The 9/11 Memorial Museum is an important destination for New York City tourists. It provides a profound understanding of the events on September 11, 2001. It honors the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. Here is what you should know about memorial before visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
The Museum’s Background
The 9/11 Memorial Museum opened on May 21, 2014, and is the primary institution that chronicles the events of 9/11. The museum has over 10,000 artefacts, oral histories, and personal accounts of the tragedy. It is situated at the World Trade Center site, atop the bedrock where the Twin Towers once stood.
Visiting the Museum
Before entering the museum, visitors must go through airport-style security measures. The museum offers various tours, including self-guided tours with a multimedia guide, group tours, and guided tours with a museum staff member. It is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
The Exhibitions
The 9/11 Memorial Museum’s exhibitions are categorised into three sections: the historical exhibition, the memorial exhibition, and the Foundation Hall. The historical exhibition documents the events of September 11, 2001, and the years leading up to the attacks. The memorial exhibition serves as a tribute to the victims of the attacks, including the 2,977 people who died in the attacks and the six people who perished in the 1993 bombing. The Foundation Hall showcases the original foundations of the Twin Towers and is a sombre reminder of the destruction that took place on that fateful day.
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The Survivors’ Stairs
The Survivors’ Stairs are among the most striking exhibits at the museum. These stairs were the only remaining structure from the World Trade Center that provided a means of escape for hundreds of people who evacuated from the towers. The stairs were preserved and relocated to the museum, serving as a poignant reminder of the bravery and resilience of those who survived the attacks.
The Reflection Pools
The 9/11 Memorial Museum’s outdoor memorial features two reflection pools placed within the footprints of the Twin Towers. Each pool is almost an acre in size and is the largest man-made waterfall in North America. The names of all the victims of the attacks are inscribed around the edges of the pools.
The Survivor Tree
The Survivor Tree is a Callery pear tree that was discovered amidst the rubble at Ground Zero in October 2001. The tree was nurtured back to health and is now a symbol of resilience and survival. The tree now stands at the museum’s entrance, surrounded by a plaza containing hundreds of swamp white oak trees, each signifying hope and renewal.
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The Memorial Glade
The Memorial Glade is a recent addition to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, opened on May 30, 2019. The Glade honors those who have died or are suffering due to 9/11-related illnesses. It includes six stone slabs inscribed with the quote “No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time” and is located on a section of the original World Trade Center foundation.
The Impact of the Museum
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a powerful reminder of the impact of the 9/11 attacks on America and the world. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the events of that day, pay tribute to those who lost their lives, and learn about the heroic efforts of the first responders who risked their lives to save others.