911 Memorial and Museum
You can help honor and remember those who were lost or affected by the terrible events of September 11, 2011 with a visit to the 911 Memorial and Museum
When something as tragic occurs as the events of September 11, 2011 there is a need to remember those who lost their lives directly or by helping others. It is only fitting that the grounds of the World Trade Center became a permanent memorial and museum to this tragic day.
The Memorial itself consists of 2 square memorial fountains situated in the exact footprints of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center surrounded by a plaza landscaped with trees and, in particular, a special tree called the Survivor Tree. Each of the two fountains is surrounded by a 1/2 inch thick solid brass plate in which the names of the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives in the attacks have been not just engraved, but cut right through the thick brass so that light can pass through the letters from behind. The Survivor Tree was a callery pear tree that was rescued from the rubble, barely alive, and nursed back to health. It now stands as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Visiting the Memorial is free, however there is an admission charge to visit the museum except on Tuesday evenings when admission is free to a limited number of visitors. Please refer to the official website for more information on this before visiting the Memorial.
Visitors to the museum will enter through a pavilion that is design to resemble a partially collapsed building and then make their way down a ramp to the exhibits which are 70 feet underground. The museum will include remnants of the foundation and support columns of the World Trade Center itself along with equipment that was used in the recovery effort. It will also have a number of other artifacts related to the tragic events of that day. There are exhibits and displays to help tell the world about the many little stories that make up the larger story about this tragic event and also about the previous attack back in February of 1993.
Guided tours of the museum are available daily, but they must be pre-booked on the official website and there is an additional charge. A less expensive option is to download the free 9/11 Museum Audio Guide App for your smartphone from the AppStore or Google play.
Associated with the 9/11 Museum is the 9/11 Tribute Center located on the south side of Liberty Street just west of Greenwich Street. This is adjacent to the southeast corner of the Memorial. The 9/11 Tribute centre features a gallery and also offers guided tours of the Memorial by volunteers who where directly affected by the events of 9/11 — survivors, family members, rescue workers, recovery workers and volunteers. They share their personal insights into the horrible events and the healing process in which the Memorial serves an ongoing role. There is a modest charge for these tours. You can get all the details from their website: 9/11 Tribute Center.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: The 9/11 Memorial is free to visit. The 9/11 Memorial Museum has an admission fee, but is free to visit on Tuesday evenings from 5pm until closing. The free tickets are limited and are available starting at 4pm on a first-come first-serve basis.911 Memorial and Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, USA
Phone: (212) 312-8800
Official Website: 911 Memorial and Museum
911 Memorial and Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
A Deeply Moving and Unforgettable Experience
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had. The site is both heartbreaking and inspiring — a place that honors the lives lost while reminding us of the strength and unity that followed such tragedy.
The twin reflecting pools are breathtaking in their simplicity, with the names of the victims beautifully engraved around the edges. Standing there, hearing the water and seeing the skyline, gave me a deep sense of reflection and respect.
Inside the museum, the exhibits are incredibly well curated. Artifacts, photos, and personal stories bring the events of that day to life in a very human way. It’s emotional and sometimes difficult to walk through, but also very meaningful.
The staff were respectful and helpful, and the entire atmosphere encourages quiet remembrance. I left with a heavy heart but also with renewed appreciation for resilience, compassion, and peace.
Tip: Give yourself at least 2–3 hours to experience everything. It’s not just a tourist attraction — it’s a memorial that deserves time and reflection.
Aurora Costanza - a month ago
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at night was an unforgettable experience. The memorial itself is incredibly moving — the reflecting pools, softly lit from below, look especially beautiful after dark. The names engraved around the edges stand out in the glow, creating a peaceful but powerful atmosphere. It feels both solemn and comforting, a place that truly honors those who were lost.
Savannahkhay - a week ago
A New York must see!
A truly informative and humbling experience.
We had previously been to the old museum a good few years ago and the new one is so impressive. To be able to visit the foundations of the towers, be informed of the events of 9/11 step by step and the wide ranging impact of those events is a must do visit.
Getting an audio guide or physical tour guide definitely adds to the experience.
Be aware (as you would expect) there is airport level security at the entrance so slow extra time on for your visit to facilitate this.
Simon T - 3 weeks ago
Amazing museum. Truly captures the event on so many levels including the loss as well as the heroes of 9/11. I would give this 10 stars if I could. Be prepared to spend at least 3 hours of you truly want to see the entire exhibit.
Patrick Bewley - a week ago
Wow wow wow. Months behind on leaving this review, but wanted to be sure to encourage others to visit. This was such a well thought out memorial and museum. Very thorough and respectful to those who perished. It is very moving. To be in the space, looking at the foundation, the energy was palpable. This was agreed way to honor those souls and those who lost their lives saving others. Incredible.
Fe P. - a week ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 | Fulton Street | 7 minutes |
| 2 or 3 | Park Place | 6 Minutes |
| E | World Trade Center | 4 minutes |
| R | Rector Street | 6 minutes |
| R | Cortlandt Street | 3 minutes |
| 1 | Rector Street | 7 minutes |
How to get to 911 Memorial and Museum by Subway
Take a A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street: exit onto Fulton Street, go right on Church Street, and left on Vesey Street.
Take a 2 or 3 train to Park Place: exit and walk south on Church Street and turn right (west) onto Vesey Street.
Take an E train to World Trade Center: exit onto Church Street Walk south and turn right on Vesey Street.
Take a R train to Rector Street: exit and walk west 1 block on Rector Street and go right (north on Greenwich Street to the Memorial.
Take a R train to Cortlandt Street: walk west on Cortlandt street to the Memorial.
Take a 1 train to Rector Street: exit onto Greenwich Street and walk north.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near 911 Memorial and Museum:
Photo Gallery
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View of the 911 Memorial from above By Cadiomals (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0 licensed via Wikimedia Commons -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Braiu - cc license via Flickr
