
Stranger Things: The Experience
An immersive exhibit in NYC's Oculus featuring thousands of anonymous handwritten stories, evoking a wide range of human emotions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time

Stranger Things: The Experience
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An immersive exhibit in NYC's Oculus featuring thousands of anonymous handwritten stories, evoking a wide range of human emotions.
"A truly unique and deeply impactful experience! This project is a powerful testament to shared humanity."

🎯 Finding the Exhibit
Head to the C2 level of the Oculus, near Sephora. Follow signs for the exhibit.
❤️ Prepare for Emotions
Bring tissues! Many stories are deeply moving and can bring you to tears.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Anonymous Handwritten Stories
World Trade Center Oculus, C2 Level
Thousands of anonymous handwritten secrets and stories from real people, covering walls and creating an immersive emotional landscape.

Interactive Contribution
World Trade Center Oculus, C2 Level
Visitors are encouraged to read the stories and can also contribute their own anonymous handwritten entries.
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Planning Your Visit
Finding The Strangers Project
Prepare for Emotion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Finding the Exhibit
Head to the C2 level of the Oculus, near Sephora. Follow signs for the exhibit.
❤️ Prepare for Emotions
Bring tissues! Many stories are deeply moving and can bring you to tears.
✍️ Share Your Story
There are pens and paper available if you feel inspired to contribute your own anonymous story.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might get lost reading stories for longer than you expect.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Finding the Exhibit
Head to the C2 level of the Oculus, near Sephora. Follow signs for the exhibit.
❤️ Prepare for Emotions
Bring tissues! Many stories are deeply moving and can bring you to tears.
✍️ Share Your Story
There are pens and paper available if you feel inspired to contribute your own anonymous story.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You might get lost reading stories for longer than you expect.
🚶♀️ It's Free to Enter!
Enjoy this impactful experience without any admission cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Strangers Project as a hidden gem in the World Trade Center Oculus, praising its deeply emotional and thought-provoking nature. While many find it incredibly impactful and a powerful testament to shared humanity, some note that it can be difficult to locate within the vast complex. The free admission and the opportunity to contribute personal stories are frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
"This is an exhibition of personal stories shared side-by-side and top to bottom. Some stories will leave you smiling while others tug at your heart strings or break it altogether!… all a stark reminder of our humanity and that it is always possible to be kind."
VioAnne
"This place is absolutely awesome — such a hidden gem! 😍
But one downside: it was really hard to find. 😅
Please consider updating the exact and detailed location on Google Maps and Instagram!
It’s inside the World Trade Center “Oculus” building (not the same one as H&M!).
To find it:
📍 Go to C2 level (Oculus level)
🎥 Follow the path where the videos were taken
➡️ Head in the direction of Sephora, and you’ll get there!"
(박설화)Ivy Park
"Impactful and emotional exhibit. I learned so much about other people and their heartfelt stories. Very unique and thought-provoking experience."
Najeeb Abdullah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Strangers Project is located in the World Trade Center Oculus. Take the subway to the WTC Cortlandt station (1 train) or the World Trade Center station (E train). Once inside the Oculus, head to the C2 level and follow signs towards Sephora; the exhibit is nearby.
The E train stops directly at the World Trade Center station, providing easy access to the Oculus. The 1 train stops at WTC Cortlandt, also a short walk away.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the vicinity of the World Trade Center. However, public transportation is generally recommended due to traffic and parking costs in the area.
The Oculus is a modern building with elevators and escalators, making it generally accessible. The exhibit itself is on a single level within the Oculus.
The Strangers Project is located within the World Trade Center complex, near the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and One World Observatory.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Strangers Project is a free exhibit. You do not need to purchase tickets to enter and experience the stories.
The exhibit's hours generally align with the operating hours of the World Trade Center Oculus. It's best to check the Oculus's official website for the most up-to-date information, as pop-up exhibits can sometimes have variable hours.
The time spent at The Strangers Project can vary greatly depending on how many stories you read. Some visitors spend 20-30 minutes, while others might stay for an hour or more if they get deeply engaged.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to read the stories and can also contribute their own anonymous handwritten entries. Pens and paper are typically provided.
There is no specific age limit mentioned for The Strangers Project. However, due to the mature and emotional nature of some stories, parental guidance may be advisable for younger children.
🎫 🤔 Onsite Experience
The Strangers Project is an exhibition featuring thousands of anonymous handwritten stories shared by people from all walks of life. It aims to connect visitors through shared human experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities.
The stories cover a vast spectrum of human experience, including love, heartbreak, joy, loss, personal struggles, triumphs, and everyday reflections. Some are funny, some are sad, and all are deeply personal.
Yes, many visitors find The Strangers Project to be a very emotional experience. It's common to laugh, cry, and feel a profound sense of connection to the shared humanity on display.
While it's an exhibition, it's more of an immersive art installation than a traditional museum. It focuses on personal narratives rather than historical artifacts.
Photography policies can vary for pop-up exhibits. It's best to look for signage within the exhibit or ask staff. However, the focus is on reading and experiencing the stories, so capturing the essence might be difficult anyway.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies for temporary exhibits can change. It's advisable to check for signage upon arrival or ask a staff member. The primary experience is reading the stories, so focus on that rather than extensive photography.
The sheer volume of handwritten stories covering the walls creates a unique visual. If photography is permitted, the wide shots of the walls filled with text are the most striking.
The opportunity to contribute your own story is a unique aspect. While not a photo op, it's a memorable part of the experience.
Given the potentially low lighting and the focus on text, a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a decent night mode would be suitable if photography is allowed. However, the experience is best absorbed without the lens.
Similar to photography, video recording policies should be confirmed on-site. The intimate nature of reading personal stories might make extensive filming disruptive to others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider previewing some of the stories yourself or guiding your children to age-appropriate sections. It can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding, sparking conversations about feelings and the diverse lives people lead. The interactive element of contributing a story can also be a memorable activity for older children.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🤔 Reflective Solos
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Anonymous Storytelling
For visitors, reading these unvarnished accounts creates an immediate and powerful connection. It's a reminder that despite our individual differences, we share common struggles, joys, and vulnerabilities. The sheer volume of stories, often covering entire walls, creates an overwhelming yet intimate atmosphere, making you feel both a part of something vast and deeply understood.
This project transcends typical art exhibits by actively involving the audience. The invitation to contribute your own story transforms a passive viewing experience into an active participation in a collective human dialogue. It’s a testament to the enduring human need to be heard and to connect with others on a fundamental level.
Navigating the World Trade Center Oculus
Many visitors note that locating specific exhibits within the vast Oculus can be a challenge. The Strangers Project is situated on the C2 level, which is one of the main thoroughfares. Following directions towards well-known stores like Sephora can help guide you to the general area.
When visiting, consider the Oculus as more than just a transit point; it's an experience. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture and the bustling energy of the space before or after immersing yourself in the quiet contemplation offered by The Strangers Project.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit