Apple store opens in NYC's new cathedral of consumerism

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Under this ribbed structure lies the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, a train station and shopping center.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

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.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The station sits adjacent to the September 11th Memorial and the new One World Trade Center tower.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The station links several New York City subway lines to PATH trains to New Jersey.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget, the station opened earlier in 2016.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The giant "Oculus" sits over an open public seating and event space.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

While the retail center opened to the public today, many stores are unfinished.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The Apple Store was one of several new retailers opening to the public for the first time.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Another view of the central area, which today featured a live band.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The open Oculus allows plenty of sunlight into the underground shopping center.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

By noon, the area was packed with shoppers and security.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Just outside the Apple Store was a large seating area for the public.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The view from directly under the Oculus.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

An Apple fan on his way to the new store.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The entire Westfield Center carried a retro-futuristic vibe, complete with these white structural ribs.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Security was extremely tight at the Oculus.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Armed police and guards stood watch on a balcony that was currently closed to the public.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Some of the police were very heavily armed, a common sight in the WTC area.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple fans lined up before the store's official opening.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

While on the other side of the door, press stood by to capture the doors opening for the first time.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Shoppers were allowed into the store first, as the press stood by.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple Store employees took photos of the crowd, who in turn took photos of the store employees.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The first visitors got an Apple Store T-shirt, handed out by cheering employees.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

This Apple Store has the same forum seating and large screen as the new Williamsburg Brooklyn location.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

MacBooks and other Apple gear on display.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

In just a few weeks, this store will undoubtedly be adding the iPhone 7 to its display lineup.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Under glass, the Apple Watch.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

As with all Apple Stores, getting hands-on experience with products is part of the appeal.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

An Apple Watch demo area.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Big-screen iMac all-in-one desktops.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

This Apple Store has a second floor.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

The more relaxed upstairs doesn't have a separate Genius Bar area, but Geniuses are available for hands-on help.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

This wall of live foliage stood out in contrast to the stark white surroundings.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

One of the Apple Store shirts for the first customers.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Apple calls the walls of its new stores "Avenues," to create a boutique-like atmosphere.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

Accessories are easy to grab off of wall shelves.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

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.

Caption by Dan Ackerman / Photo by Sarah Tew/CNET

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