On the edge of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, an elevated park rising on the waters of Hudson River opened its doors to new yorkers today.

Little Island, originally called Pier 55, was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and Signe Nielson of the landscape architecture firm MNLA to provide a variety of spaces to experience while enjoying a stunning view of the city from the water.

Built on top of 132 concrete columns shaped like a tulip, the $260 million project is the first new park to open in the city since the pandemic began.

By reserving a time slot, the public will be able to visit Little Island for free to admire its 350 species of flowers, enjoy a show at the 687-seat amphitheatre on the platform, or sit for a meal at one of its central plaza’s premises.