The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a place of remembrance and education, located at the site of the former World Trade Center towers. It honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. When visiting the museum, there are several key exhibits and areas that should not be missed:

Core Exhibitions

Historical Exhibition

The Historical Exhibition is one of the main parts of the museum and is divided into three sections:

• Events of the Day: This section uses artifacts, images, video, first-person testimony, and real-time audio recordings from 9/11 to provide insight into the events that unfolded on the hijacked airplanes leading to the attacks and the subsequent tragedy that ensued at the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
• Before 9/11: This section provides context for the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center using archival news footage and other primary sources.
• After 9/11: This section explores the impact of 9/11, from the immediate aftermath through the present day, including the search for the missing, recovery and rebuilding efforts, and global responses.

Memorial Exhibition: In Memoriam

This exhibition honors the 2,977 individuals killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, at this site as well as at the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It also honors the six individuals killed in the terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993. The exhibition features walls of individual photographs of the victims, and touchscreen tables enable visitors to learn more about each person, showing photographs and personal objects and playing recorded audio remembrances.

Special Exhibitions

Revealed: The Hunt for Bin Laden

This exhibit leads visitors through the global hunt for Osama bin Laden, known as Operation Neptune Spear. It includes access to over 60 artifacts never before shared with the public and features testimony from various intelligence officers, law enforcement, military members, and individuals involved in the 10-year hunt and eventual raid.

Foundation Hall

Foundation Hall is the location of the “slurry wall,” a surviving retaining wall of the original World Trade Center that withstood the devastation of 9/11, as well as the Last Column, which stands 36-feet high and was the final steel beam ceremonially removed from Ground Zero to mark the end of the nine-month recovery effort.

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is located between the footprints of the original Twin Towers and features two significant artworks:

• “No day shall erase you from the memory of time”: A quote forged of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
• “Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning”: Made up of 2,983 individual watercolor squares, each with its own shade of blue, one square for every victim.

Survivor’s Stairs

The Survivor’s Stairs provided an unobstructed exit for hundreds of people fleeing the World Trade Center site. These stairs still stand in their original location and are a powerful reminder of the escape and survival that took place on that day.

Collection Highlights

The museum’s permanent collection includes numerous significant artifacts, such as:

• FDNY Ladder 3 firetruck: Recovered from the World Trade Center site after September 11, 2001.
• “The Falling Man” exhibit: Formally called Jumpers exhibit, it is an instrumental tribute to those who fell or jumped from the towers.

Tips for Visiting

• Allow enough time: Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum.
• Be prepared for emotions: The exhibits can be difficult and emotional. Consider the impact on children and decide if it’s appropriate for their age and sensitivity.
• Use interactive technology: The museum offers interactive elements that can enhance your understanding and experience.
• Consider a guided tour: If you prefer, guided tours are available and can provide additional insights and context.
• Visit the memorial afterward: Ending your visit at the outdoor memorial can provide a peaceful and reflective conclusion to your experience.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a powerful and moving destination that offers a deep understanding of the events of 9/11 and their ongoing impact. It’s a place where history is preserved, and the memories of those lost are honored. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression and serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of those affected by these tragic events.