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National September 11 Memorial & Museum

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National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Company typeNon-profit organization
IndustryMemorial and museum management
Founded2003; 23 years ago (2003)
FounderWorld Trade Center Memorial Foundation (originally)
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
Area served
New York City, United States
Key people
Michael Arad (architect), Peter Walker (landscape architect), Michael Bloomberg (chairman)
ProductsMemorial and museum commemorating the September 11 attacks
Websitewww.911memorial.org

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum—also referred to as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum—is situated within the World Trade Center complex in New York City. It serves as a tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which resulted in 2,977 fatalities, as well as those who perished in the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing, where six lives were lost. Located on the site formerly occupied by the Twin Towers, the memorial is managed by a non-profit organization dedicated to its funding and programming.

Efforts to honor those affected began immediately following the attacks. The design chosen through the World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition was created by Israeli-American architect Michael Arad from Handel Architects, working alongside landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners. Their concept includes a grove of swamp white oak trees encircling two square reflecting pools that mark where the Twin Towers once stood.

Construction commenced in August 2006 under the guidance of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The memorial’s design corresponds with Daniel Libeskind’s original master plan, situating it approximately 30 feet below street level within a plaza. Notably, it was the sole finalist that did not incorporate Libeskind’s stipulation for buildings to overhang the Twin Towers’ footprints. In 2007, the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation was renamed as the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

The memorial was officially dedicated on September 11, 2011, marking the tenth anniversary of the attacks, and opened to visitors the next day. The museum followed with its dedication on May 15, 2014, featuring speeches by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Barack Obama, and welcomed the public six days later.

Planning

Initially known as the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum was founded as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity responsible for fundraising and managing both planning and construction activities. Its board convened for the first time on January 4, 2005, successfully reaching an initial capital target of $350 million by April 2008. These resources were allocated to developing both the memorial and museum, alongside creating an endowment for museum operations.

In 2003, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation launched the World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition, which drew design submissions from around the world. On November 19, 2003, eight finalists were announced. The winning entry—Reflecting Absence by Michael Arad and Peter Walker—was revealed on January 6, 2004. This design features two expansive recessed pools that mark where the Twin Towers once stood, surrounded by rows of swamp white oaks (Quercus bicolor). The memorial park is positioned at street level above the museum space. Names of victims from all related attacks are inscribed on parapets encircling waterfalls in a thoughtfully arranged manner.

The LMDC required that ownership, operation, and financial responsibility for both the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum remain with the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation. After chair John C. Whitehead stepped down in May 2006, former president Kevin Rampe took charge of LMDC while New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg assumed chairmanship of the Memorial & Museum foundation. Thomas S. Johnson, chair of the foundation’s executive committee, announced a temporary halt to fundraising efforts pending resolution on design details and cost estimates after projected expenses for constructing just the memorial and museum rose from $494 million to $672 million; overall site development costs approached $973 million.

On May 26, 2006, Gretchen Dykstra resigned from her role as president and CEO; Joseph C. Daniels was appointed in October that year. Daniels prioritized completing the project in time for its tenth anniversary commemoration of the attacks, overseeing all aspects including planning, construction oversight, development activities, operations management, and leading a fundraising campaign that surpassed $400 million. Though budget adjustments reduced total costs to $530 million amid delays, completion remained scheduled for September 11, 2011.

National tour

In September 2007, the Memorial & Museum embarked on a four-month nationwide awareness campaign, visiting 25 cities across 25 states and engaging thousands of attendees. The journey commenced at Finlay Park in Columbia, South Carolina and concluded at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Highlights of the tour featured displays of photographs, artifacts from the site, and a documentary containing personal testimonies from individuals directly impacted by the events. During the South Carolina launch, students from White Knoll Middle School—who had raised more than $500,000 in 2001 to fund a new fire truck for the New York City Fire Department—received special recognition. Retired NYPD officer Marcelo Pevida presented an American flag that had been flown over Ground Zero. The centerpiece of the tour was a collection of steel beams, later integrated into the memorial structure, which visitors were invited to sign.

Fundraising

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum runs a "cobblestone campaign," through which supporters can sponsor cobblestones that line the Memorial plaza; contributors are acknowledged on the official website. Donors have the option to find their specific cobblestone using kiosks located on-site. In 2008, two fundraising initiatives were launched targeting Father's Day and the holiday season to increase donations.

On September 9, 2011, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that $329 million in Community Development Block Grants had been allocated to support the Memorial & Museum. Concurrently, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey relinquished its $300 million claim for construction expenses in return for financial oversight privileges.

Senator Daniel Inouye introduced S.1537, known as the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Act of 2011, proposing an annual federal funding amount of $20 million—approximately one-third of the Memorial’s operating costs. Presented to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on October 19, 2011, this legislation authorized the Secretary of the Interior to accept ownership of the Memorial property from its governing board, contingent upon approvals from relevant state and municipal officials. Nevertheless, William D. Shaddox of the National Park Service voiced concerns regarding NPS taking ownership without assuming operational control, describing it as an unprecedented situation.

Construction

Construction work on the Reflecting Absence memorial design officially began on March 13, 2006, despite objections from some victims’ family members who favored an above-ground memorial instead. The memorial foundation confirmed that consensus among families supported proceeding with the design, allowing construction to move forward. By May of that year, projected construction expenses had surpassed $1 billion. In response, a month-long review led by contractor Frank Sciame recommended modifications to reduce costs to within a $500 million budget while incorporating feedback from victims’ relatives and community stakeholders.

In July 2008, the Survivors' Staircase was carefully lowered to bedrock as the first artifact relocated into the museum. By August, foundational footings were completed. On September 2, workers erected the initial steel column near the North Tower footprint. At that point, roughly 70% of construction contracts had been awarded and substantial amounts of steel installed. By April 2010, steel framing for the reflecting pools was finished and most concrete work completed; installation of granite cladding commenced and continued through June. Tree planting began in August with swamp white oaks selected for their durability and seasonal foliage changes. The "Survivor Tree", a callery pear that survived the attacks, was replanted during this period. Additionally, two "trident" pieces salvaged from the Twin Towers were reinstalled in September.

Testing for the North Pool waterfall started in November 2010. Construction proceeded into early 2011 with glass panel installation on the museum pavilion beginning in March; water flow testing for the South Pool followed in May. Most elements of the memorial were completed in time for the tenth anniversary of the attacks; museum completion was planned for the subsequent year. By September 2, over 243 trees had been planted and both reflecting pools with waterfalls were fully operational.

The memorial officially opened its doors to visitors on September 12, 2011—one day after marking ten years since the attacks—with strict visitor guidelines approved by its board. This "interim operating period" continued until May 25, 2014, while ongoing construction at the World Trade Center site persisted; at that time, perimeter fencing was removed. Within three months following its opening, more than one million people had visited the memorial.

Design

In January 2004, the design titled Reflecting Absence, created by architect Michael Arad of Handel Architects alongside landscape architect Peter Walker, was chosen as the winner of the LMDC's design competition from a pool of 5,201 submissions representing 63 nations. The memorial features two pools, each bordered by the largest artificial waterfalls in the United States, marking the original footprints of the Twin Towers. These waterfalls symbolize both the loss and the physical emptiness left by the tragic events. By masking ambient city noise, the cascading water fosters a serene environment for reflection. To further cultivate a contemplative setting, Walker incorporated over 400 swamp white oak trees throughout the Memorial plaza.

Visitor movement was optimized through pedestrian flow simulations conducted with the Legion modeling software to avoid congestion. The fountain systems were designed and constructed by Delta Fountains.

Structural engineering responsibilities were managed by WSP Cantor Seinuk, while mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering services were provided by Jaros, Baum & Bolles. Construction management duties were overseen by Lendlease.

Arrangement of Victims' Names

The memorial pools bear inscriptions of 2,983 victims’ names on 152 bronze parapet panels: 2,977 individuals who perished in the September 11 attacks and six victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The names are organized according to an algorithm that creates "meaningful adjacencies" based on factors such as proximity at the time of the attacks, organizational or company affiliations, and approximately 1,200 family requests. This arrangement was implemented using software developed by Local Projects. All inscriptions utilize the Optima font set in small capitals to ensure visual harmony.

The North Pool lists employees and visitors associated with the North Tower (WTC 1), alongside passengers and crew from American Airlines Flight 11, as well as victims from the 1993 bombing. The South Pool includes those tied to the South Tower (WTC 2), passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 175, nearby civilians, first responders who lost their lives during rescue efforts, passengers and crew from United Airlines Flight 93 and American Airlines Flight 77, and personnel from the Pentagon. Instead of listing company names, employees and visitors are grouped collectively. Passengers are organized by flight number, while first responders are arranged by their respective units.

This name arrangement was finalized through a 2006 agreement that replaced an earlier random listing approach. Edith Lutnick, executive director of the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, emphasized that “Your loved ones’ names are surrounded by those they sat with, worked with, lived with, and possibly died with.”

The six adult casualties from the 1993 bombing are commemorated on Panel N-73 at the North Pool. Additionally, ten pregnant women who died during 9/11 and one from the 1993 attack have their names followed by the phrase "and her unborn child."

The Survivor Tree

A callery pear tree salvaged from debris at the World Trade Center site in October 2001 has become known as the "Survivor Tree." When discovered, this approximately tall tree was severely scorched with only a single living branch remaining. Originally planted in the 1970s near buildings four and five along Church Street, it was described by then-Memorial president Joe Daniels as “a key element of the memorial plaza’s landscape.”

In November 2001, the tree was transported by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to Arthur Ross Nursery in the Bronx for rehabilitation and replanted there on November 11. Although initially not expected to survive, it demonstrated new growth in spring of the following year. The Survivor Tree was uprooted during a storm in March 2010 but was successfully replanted without major damage. Mayor Michael Bloomberg remarked: “Again, we and the tree refused to throw in the towel. We replanted the tree, and it bounced back immediately.” Several cuttings taken from this original tree have since grown into new saplings.

Serving as a powerful symbol of endurance and hope, Arthur Ross Nursery manager Richie Cabo stated that “It represents all of us.” Following Hurricane Irene, Daniels confirmed that it remained “standing tall at the Memorial.” Survivor Keating Crown observed that it “reminds us all of the capacity of the human spirit to persevere.” The book A Place of Remembrance: Official Book of the National September 11 Memorial describes it as “a reminder of the thousands of survivors who persevered after the attacks.”

In December 2010, standing about tall at that time, this tree was returned to its original site at the World Trade Center during a ceremony attended by Mayor Bloomberg; city officials including Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe; Port Authority executive director Chris Ward; survivors; and rescue personnel. While prominently featured at the memorial plaza, six additional "survivor trees"—comprising three callery pears and three little-leaf lindens—have been planted near New York City Hall and at Manhattan’s entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Memorial Glade

In May 2018, a proposal was unveiled to create a pathway through a "memorial glade" at the National September 11 Memorial, dedicated to first responders who suffered illness or lost their lives due to toxic exposure at the World Trade Center site. Alice Greenwald, president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, alongside former The Daily Show host Jon Stewart, indicated that this pathway is situated on the memorial plaza's southwest edge, near a temporary ramp used by first responders during the site’s cleanup operations. The design includes six substantial battered stones that seem to thrust upward and outward from the plaza, evoking a sense of forceful displacement and symbolizing resilience and strength, as articulated by Michael Arad. Additionally, debris originating from the original World Trade Center is integrated along the route. The glade was officially inaugurated on May 24, 2019.

The Sphere

The Sphere, a large-scale cast bronze sculpture created by German artist Fritz Koenig, was originally commissioned for the first World Trade Center and completed in 1971. It occupied a position on the Austin J. Tobin Plaza until the September 11 attacks, enduring damage but remaining intact. In 2017, it was moved to Liberty Park, located adjacent to the Memorial.

Mohammad Salman Hamdani

Although family groups of victims agreed on organizing names based on workplace or affiliation, NYPD cadet Mohammad Salman Hamdani was not listed among other first responders or those recovered from the North Tower debris. Instead, his name appears on panel S-66 with individuals who have more tenuous connections to the World Trade Center. Hamdani's mother, Talat, has actively advocated for his acknowledgment as both a police cadet and first responder. After his remains were discovered several months later, Hamdani was honored with a full police funeral. Furthermore, 204th Street in Bayside, Queens, his hometown, was renamed in his memory.

Arabic-language brochures

While brochures at the memorial were initially translated into over ten languages, Arabic was notably absent. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) contested this exclusion, with ADC communications director Raed Jarrar implying potential political reasons behind the omission. A representative for the memorial explained that visitors speaking Arabic ranked 25th among all visitor groups; therefore, Arabic translations were not part of the initial foreign-language brochure editions.

In 2015, the ADC submitted a complaint to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), alleging violations of HUD's Limited English Proficiency guidelines because the memorial received significant funding through grants from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. By December 2017, a settlement was reached requiring that an Arabic version of the memorial’s guide be produced and made accessible to visitors.

Museum

The September 11 Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 21, 2014, following a dedication ceremony held on May 15. Its extensive collection comprises more than 40,000 photographs, 14,000 artifacts, upwards of 3,500 recorded oral histories, and in excess of 500 hours of video footage.

History

Situated underground, the museum safeguards numerous relics from the events of September 11, 2001, including steel remnants from the Twin Towers like the Last Column—the final structural element extracted from Ground Zero in May 2002. Construction faced a temporary suspension in December 2011 due to disagreements between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation concerning infrastructure expenses. Negotiations resumed in March 2012, leading to construction recommencing on September 10, 2012. Despite several postponements, the museum's public opening was ultimately scheduled for May 21, 2014.

The dedication event on May 15, 2014, was attended by prominent figures such as President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, former mayors David Dinkins, Rudy Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg, and then-mayor Bill de Blasio. LaChanze performed "Amazing Grace" in tribute to her husband Calvin Gooding, who lost his life during the attacks. In the five days between the dedication and public opening, more than 42,000 first responders and relatives of victims visited the museum.

During the opening ceremony on May 21, twenty-four police officers and firefighters proudly unfurled the restored national 9/11 flag before it was placed on permanent display. For the first time since the attacks, the museum’s gates were taken down. Tickets for opening day sold out swiftly. The facility was designed to encourage reflection while minimizing distress; therefore, counselors were available to support visitors affected emotionally by the experience.

Design

Conceived by Davis Brody Bond, the museum is positioned roughly below ground level and is accessed through a pavilion created by Snøhetta. The National September 11 Memorial Museum offers approximately of publicly accessible space. The pavilion’s architectural style is deconstructivist, intentionally resembling a building partially collapsed to symbolize the events of the attacks. It also contains two "tridents" salvaged from the Twin Towers. One interior wall reveals the slurry wall that holds back the Hudson River—a structure that endured throughout September 11. About half of what Daniel Libeskind originally intended to preserve of this wall remains visible inside the museum.

Among its exhibits are damaged emergency vehicles—including a fire truck crushed by debris—metal fragments from all seven buildings of the World Trade Center complex, audio recordings from survivors and first responders (including emergency calls), photographs of victims, and media documenting various phases such as crashes, collapse, fires, and cleanup efforts. The collection also includes "Hope for Healing" panels crafted by Waterford Crystal for the 2002 Times Square Ball, inscribed with names of emergency agencies and nations impacted by the tragedy.

The museum’s design philosophy focuses on fostering remembrance while avoiding further trauma for first responders and families of those lost. The Huffington Post described visiting as an immersive experience that transports attendees back to the confusion and sorrow of 9/11, encapsulating the disbelief and mourning shared by New York City and the entire country.

Little Syria

Situated just south of the World Trade Center site was the neighborhood historically known as Little Syria, a settlement for Christian Arab immigrants since the 1880s. The foundation stone of St. Joseph's Lebanese Maronite Church was discovered beneath debris near St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 157 Cedar Street, both established by Christians escaping Ottoman persecution. Advocates have pushed for the Museum to feature a lasting exhibit honoring this community’s significance, underscoring the patriotic efforts of immigrants from Ottoman territories and showcasing Little Syria’s diverse ethnic heritage. The original district was demolished in the 1940s to make way for the construction of the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel.

Museum Operations

The museum charges a general admission fee of $33, a pricing approach that has attracted criticism. Michael Bloomberg urged increased public appeals for federal funding to help alleviate these expenses.

At its inauguration on May 15, 2014, which welcomed families of victims and first responders, the museum encountered criticism over gift shop merchandise considered inappropriate. Revenue from sales supports both the museum and memorial upkeep. After complaints, several products, including a cheese platter shaped like the United States, were withdrawn, and a consultation process involving victims’ families was implemented.

Additional controversy emerged following a VIP cocktail event on May 20, 2014, hosted for donors and attended by personalities such as Bloomberg and representatives from Condé Nast. Relatives protested holding a social gathering near unidentified remains and pointed out limited access granted to first responders during setup. Critics labeled the event as unsuitable for such hallowed ground. Moreover, a mid-2014 plan to introduce a Danny Meyer café within the museum sparked public discussion.

Handling of Unidentified Remains

On May 10, 2014, unidentified remains belonging to 1,115 victims were transferred from the city medical examiner’s office to Ground Zero, intended for placement approximately 70 feet underground inside the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Family members expressed varied opinions; some supported this choice while others—including FDNY Lt. James McCaffrey, brother-in-law of firefighter Orio Palmer—condemned the subterranean location as disrespectful. McCaffrey called for an above-ground tomb that would hold equal prominence alongside the Memorial’s trees and reflecting pools, noting that the early morning ceremony signaled dissent against this decision.

Proposals That Were Withdrawn

In 2005, two proposed centers were removed from plans for the World Trade Center Memorial:

  • The International Freedom Center – envisioned as a think tank dedicated to exploring historical struggles for freedom. Deborah Burlingame, a Foundation member, criticized it for lacking direct connection to September 11 and potentially challenging U.S. government policies. After significant criticism from conservative commentators, Governor George Pataki withdrew his support.
  • The Drawing Center Art Gallery – then based in SoHo, intended to share premises with the International Freedom Center within a Cultural Center complex.

A New York Times editorial observed that opponents’ arguments—that these centers would detract from the Memorial Museum’s focus—were unpersuasive and failed to acknowledge the emotional consequences of diminishing cultural space.

Additional 9/11 Memorials

Beyond the memorial located at the World Trade Center site, a variety of communities throughout the United States have created their own commemorative sites. Many of these feature steel fragments from the Twin Towers, which have been distributed through a program managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This initiative has supplied more than 1,000 pieces of World Trade Center steel to various locations.

See also

External links

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