The 9/11 Memorial is opened to the public and visitors passes are no longer required. The Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad. The area spans 8 acres. There are 2 reflection pools surrounded by beautiful landscaping, with over 400 white oak trees. Keep an eye out for one callery pear tree, also known as the “Survivor Tree,” which was nursed to health after the attack, symbolizing perhaps growth and life itself.
The pools feature waterfalls, which incidentally are the largest man-made falls in North America. Lining the outer walls of the pools are the names of the 2,982 victims. On the North pool, you will also find the names of those that lost their lives on Flight 11, as well as the 6 people killed in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. All the names are etched in bronze, with a stencil-cut design. What makes this design unique, is that you are visiting during the day, you can see the waterfalls through the inscriptions. If you visit at night, the lights shine through the names.
There are 3 entrances available. At the intersections of Liberty and Greenwich Street, Liberty and West Street or West and Fulton Street. As a quick note, there are no restrooms in the memorial or surrounding hotels – closest public restroom is Wagner or Battery Park. There are restrooms in the museum, but keep in mind that tickets are required. Visiting hours for the Memorial are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the coldest winter months, January through March, the Memorial will open 7 days per week from to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you are looking for a specific name along the Memorial, you can find information on in 3 places – on the official website, at the Kiosk in the visitors center or download the app.
The September 11 Memorial Museum is an educational and historical institution honoring the victims, and examining 9/11 and its continued global significance. There are over 110,000 square feet of exhibits telling the story of 9/11 through displays, pictures and a collection of authentic artifacts. Tickets are $24 for adults, $18 for seniors, Veterans and college students and $15 for children ages 7 to 17. Admission will be free to all visitors on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets available, even for the free admission so it is advisable to book online a few weeks in advance.
