Gwyneth Paltrow's "holistic, immersive retreat" nestled in the Meatpacking District has left some visitors feeling anything but relaxed. The Hollywood star's complimentary "seasonal installation," titled "The Forest Within," at Genesis House—a venue also housing a Korean restaurant—promises to be "a rejuvenating and multi-sensory wellness journey." However, some devotees of the Goop queen have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming they endured a lengthy wait for an underwhelming experience that was over before they knew it.
According to a press release, the experience "escorts guests on an immersive voyage centered on Korean heritage, nature, and design." Inspired by the profound cultural significance of nature, Paltrow's visionary concept transforms Genesis House into a tranquil forest, abundant with natural elements and adorned with symbolic depictions of Korean wildlife, notably the Tiger, revered as a guardian spirit in Korea.
Yet, one visitor lamented, "The entire experience took just five minutes to walk through," griping about the absence of seating to savor the mediocre projections. "Not worth the detour," the online critic added. Another commented, "Stunning visuals, but literally two minutes long."
Others groaned about the excessively long queues for such a fleeting encounter. "After a 40-minute wait, this was rather disappointing," one individual posted online. Representatives for Paltrow did not promptly respond to a request for comment. The installation will remain open until June 29.
