Great Museums: Elevated Thinking: The High Line in New York City

Narrated by actress Susan Sarandon, this hour-long documentary film showcases the High Line, a most unusual and unlikely public park. Since opening in 2009, it has become a top global tourist destination, with nearly 5 million visitors annually.

Since 1998, Great Museums' call to action has been find the museum in your own backyard. The High Line is a perfect example. "The long, narrow High Line is like a gallery in a museum where the city itself is on display," explains co-executive productive Marc Doyle. "You see the Statue of Liberty looking one way and the Empire State building looking the other."

The mile-and-a half-long High Line offers visitors a carefully curated world of woodlands, thickets, prairies and meadows - floating 30 feet in the air - through 22 blocks of Manhattan's West Side. It is like a living museum of plants - a tour de force of public landscaping - carefully curated atop an abandoned elevated railroad that was saved from the wrecking ball. "We filmed the High Line over the course of two years to capture the full glory of all four seasons," says Chesney Doyle, co-executive producer of Great Museums.

"Elevated Thinking" is the story of a grassroots effort, led by Friends of the High Line co-founders Robert Hammond and Joshua David, to buck city hall and save a massive, derelict, mile-and-half-long, freight railway from demolition. Against all odds, they built a coalition of neighbors, real estate developers, philanthropists, and city officials, including the support of the Bloomberg administration. CSX Transportation, which had purchased the High Line 1998, supported the idea of repurposing the High Line and eventually donated the structure to the city. "Many residents thought it was a big, ugly piece of junk in the sky," says Great Museums' Chesney Doyle. "Now it's a model for communities everywhere."

[d.vincentwernham]

I once again enjoyed the privilege of watching this wonderful documentary and then enjoying the Highline in person. As of this writing, the Highline has captivated the hearts of countless visitors for 15 years and hopefully many more. It would be an awesome project to do a follow-up documentary, showing how the Highline has impacted Chelsea and continues to be a "must experience" for vacationers and native New Yorkers! Thank you Robert Hammond, Joshua David and all who contributed to making the Highline a magical experience!

[TheCarole]

I have watched this film for the third time and will watch it again and again. I have never wanted to visit New York but if at 78 I could afford it I would go straight to the High Line and walk as far as I can. To all those involved in thinking of using such a structure this way I salute you.

[d.vincentwernham]

The genius of this documentary and the High Line is timeless! No matter how many times I view this documentary and enjoy the High Line in person, the experience is magically beautiful! In conclusion, these works of art are simply awesome!

[rajsingharora]

Every Time in NYC I walk it again & again wait to revisit my all time fav urban monument in my fav city on the planet just makes you truly happy the High Line.

[d.vincentwernham]

This is an extraordinary documentary about an extraordinary experience! The High Line is a masterpiece in every way!

[butikimbo]

Simply Fantastic Documentary seen from a railways enthusiast from Manchester, Great Britain where a similar project is taking shape and totally inspired by High Line, the latest that i really had no idea fo its background and success. Great work. Thank you for sharing.

[woop]

I’m so happy to have found this documentary of The High Line ♥️ It has become my favorite place to visit whenever I’m in New York. Thank You to all who made this possible.

[RonnieSouthbuckle]

This is a great video. I was very interested in the portion where they described how landscape design takes you on a journey, and how the design of the stairs was made to slow people down, bring them out of the city and into a journey. Fascinating.

[brucelucas]

I honestly found this video beautifully inspiring, how taking something that was looked upon as an eyesore and transforming it into a place of wonderment is truly an amazing accomplishment.🥰😘😁

[MrRolandMichel]

I LOVE the High Line! It truly adds something special to the whole New York Experience. Can not wait to return.

[pacificrules]

I applaud Friends of High Line for harmonizing Preservation and Beauty in one flow. Looks absolutely gorgeous and inviting to the community. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[openlc]

This is such a beautiful and natural looking park. Thumbs up to all the designers and staff.

[hookywooky]

Superbly produced documentary! Shouts of Bravo and deafening applause!

[Andrewjg_]

Elevated walkway is lot better than just closing it down and being unused. This is remarkable.

[teresitanaranja]

Almost 1.5 mile long of walking from N to S of the High Line Park is at first unimaginable but as you walk in unison with the others, feeling tired seem to retract and eventually enjoying the views from left to right. The remnants of Meatpacking District are still present, but transformed to give a unique class of its own.

[diannewi]

Wonderful introduction to the High Line. Thanks!

[margaritacarmona-carriedo]

GORGEOUS! One of my Fav Places of My City! Great Video!

[JohnPaul-lepf]

I live about 200 miles north of NYC. I've walked the High Line a few times, and it's a "must-see" for any occasional visitor to Manhattan. It's a beautiful creation.

[phypastore]

Just beautiful. I was there last weekend and I will go this weekend to another block.  It's truly wonderful.  

[eattherich]

This film is a lovely reminder of my previous two visits with an historical overview for good measure.