History Of New York City's One World Trade Center In 60 Seconds

Manhattan’s One World Trade Center, also known as 1 WTC, 1 World Trade Center, and the Freedom Tower, possesses as many names as it does functions. The principal building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex, this Lower Manhattan mainstay opened in 2014, but its history dates farther back. A tourist destination, upscale office building, and a symbol of one city’s resilience, the multi-hyphenate One World Trade Center is about to become your new favorite New Yorker

For decades, the original World Trade Center complex served as one of the finest (and most famous) feathers in New York City’s cap. Since its finalization in the 1980s, the complex served as an international business hub, tourist attraction, and globally recognized symbol of the Big Apple. When the complex was devastated by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, New York mourned the loss of thousands of civilian lives and, it should be said, of the beloved landmarks themselves. Almost immediately following the attacks, proposals to reconstruct the complex began to circulate. By 2002, a plan to memorialize the victims and rebuild the complex started to take shape.

At the heart of this rebuilding effort was One World Trade Center, which was to occupy the complex’s principal role, a position previously held by the South and North Towers, considered the world’s tallest buildings at the time of completion. Architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill was tasked with designing the new building, and in 2013, all 104 floors of his vision were complete. At 1,776-feet high, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the sixth-tallest building in the world. The exterior is made up of a square base and eight soaring isosceles triangles that shimmer with more than 2,000 pieces of prismatic glass. It’s also arguably among the world’s most beautiful buildings.

Of course, it was more than the structure that needed to be rebuilt; the original World Trade Center was known as much for its cultural significance as for its impactful appearance. Described as “the best office address in the world,” the new One World Trade Center counts industry giants like Condé Nast among its tenants. New Yorkers across the city can also enjoy 1 WTC’s colorful light displays, which celebrate different holidays or recognize various causes and events. For a different but equally distinctive view, visit the One World Observatory, an enclosed observation deck situated 1,250-feet above ground that provides elevated vistas of a city that won’t be kept down.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.