Created in honor of the victims of the attacks on the Twin Towers, the space also houses a museum full of historical pieces and testimonies
In mourning one of the most tragic moments in the history of the United States, the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers World trade center in 2001 a space for memory and reflection emerged. OR September 11 MemorialOR September 11 Memoriallocated in the so-called ‘ground zero’ of New York, it was created together with the families of almost 3 thousand victims to commemorate the date.
The idea was born shortly after the attacks and was led by the National September 11 Museum and Memorial Foundation, created in 2003, which launched an international design competition to develop a proposal that, at the same time, remembered the lives lost and told the story of the fateful day, and could coexist with the new towers erected on the site.
The winning design, called “Reflecting Absence,” was created by architect Michael Arad and landscape designer Peter Walker. The construction was symbolically completed on 11 September 2011, the tenth anniversary of the attack, and the inauguration took place on the same day.
What can you find at the 9/11 Memorial?
Reflecting Pools: the memorial consists of two large reflecting pools that occupy the space where the original towers stood. Each measures approximately one acre (approximately 4,000 m²) and is surrounded by man-made waterfalls.
Names of victims: The thousands of people killed in the 2001 attacks and the six people killed in the 1993 attack (when a truck bomb exploded under the North Tower of the World Trade Center) are engraved on bronze panels around the pools.
Survivor Tree: the so-called “Survivor Tree” is also part of the memorial. The plant, a pear tree, survived the attacks and was recovered from the rubble, replanted and returned to the site as a symbol of resilience.
Museum: The 9/11 Museum is located about 70 feet underground and is accessible via a pavilion. It offers 10 thousand m² of public space. The site hosts exhibits that tell the story of the attacks, the lives of the victims and the aftermath of the attacks. Notable pieces include wreckage from rescue vehicles, original tower components such as steel beams, as well as victims’ personal effects and audio and video testimonies.
How the visit works
The memorial, located at 180 Greenwich Street in New York, is open to the public Every day of the week, from 8:00 to 20:00. There is no entrance fee to visit it.
By subway there are several options that get you close to Ground Zero, but the closest station is WTC Cortlandt, on line 1.
There is a fee to enter the museum and the opening days and times vary, check the official website. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist months (April to December). Prices start at $21 and children under 7 are free.
The museum offers guided tours (and audio guides available in eight languages, including Portuguese) to enrich the visitor experience. Depending on the season and package, your visit may include special exhibitions and educational programs.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
