About

The memorial consists of two enormous reflecting pools set within the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by bronze parapets inscribed with the names of the victims. The museum, located below the memorial, houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories related to the attacks. The memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker, and was opened to the public on September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, feature cascading waterfalls and are surrounded by a plaza with trees and benches. The names of all the victims, including those from the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93, are inscribed on the bronze parapets. The museum, which opened on May 21, 2014, is located underground and spans seven levels, housing a vast collection of artifacts, including wreckage from the World Trade Center towers, personal belongings of the victims, and multimedia exhibits recounting the events of September 11 and their aftermath. The exhibits also explore the historical and political context leading up to the attacks and their impact on society. In addition to the memorial and museum, the site also includes a pavilion designed to house a ticketing center, an auditorium, and a restaurant. The Memorial & Museum has become a major tourist attraction, receiving millions of visitors each year, as well as a place of remembrance and reflection for those affected by the attacks. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of September 11 and honors the lives lost, providing a place for visitors to reflect on the significance of the attacks and their impact on the nation and the world.