This 16-acre campus is a symbol of NYC’s resilience. Reflect at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, a somber tribute honoring victims of the deadliest terror attack on US soil, and wow at the view from One World Observatory – a testament to the city’s post-9/11 recovery.
Fly Above New York
Soaring 1776 ft into the air like a phoenix, One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) is currently the Western Hemisphere’s largest building – a shimmering glass spectacle with edges that form triangles stretching across 104 floors. The building is impressive from below, but wait until you reach the observation decks on levels 100 to 102. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a 360-degree panorama with arresting views of all five boroughs and three adjoining states. If you need help naming landmarks, interactive mobile tablets programmed in multiple languages are available, included in a combo ticket for a well-spent $10 extra.
Honor the Fallen
Lower Manhattan’s hustle-bustle grinds to a halt at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, where visitors pause in silence around two massive pools built within the footprints of the fallen towers. Sheets of water pour around the rims, cascading 30ft into a central void. Names of the 2983 people lost in the 2001 terror attack and 1993 World Trade Center car bombing can be found on bronze panels flanking the pools. Over 400 oaks stand like soldiers around the memorial, along with one Callery pear tree – known as the "Survivor Tree," which managed to escape destruction and stands as a symbol of strength.
Visit the Museum
The adjacent museum, designed to resemble a collapsed tower, shepherds visitors from street to bedrock level, where they can experience, or re-experience, 9/11’s intense trauma through a collection of artifacts, photos, videos and remnants from the destroyed buildings. Exploring the 110,000-sq-ft exhibition space can be a visceral – and overwhelming – emotional journey.
Although it does a yeoman’s job memorializing the tragic events, there’s been fair criticism that the museum monetizes grief (there’s an on-site gift shop) and fails to provoke thoughtful dialogue about sociopolitical matters preceding and following the attack. Still, the subterranean tomb provides a powerful look at stories of loss, bravery and hope. Purchase timed tickets at 911memorial.org in advance to avoid long lines.
