1993 World Trade Center Bombing Memorial
| Company type | Memorial |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Elyn Zimmerman |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | World Trade Center site |
The 1993 World Trade Center Bombing Memorial honored the six individuals who perished in the bombing on February 26, 1993 at the World Trade Center in New York City. Commissioned by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Art Commission and completed in 1995, the memorial was situated directly above the explosion site—the public parking garage beneath the World Trade Center—within Austin J. Tobin Plaza, nestled between the Twin Towers. This tribute, along with other artistic installations, was destroyed during the September 11 attacks.
Inspiration and design
Conceived by Elyn Zimmerman, the memorial and its immediate environment formed a bullseye pattern when viewed from above, positioned at ground zero between One World Trade Center and the Marriott Hotel.
The centerpiece was a fountain constructed with fractured white granite walls, reminiscent of ancient tumulus markers—earthen mounds traditionally erected over burial sites. Zimmerman cited the cultural importance of stone monuments as a key influence, blending rough-hewn white granite fragments with smooth polished surfaces. This streamlined design, drawing inspiration from early monumental sites such as Stonehenge, sought to evoke a sense of solemnity and timeless significance.
Encircling a shallow pool, the walls collected water flowing from a central drum made of red granite. Zimmerman envisioned an inscription placed within this drum area to invite visitors to come near and reflect on the memorial’s message.
Inscription
The memorial featured inscriptions arranged in a circular fashion. The primary text on the red granite stated:
" On February 26, 1993, a bomb set by terrorists exploded below this site. This horrible act of violence killed innocent people, injured thousands, and made victims of us all."
To pay tribute to victims Wilfredo Mercado and Monica Rodriguez Smith, Zimmerman incorporated a Spanish translation beneath the English wording. Additionally, the names of all six victims—employees of the World Trade Center—were engraved into the fountain’s granite.
Destruction and legacy
The fountain was destroyed alongside the World Trade Center during the events of September 11 attacks. A single inscribed granite fragment bearing "John D" (from John DiGiovanni) was recovered at Ground Zero and is now preserved at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The remainder of the fountain was never found and was cleared away with other debris from Ground Zero.
See also
- Artwork at the World Trade Center (1973–2001)
- Artwork damaged or destroyed in the September 11 attacks
- Ideogram (sculpture)
- The Sphere
- Bent Propeller
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum