Things to know before visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

September 11th, 2001, will forever be remembered as the day America stood still. New York City’s 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial Pools pay tribute to every life that was lost during the attacks and also examine the events and emotions that unfolded on that day.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must when looking for things to do in NYC. This guide below will help you prepare for your visit with all the 9/11 memorial facts you need to know, tips for visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, how to book tours, and more.

What is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum?

The 9/11 Memorial commemorates and remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the Memorial Museum educates future generations about what unfolded on 9/11. Also remembered here is the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, another terrorist attack when a truck bomb was detonated in the parking garage of the North Tower.

New York City opened the 9/11 Memorial to the public in 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. In the heart of Lower Manhattan, the memorial consists of two sunken pools in the exact footprint where each of the North and South Twin Towers used to stand. Waterfalls stream down from the bronze walls of the pool, which are inscribed with the names of each of the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum opened in 2014. It remembers the victims of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in both 2001 and 1993 and commemorates the heroic acts performed during these through 110,000 square feet of displays. The museum is one of NYC’s must-visit places for first-time visitors.

What happened on 9/11

The September 11 attacks, also known as 9/11, were terrorist attacks on the United States carried out by members of al-Qaeda, a militant Islamic terrorist organization. Coordinated airplane hijackings took place on four commercial airlines on the East Coast of the US on the morning of September 11. They intended to cause mass American casualties by crashing the planes into prominent US buildings.

At 8:46 AM, the first plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 AM, the second plane crashed into the South Tower. A third plane crashed into the side of the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth plane bound for a federal building in Washington, DC crashed in a field in Pennsylvania when heroic airplane passengers revolted against the hijackers. Lives were lost in all four plane crashes.

Within two hours of impact, both 110-story World Trade Center towers (the Twin Towers) crumbled. Thousands of lives were lost in the aftermath, including civilians and many first responders. Thousands more people were injured as part of these attacks.

Impact of 9/11 on NYC

The 9/11 attacks left many Americans shaken and distraught. This event changed Americans and especially New Yorkers forever — there are still people who are angry, heartbroken, and feeling other emotions that are impossible to put into words. Considering the lasting emotional impact of this event, it’s evident why every New Yorker should visit the 9/11 Memorial.

Immediately after the attacks, the financial and aviation sector in New York suffered massive job losses, and even the whole American economy saw a dip in production. Posters of missing family members were posted all around the city, and it took years to remove all the rubble of the collapsed buildings. To this day, 9/11 is a tragedy that has changed the country forever.

Tips for visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

1. Buy museum tickets ahead of time

When planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum in NYC, buying tickets ahead of time is recommended. Although the 9/11 Memorial itself is a free public space and can be visited any time of the day, the 9/11 Museum requires more planning if you don’t want to wait in line or potentially be denied entry. Skip-the-line tickets offer a streamlined entry process, while combo tickets let you see multiple New York City sights with a single ticket.

2. Join a 9/11 Museum & Memorial tour

When visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, consider joining a guided tour. Tours provide deeper insights and context beyond what you might experience on your own. Whether you choose a group tour, a private option, or a tour led by a topic expert, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001. Expert guides share personal stories, detailed histories, and unique perspectives, making your visit more meaningful and educational.

3. Best time to visit the 9/11 memorial and museum

Like many of the top tourist attractions in New York City, avoid the crowds by visiting either early in the morning when the museum opens or in the evening right before it closes. Visit the 9/11 memorial at night to see the memorial pools lit with the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers.

4. How much time to spend there

It is recommended to allocate at least two to three hours to fully experience the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This will allow you to explore the exhibits, watch the multimedia displays, and reflect at the memorial pools.

Nearby, you can find various dining options, such as Brookfield Place and Eataly, perfect for a meal before or after your visit. If you’re planning a full day out, consider visiting the nearby Whitney Museum of American Art or taking a stroll along the Hudson River.

5. Be respectful and mindful during your visit

Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are asked to behave respectfully. This includes dressing appropriately and refraining from disruptive behavior such as loud conversations and running. Photography is allowed, but visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid taking funny selfies or engaging in activities that may be considered disrespectful.

6. Bringing children to the 9/11 Museum

Some of the exhibits at the 9/11 Memorial Museum may not be appropriate for young children. Before your visit, consider having a conversation with your kids about what happened on 9/11 and what to expect at the Museum.

The museum offers advice on how to talk to children about terrorism, and staff are available to answer any questions they might have. An age-appropriate audio guide recommended for 8- to 11-year-old children is also available at the museum.

7. Don’t forget to pay homage to the surviving 9/11 tree

A pear tree located at the base of the World Trade Center towers has been nicknamed the “Survivor Tree” after being discovered with burned and broken branches just after the 9/11 attacks. The tree was removed from the rubble, preserved, and rehabilitated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, then re-planted at Ground Zero in 2010. The tree stands at the 9/11 Memorial today as a reminder of the survival, resilience, and rebirth after tragedy.

Things to know before visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial

Opening hours

9/11 Museum: Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Open every day from May 28 to August 5)

9/11 Museum: Open 8:00 AM-8:00 PM every day

How to prepare for your visit

Many visitors leave the 9/11 Museum feeling inspired by the heroic actions of the first responders, law enforcement, and citizens who fought against the attack, but feeling emotionally spent.

The museum seeks to remember the events of September 11, and it has immortalized many remnants of that day to do so. In addition to TV footage of when the planes hit the Twin Towers, the museum houses personal belongings and stories of people who lost their lives. It also has first-person interviews of survivors recalling their movements during the attacks and recordings of the last phone calls made to loved ones from hijacked planes.

To be emotionally prepared for your visit, consider the following tips:

• Understand the Intensity: Be aware that the exhibits can be very intense and emotional. Prepare yourself mentally for the heavy subject matter and the profound impact it might have.
• Pace Yourself: Take your time as you move through the museum. Don’t rush through the exhibits; allow yourself the space to process the information and emotions as they come.
• Reflect and Decompress: After visiting the museum, spend some quiet time at the outdoor 9/11 Memorial. The calm environment and the sound of the waterfalls can help you reflect and decompress.
• Discuss Your Experience: If you’re visiting with others, take the time to discuss your experiences and emotions afterward. Sharing your thoughts can help you process the heavy content.
• Self-Care: Plan some self-care activities after your visit. This could be a quiet walk, a visit to a nearby park, or enjoying a comforting meal. Taking care of your emotional well-being is important.
• Professional Support: If you find the experience overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional. The museum’s content can bring up strong emotions, and talking to someone can be very helpful.

Health and safety requirements for visiting the 9/11 Museum

Visitors to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are welcomed and encouraged to wear face masks at any time, though they are not required. Disposable masks are available at the museum.

How to get to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Address:

180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10281
(The entrance to the museum is closest to Greenwich Street, near the South Tower Pool.)

By subway

A, C, 1, 2, or 3 to Chambers Street

A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to Fulton Street

2 or 3 trains to Park Place

E train to World Trade Center

R train to Rector Street

R train to Cortlandt Street

1 train to WTC Cortlandt

By bus

M55 Southbound at Broadway and Thames Street

M55 Northbound at Trinity Place and Rector Street

M20 Southbound at South End Avenue between Liberty Street and Albany Street

M22 Southbound at Vesey Street between North End Avenue and West Street

By car

If you’re driving to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the nearest parking garage is at the Brookfield Place shopping center, with the entrance at 250 Vesey Street. Be prepared to pay for timed parking.

Resources for learning about 9/11

Reading novels about 9/11, both fictional and nonfictional, allows travelers and New Yorkers alike to learn about the events that unfolded; the emotions it evoked across New York, the country, and the world; and its aftereffects. There are books that educate about 9/11 that are specially written for children and teens.

Recommended book about 9/11 for children to teens:

• “This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth” by Sean Rubin (for ages 5-7)
• “Towers Falling” by Jewell Parker Rhodes (for ages 9-12)
• “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer (for ages 16+)

Recommended book about 9/11 for adults:

• “Ordinary Heroes” by Joseph Pfeifer
• “102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers” by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn
• “Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11” by Mitchell Zuckoff

How to support families of 9/11 victims and first responders affected by 9/11

You can help victims and the families of those affected by 9/11 in several ways. The 9/11 Museum & Memorial offers many options for visitors to get involved, including volunteering, becoming a member, and participating in events like the 5k run/walk and community days. Donations are also welcomed.

Don’t forget that by visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, you’re already taking the initiative to help the museum and the community affected by 9/11.

FAQs

Are there any admission discounts or free entry options for the 9/11 Museum?

Yes, the 9/11 Museum offers several options for discounted or free admission. Active and retired US military personnel, 9/11 family members, rescue and recovery workers, and museum members receive free admission. Additionally, the museum offers free entry on Mondays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Tickets for these free admission times must be reserved in advance and are available on the museum’s website.

Are there any special exhibitions or temporary displays at the 9/11 Museum?

Yes, the 9/11 Museum regularly features special exhibitions and temporary displays that delve deeper into specific aspects of the 9/11 attacks, their aftermath, and their ongoing impact on society. These exhibitions provide additional context and insights, often showcasing artifacts, personal stories, and multimedia presentations. Check the museum’s website for current and upcoming exhibitions to enhance your visit.

Is there an audio guide available at the 9/11 Museum?

Yes, the 9/11 Museum offers audio guides that provide detailed information and personal stories related to the exhibits. These guides are available in multiple languages and can be rented for a small fee.

Are there any accessibility services available for visitors with disabilities?

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and there are elevators and ramps throughout the facility. Additionally, the museum offers services such as ASL interpretation, assistive listening devices, and large-print and Braille materials. Contact the museum in advance to arrange any specific accommodations you might need.

Can I bring a bag or backpack into the 9/11 Museum?

Visitors are allowed to bring small bags or backpacks into the 9/11 Museum, but they will be subject to a security screening. Large bags, luggage, and oversized items are prohibited inside the museum. There are no locker facilities available, so it is recommended that you travel light.