National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, also known as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, is a poignant tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Located at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, New York City, it serves as a place of remembrance, education, and reflection.

Historical Context

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The attacks resulted in the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and caused nearly 3,000 fatalities. These events had a profound impact on the world, leading to significant changes in global security policies and the initiation of the War on Terror by President George W. Bush.

The Memorial

The National September 11 Memorial consists of two reflecting pools, each set within the footprints of the original Twin Towers. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze parapets surrounding the pools. The design of the Memorial, "Reflecting Absence," was created by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker.

Features

Reflecting Pools: Two massive pools, each one acre in size, mark the footprints of the Twin Towers. Water cascades down their sides, creating a tranquil sound that serves as a powerful counterpoint to the absence they memorialize.
Survivor Tree: A Callery pear tree that survived the attacks was nursed back to health and now stands as a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
Memorial Glades: Dedicated to the responders and survivors who were exposed to toxins in the aftermath of the attacks and have since suffered health consequences.

The Museum

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is located beneath the Memorial plaza. It provides visitors with an immersive and educational experience through a series of exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia displays.

Exhibits

Historical Exhibition: This section of the museum presents the events of the day of the attacks, the lead-up to 9/11, and their aftermath.
Memorial Exhibition: This exhibit is dedicated to the nearly 3,000 victims, featuring personal artifacts, photographs, and profiles.
Foundation Hall: A vast space that includes the last remaining piece of the original World Trade Center structure known as the "Slurry Wall" and the "Last Column," which is covered in mementos and inscriptions from recovery workers.

One World Trade Center

Adjacent to the Memorial and Museum is One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. Standing at a symbolic height of 1,776 feet, it is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a beacon of resilience and renewal.