National September 11 Memorial & Museum

180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007

Remembering One of America’s Darkest Days

Located at ground zero, the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the lives lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. It is a defining landmark of Lower Manhattan that every visitor to New York City should experience.

Centerpiece of the memorial are two massive pools, each about an acre in size, that sit in the footprints of the former Twin Towers. Waterfalls cascade down the sides of the pools, and the names of all 3,000 victims of the September 11 attacks are inscribed around the edges.

Ground Zero with the names of victims at the memorial — One of the two reflecting pools, carrying the names of all the lives that were lost in the attacks.

The Museum

While the Memorial is free to visit, tickets are required to enter the museum, which is located right underneath the Memorial plaza. The Museum tells the story of the September 11 attacks through artifacts, first-person accounts, as well as multimedia displays.

Exhibited items include some of the charred remains of the twin towers, damaged vehicles from the streets of Manhattan, as well as various pieces of equipment that were used in the large-scale rescue mission.

First person accounts of one of the darkest day in recent American history can be observed through a collection of images, videos and audio recordings.

Victims, survivors and their families are a major focal point of the museum’s exhibitions. Their individual stories can be followed in the museum’s archive, where personal stories, letters and documents are kept.

Visiting the September 11 Memorial & Museum is a powerful and moving experience, one that is not to be missed.

A Must-Visit for Every Traveler

National September 11 Memorial & Museum offers a rare, moving opportunity to reflect on history at the exact spot where it changed forever. Reserve your tickets today to ensure you don’t miss this essential piece of New York City.

9/11 Memorial Museum Tickets

Pro-Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Book in Advance: The 9/11 Museum uses timed-entry tickets. If you show up without one during peak season (June–August or December), you may be turned away or face a long wait.
Monday Free Admission: The museum traditionally offers free admission on Monday afternoons (check the official site for 2026 availability), but these tickets are limited and must be booked online at 7:00 AM sharp.
Security Screening: Like an airport, all visitors must pass through security. Travel light to speed up the process.
Age Appropriateness: The historical exhibition contains graphic media that may not be suitable for children under 10. The outdoor memorial is appropriate for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the 9/11 Memorial for free?

Yes. The outdoor plaza and reflecting pools are completely free and do not require a ticket. You only pay to enter the museum.

How do I get to the 9/11 Memorial by subway?

Take the E train to World Trade Center, the R/W to Cortlandt Street, or the 1 to WTC Cortlandt. The site is also connected to the Oculus transportation hub.

What else is near the 9/11 Museum?

You are within a 10-minute walk of One World Observatory, Wall Street, The Battery (Statue of Liberty Ferry), and the Oculus shopping mall.

One World Trade Center

Efforts to rebuild the destroyed complex were swift to arise, with multiple ideas being put forward as to how the new World Trade Center could look, while also commemorating the tragedy that befell the former twin towers. Eventually, construction of the One World Trade Center began in 2006 and took eight years to complete.