Visiting Ground Zero
Visitors to New York City gather in lower Manhattan every day to remember and honor the thousands of people lost to the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. Much of the area of the city surrounding “Ground Zero” is still undergoing construction and rebirth.
“If you are planning a visit to the area, please do keep in mind that this area of lower Manhattan is both hallowed ground and a place of much emotional outpouring.” – NYC.com
9/11 Memorial Museum
There are three parts of the 9/11 Memorial Museum to explore. The first is the Historical Exhibition, which shares the events before, during and following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93. The In Memoriam exhibit pays tribute to all of the 9/11 victims. The Foundation Hall is one of the most breathtaking exhibits in the museum, including the last standing wall of the original WTC and the “Last Column”.
Outside the museum, the 9/11 Memorial consists of two acre-large reflecting pools, which sit in the foundation of the Twin Towers. The names of the 9/11 victims are engraved in bronze around the edges of each pool, and waterfalls continually flow into the reflecting pools.
When you visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum, we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Entrance is only permitted at the time printed on your ticket, so planning ahead can save you time. Remember that this is a sacred place of remembrance. Talking on cell phones, taking selfies, and goofing around would be extremely disrespectful.
Twin Towers
Tribute in Light
Each year, two vibrant beams of light are illuminated in lower Manhattan in remembrance of 9/11. The lights are displayed from sundown on September 11 until sunrise on September 12, and honor those who were lost on 9/11. The beams have become an iconic symbol for New Yorkers and Americans everywhere. We recommend viewing the lights from Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway or the Staten Island Ferry. See the entire list of great viewing locations.
Freedom Tower
The Freedom Tower is the new 1 World Trade Center, standing 1,776 feet tall as the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. An observation deck, the One World Observatory™ was opened to the public on May 29, 2015. The observation deck occupies the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors, offering a stunning view of the city including the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
