The World Trade Center Transportation Hub is Manhattan's latest shopping destination, anchored by an all-new Apple Store.
Under this ribbed structure lies the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, a train station and shopping center.
Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the station replaces the transit hub under the original World Trade Center that was destroyed by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack.
The station sits adjacent to the September 11th Memorial and the new One World Trade Center tower.
The station links several New York City subway lines to PATH trains to New Jersey.
Years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget, the station opened earlier in 2016.
The giant "Oculus" sits over an open public seating and event space.
While the retail center opened to the public today, many stores are unfinished.
The Apple Store was one of several new retailers opening to the public for the first time.
Another view of the central area, which today featured a live band.
The open Oculus allows plenty of sunlight into the underground shopping center.
By noon, the area was packed with shoppers and security.
Just outside the Apple Store was a large seating area for the public.
The view from directly under the Oculus.
An Apple fan on his way to the new store.
The entire Westfield Center carried a retro-futuristic vibe, complete with these white structural ribs.
Security was extremely tight at the Oculus.
Armed police and guards stood watch on a balcony that was currently closed to the public.
Some of the police were very heavily armed, a common sight in the WTC area.
Apple fans lined up before the store's official opening.
While on the other side of the door, press stood by to capture the doors opening for the first time.
Shoppers were allowed into the store first, as the press stood by.
Apple Store employees took photos of the crowd, who in turn took photos of the store employees.
The first visitors got an Apple Store T-shirt, handed out by cheering employees.
This Apple Store has the same forum seating and large screen as the new Williamsburg Brooklyn location.
MacBooks and other Apple gear on display.
In just a few weeks, this store will undoubtedly be adding the iPhone 7 to its display lineup.
Under glass, the Apple Watch.
As with all Apple Stores, getting hands-on experience with products is part of the appeal.
An Apple Watch demo area.
Big-screen iMac all-in-one desktops.
This Apple Store has a second floor.
The more relaxed upstairs doesn't have a separate Genius Bar area, but Geniuses are available for hands-on help.
This wall of live foliage stood out in contrast to the stark white surroundings.
One of the Apple Store shirts for the first customers.
Apple calls the walls of its new stores "Avenues," to create a boutique-like atmosphere.
Accessories are easy to grab off of wall shelves.
The WTC Oculus store is the second new Apple Store in NYC this summer, following the first-ever Brooklyn store in Williamsburg, which opened just a few weeks ago.