National September 11 Memorial & Museum | Manhattan

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a deeply significant site located at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, dedicated to honoring the victims and the events surrounding the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as the earlier 1993 World Trade Center bombing. It offers a place for remembrance, reflection, and education, and stands as a symbol of resilience and recovery.

The 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial consists of two large, square reflecting pools, each set within the original footprints of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. These pools, which are the largest man-made waterfalls in North America, provide a calming atmosphere amidst the city’s bustle and are the central feature of the memorial.

Reflecting Absence Design: The memorial's design, titled Reflecting Absence, was created by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The pools are framed by bronze parapets, which are inscribed with the names of the 2,977 victims of the 2001 attacks, including those who perished in the attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard the hijacked planes. Additionally, the memorial includes six individuals who lost their lives in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

The Names: The names of the victims are arranged in a way that reflects their personal and professional connections, such as grouping the names of people who worked together in the same companies, or those who were on the same flights. The process of selecting the name placements was carried out with great care to honor the relationships and connections among the victims.

The Survivor Tree: At the site of the memorial, there is a Callery pear tree, known as the Survivor Tree. The tree, which was severely damaged during the attacks, was recovered from the rubble and nursed back to health. Today, it stands as a symbol of survival and hope, representing the resilience of those affected by the tragedy.

Surrounding Trees: Over 400 white oak trees surround the pools, creating a peaceful and reflective environment. These trees were chosen for their symbolism of strength, endurance, and tranquility.

The 9/11 Museum

The 9/11 Museum is located beneath the memorial in the bedrock of the World Trade Center. Opened to the public in 2014, the museum offers a deeply moving and educational experience that presents the events of 9/11 through a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories.

Architecture: Designed by the architectural firms Davis Brody Bond and Snøhetta, the museum is housed in a vast underground space, approximately 70 feet below ground level. Its design allows for the presentation of the immense emotional weight of the events while also incorporating the stark reality of the destruction. The entry pavilion, designed by Snøhetta, includes the Survivor Staircase, a staircase that was used by hundreds of people to escape from the towers during the attacks.

Exhibits: The museum houses more than 14,000 artifacts related to the events of 9/11, many of which were recovered from Ground Zero or donated by victims' families, survivors, and first responders. These items include:

Personal Items: Objects belonging to the victims, such as shoes, wallets, and briefcases, are displayed to provide a personal connection to the individuals who lost their lives.

Remains of the World Trade Center: Fragments of the towers and wreckage, such as pieces of steel, are displayed, allowing visitors to physically connect with the destruction caused by the attacks.

The Last Column: A steel column from the World Trade Center that was one of the final pieces of the building to be removed. It is covered in messages, notes, and symbols left by first responders, workers, and volunteers, marking the end of the recovery effort.

The Plaza of Remembrance: This section of the museum is dedicated to the lives lost in the attacks. It features digital displays, survivor testimonies, and interactive exhibits that offer detailed accounts of the people who were affected by the attacks.

Audio and Video Exhibits: The museum incorporates powerful audio and video material, such as emergency calls, television broadcasts, and survivor stories, allowing visitors to hear firsthand accounts of the events.

The "Tribute Walk": This exhibit takes visitors through the timeline of the attacks, starting with the hijackings and leading to the collapse of the towers. It includes personal stories, photographs, and videos that document the horror and the heroism of that day.

The Survivor Tree: As mentioned, the museum also highlights the story of the Survivor Tree as a symbol of the endurance and recovery efforts that have taken place since 9/11. It represents both the destruction of the day and the incredible resilience that followed.

Visitor Experience

Duration of Visit: Visitors typically spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum, but the experience can be more flexible depending on the amount of time one wishes to spend in each exhibit.

Emotional Content: Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter, visitors are advised that the museum contains graphic imagery, distressing audio, and emotionally charged material. Some exhibits, in particular the video footage of the attacks, may be difficult for some people to watch.

Timed Tickets: To manage crowd flow, the museum requires timed entry tickets, which can be purchased in advance online. It's advisable to reserve tickets early, especially during busy times.

Admission & Hours

Museum Hours:

Open Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays).

Last entry is 90 minutes before closing.

Admission Fees:

Adults: $24

Seniors (65+), U.S. Veterans, U.S. College Students: $18

Youth (7–17): $15

Museum Members: Free

Active/Retired U.S. Military: Free with ID

FDNY/NYPD/PAPD Members: $19 with ID

Free Admission: The museum offers free entry on Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, though reservations are required.

Location & Accessibility

Location: The museum is located at 180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007, at the heart of the World Trade Center site.

Accessibility:

The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Wheelchairs are available for use, and service animals are welcome.

It also provides American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and assistive listening systems for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Transportation:

The museum is well-served by public transportation, including several subway lines (such as the 1, 2, 4, 5, A, C, and E trains) and bus routes.

It is located in walking distance from other major landmarks in Manhattan, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Battery Park.

Memorial Shop & Visitor Center

The Museum Shop offers a wide range of books, educational materials, and commemorative items, including artwork, jewelry, and apparel. Proceeds from purchases support the museum’s educational initiatives and preservation efforts.

The Visitor Center provides information about the memorial and museum, as well as a place for guests to gather resources about the exhibits and their significance.

Conclusion

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks, as well as the thousands of people affected by the events of that day. The museum’s powerful exhibits, memorial pools, and moving tributes to the survivors and responders offer an opportunity for reflection, understanding, and remembrance. It is a place to honor the past while learning about the resilience, courage, and strength that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks.