National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The basics

The outdoor 9/11 Memorial is open daily and does not require tickets or reservations, while museum entry is ticketed and can be purchased up to six months in advance. At the memorial, visitors can walk the perimeter of the pools to read the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, etched in bronze panels around the pools’ rims. At the museum, there are three sections: before September 11, the day of, and after. Inside the quiet halls, visitors can explore expressive artworks, walk down the very staircase used by workers to escape the buildings on 9/11, hear voicemail messages left by the victims to loved ones, enter a quiet space for reflection, and watch several videos including a time-lapse film of the transformation of the WTC site. Most weekdays, the museum holds live, 30-minute talks featuring survivor stories and personal tales of remembrance.

Things to know before you go

• Give yourself at least 2 hours at the memorial and museum to explore and reflect.

• Hour-long staff-guided tours can be bundled with museum admission. It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated tour time.

• Mobile apps and a museum audio guide can enhance a self-guided experience.

• Some sections of the museum may not be appropriate for kids under the age of 10.

• There is a café on the atrium terrace level.

• The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is fully accessible.

How to get there

As with much of New York City, the best way to get to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is public transit or a taxi, as parking is extremely limited. The site is accessible by subway (A, C, E, J, R, Z, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains), bus (M5, M20, and M22), and the PATH train. Once you arrive, memorial entrances are at the intersections of Liberty and West Streets, and West and Fulton Streets. The main museum entrance is at Fulton and Greenwich.

When to get there

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from morning to evening, and is closed Tuesdays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Weekday mornings and the cold winter months tend to be the least busy times to visit. Early birds will appreciate the early-access museum tour, a behind-the-scenes experience offered several times weekly before official opening hours.

Finding a personal connection to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is an emotional experience for most visitors, but especially so for friends and families of victims, and for survivors of that day. Those with a personal connection to someone lost in the attacks can visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website and, on the Find a Name page, type in a name, flight number, or affiliation to learn where an individual’s name is etched around the north or south pool.

Ways to explore

The outdoor 9/11 Memorial is open daily and does not require tickets or reservations, while museum entry is ticketed and can be purchased up to six months in advance. At the Memorial, visitors can read the names of the victims, etched in bronze panels around the reflecting pools. Within the Museum, visitors can explore a series of gallery spaces showing commemorative artworks and exhibitions, see artifacts and footage from the attacks, and enter a quiet space for reflection. The Museum regularly holds live, 30-minute talks featuring survivor stories and personal tales of remembrance.

Set aside several hours to visit both the National September 11 Memorial & Museum—and leave extra time for commemoration and reflection. Those with a personal connection to someone lost in the attacks can visit the site’s website and, on the Find a Name page, type in a name, flight number, or affiliation to learn where an individual’s name is etched around the reflecting pools.

Accessibility

The Museum and Memorial are accessible to disabled visitors, and wheelchairs and walkers are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Other accommodations are available for visitors with impaired hearing and vision.

Age limits

Owing to the upsetting nature of the exhibitions, the Museum may not be ideal for children under the age of 10.

What to pack

Personal tribute items, umbrellas or sunscreen

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate clothing for this indoor-outdoor site, and avoid any clothing with controversial or inflammatory messaging.

Not allowed

Pets, glass bottles, outside food and drink, smoking, suitcases and large bags

Amenities

Café, restrooms, museum store, audio guides

Address

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is located at the former World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. Driving is not recommended in Manhattan, but public transit, taxis, and tours make getting there easy.

Driving

While you could drive to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, navigating New York City’s busy streets could pose a challenge, and parking options around the site may be limited. It’s much more convenient to take public transit or a taxi.

Public transportation

Take the 1 train to WTC Cortland, the 2 or 3 trains to Park Place, the 4 or 5 trains to Fulton St, the E train to World Trade Center, the R or W trains to Cortland St, or PATH trains to World Trade Center.

Best times to visit

To miss the bulk of the crowds, visit either early in the morning—right when the Memorial and Museum open between 8–9am—or later in the evening before they close. The reflecting pools are best admired when lit up after dark.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. New Yorkers also receive free entry on the first Monday of the month from 5:30pm onwards.

Best months to visit

Expect the Memorial and Museum to be at their busiest during the summer tourist high season, and around the September 11 anniversary. For a slightly calmer experience, try the spring or autumn shoulder seasons.

Special events

Unsurprisingly, the most important date to visit is on September 11 each year, when special commemorative events are held.