonado, General Manager of Westfield.  “We hope visitors, office workers and our local neighbors will enjoy discovering all the ways you can shop, dine, and play here this spring.”

The schedule of programs and events this spring and summer on the campus is extensive. Here are some of the highlights:

• Oculus Beer Garden is now open Wednesdays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., weather-permitting, at Two World Trade Center Plaza, corner of Church Street and Vesey Street.

• Il Patio di Eataly outdoor seating is open on Cortlandt Way between 3 World Trade Center and 4 World Trade Center, from Sunday to Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Launching April 21, Eataly and Color Factory will present La Pizza & La Pasta A Colori by artist HOTTEA, a new art installation on the ceiling of Eataly’s 4 World Trade Center restaurant. The installation uses the colors of sunrise from New York and Turin (home of the original Eataly) to represent the dawn of a new day after a difficult year, showing hope and solidarity across the world during the unprecedented times.

• On Earth Day, April 22, visitors can stop by the Oculus Plaza from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for 15-minute ‘Composting 101’ sessions, sponsored by the Battery Park City Authority. Participants will learn how to compost with or without a yard using vermiculture, composting with worms. Classes are scheduled for 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

• On April 25, the 9/11 Museum & Memorial will be hosting its annual Nationwide Run/Walk virtually with the goal of running or walking a total of 20,000 miles. Registration is currently open, and more information can be found here: https://runwalk.911memorial.org/

For a full list of events and programming, visit www.officialworldtradecenter.com/events.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity.

The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the State of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit