Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

New WTC Oculus Becomes 'Instagram Heaven' Amid Mixed Reviews

By Irene Plagianos | March 4, 2016 4:05pm | Updated on March 7, 2016 8:48am
 The Oculus at the World Trade Center transit hub two days before it is set to open to the public, March 1, 2016.
The Oculus at the World Trade Center transit hub two days before it is set to open to the public, March 1, 2016.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Ben Fractenberg

Is it a $4 billion "#wasteofmoney," or a new, inspiring "anchor for the city" ?

In the one day since the World Trade Center Oculus — the soaring centerpiece of the new WTC transit hub — partially opened to the public, the reviews have been mixed, but the reaction seems to be similar: snap a photo for Instagram.

To put it succinctly, love it or hate it, as Instagrammer Jennay_87 said, the expansive, ribbed space is "Instagram heaven."

The massive, curved white steel and marble hub, designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava as a symbol of resilience in the wake of 9/11, has already been praised as a masterpiece and derided as an overpriced dinosaur carcass of a structure.

The question posed by many on social media revolves around its cost. Said to be the most expensive train station in the world, some have asked if it's worth all the money even if it may be somewhat interesting looking.

Or as Instagrammer @vanshnookenraggen said "I ain't saying it isn't nice but it sure isn't worth $4 billion #calatravisty"

Its futuristic, and sparse look has also garnered comment, @kristenmichellenyc called it "eerily sterile."

Taking it a step further, @3vil_genius is already pushing for Star Trek comparisons:

 

WTC : Enterprise is now open #SantiagoCalatrava #wtcoculus #path #ds9 #worf #sisko

A photo posted by 3vilGenius (@3vil_genius) on

Or maybe we're just not ready for its coolness (expressed through "Back to the Future" quotes):

 

I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it. #TheNewNewYork

A photo posted by chris lane (@ctlane1eleven) on

Or maybe it's just really ugly, but so ugly you want to show everyone:

 

#TBT The Oculus the world's most expensive and ugliest train station in NY🗽🚇💸 #theoculus #4billion

A photo posted by Rabely Perez (@rabelyperez) on

Then again, maybe it's one of New York's most inspiring architectural feats.