PHOTOS: Hudson Yards Debuts Shops, Restaurants, Public Spaces

HUDSON YARDS, NY — Hudson Yards, the new mega-development on Manhattan's west side that has been in the works for more than a decade, opened its public spaces, shops and restaurants to the public Friday.

Much of Hudson Yards is still under construction, but the portions opened Friday include a seven-story retail and dining center called the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards and a large five-acre open space that features public art and places for people to gather.

Businesses setting up shop at the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards include: Neiman Marcus, Brooks Brothers, H&M, Lululemon, Sephora, Rolex, Tiffany & Co. and other high-end retail destinations. Notabal chefs such as David Chang, Michael Lomonaco and José Andrés will open dining ventures.

Much of New York City's political set attended Friday's grand opening including City Council Speaker Corey Johson, Senator Chuck Schumer, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. and former two-time MTA Chairman Joe Lhota. Mayor Bill de Blasio was a notable absence. Celebrities such as Carmelo Anthony, Martha Stewart and Anderson Cooper — who helped MC the ceremony — also made an appearance.

"The opening of Hudson Yards is a big day for my district and the entire city," Johnson said in a statement. "I am particularly excited for the good union jobs this project has created and continues to create, the city's tax base expanding as a result of this project and the affordable hosing and the new public spaces and cultural offerings that Hudson Yards will bring to the neighborhood.

Vessel, the artistic centerpiece of Hudson Yards designed Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio, will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Friday. Visitors must reserve tickets up to 14 days in advance to tour the climbable statue comprised of interlocking staircases and platforms.

Check out photos from Manhattan's new neighborhood below: