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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO 911 MEMORIAL MUSEUM (& 911 MEMORIAL DIRECTIONS)

INSIDE: The Ultimate Guide to the New York 911 Memorial Museum including 911 Memorial Directions. 

Here is a comprehensive guide to the 911 Memorial Museum for Families, including the best 911 Memorial Directions.

We try to answer all your questions about the 9 11 Memorial and Museum, including:

  • the 911 Memorial hours
  • prices for tickets for 911 Memorial,
  • what to do at 9/11 Memorial
  • what is inside the 911 Museum
  • information about the 911 memorial wall,
  • everything you need to know before you go, and
  • directions to Ground Zero.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

Year after Year - 911 memorial directions

911 MEMORIAL DIRECTIONS

We strongly recommend the use of public transportation to access lower Manhattan in New York. 

Hot tip:  Click here to access Google Map directions.

Add your starting point, and let google do the rest, including the quickest or most straightforward 911 memorial directions by foot from the subway station where you disembark.

You may not need this, as you can see the World Trade Center building.

Hot tip: Read our New York Pass Comparison Guide & save money on entry tickets

Directions to 911 Memorial by Subway or Bus

By Subway to 911 Memorial: 

  • A, C, 1, 2 or 3 to Chambers Street subway station – a 10 minute walk on W Broadway, then Greenwich street, Vesey street and left onto West street
  • A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4 or 5 trains to Fulton Street subway station –  a 6 minute (0.3 mile) walk via Broadway and Liberty Street.
  • 2 or 3 trains to Park Place station – an 8 min walk
  • E train to World Trade Center
  • R train to Rector Street
  • R train to Cortlandt Street  (the nearest subway station)
  • 1 train to Rector Street

You can also travel to Wall Street, and walk from there in no time.

By Bus to 911 Museum: 

  •  M55 Southbound: get off at Broadway and Thames Street
  • M55 Northbound: get off at Trinity Place and Rector Street
  • M20 Southbound: get off on South End Avenue between Liberty Street and Albany Street
  • M22 Southbound: get off on Vesey Street between North End Avenue and West Street

BUY NOW: New York 9-11 Memorial and Museum SKIP THE LINE entry ticket (through Get your Guide)

National September 11 Memorial & Museum - 911 memorial directions

Directions to 9/11 by PATH

  • The PATH train serves the World Trade Center terminal from multiple points in New Jersey.
  • If traveling by car from New Jersey or other points west, the Harrison PATH station is a convenient location to park in an adjacent parking facility and take PATH to the World Trade Center.
  • Click here for PATH information.

Directions to 9/11 Museum by Ferry

Ferry service is available from Midtown Manhattan, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. For service from these areas, we recommend the following transportation options:

Parks & Recreation

Directions to 9/11 Museum by Taxi – New York yellow cab

  • The closest taxi stands to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum are located on West Street and Liberty Street and on Vesey Street at West Street.

Directions to 9/11 Museum By Car

  • Click here to access Google Map directions.
  • We strongly recommend using public transport as it’s very busy in this part of Manhattan

911 Memorial NYC

Parking near 911 Memorial

The Memorial does not provide parking.

  • On-street parking in lower Manhattan is extremely limited.
  • Click here for a list of parking facilities in New York City.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

VISIT 911 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS

I thought long and hard before taking Ned and Jack to the 911 Memorial Museum on our trip to New York. What pushed me over the edge was the fact I really wanted to visit.

9/11 was a worldwide tragedy, that touched everyone who turned on the tv, listened to the radio, or had access to the internet. There was almost no way to escape the news.

For many reasons, I wanted to wander the corridors, listen to the stories of both the survivors and those who were lost, to learn a little bit more about the people behind the buildings.

Ned was 7 at the time. Jack almost 2.

Travelling solo with the boys, it was either take them, or miss out entirely.

We used our New York Pass tickets to skip the line  and headed in. (Skipping the long entry queue into the 9 11 Memorial Museum when you have a two year old in tow is a HUGE plus of having the New York pass.)

BUY NOW: Make a visit to the site of 9/11 more personal, by taking this best-selling tour with a local to hear their real-life perspective. Museum ticket included.  


RELATED: Big List of Best Things to do in NYC with Kids

image - the new york pass card

Here’s the caveat from the September 11 Memorial Museum: 

The historical exhibition may not be appropriate for visitors younger than 10 years of age. Adults accompanying younger visitors should exercise discretion before entering.

At the end of the day, you know your kids personality, temperament and coping ability best, and can make right decision for your family on whether to go in, or not.

READ MORE: What’s the best New York sightseeing pass? READ OUR COMPARISON GUIDE before you buy!

Best 911 Memorial Tours

For those who would like to join a 911 Memorial Tour to hear the stories of survival and triumph over adversity in person, we recommend this one.

BUY NOW: One World Observatory Entry and 9/11 Memorial Tour – this is a best selling tour going further behind the scenes. (Does not include entry to 9/11 Museum)


National September 11 Memorial & Museum

THE 911 MEMORIAL MUSEUM CORE EXHIBITIONS 

The main Historical Exhibition located in the northern end of the Ground Floor space on C4 is a three-part journey exploring:

  • the lead up to 9/11
  • the day of 9/11, and
  • after 9/11.

No.1: THE HISTORICAL EXHIBITION at the 911 Memorial NYC

Through stories, photographs, artefacts, and audio, the events of 9/11 at the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and Flight 93 are retold with elegance, and grace.

Ned, who up until this moment had never heard of 9/11, was equal parts intrigued and frightened by the story.

For the most part, he was happy to wander, looking at photos and objects along the way, and asking lots of questions about the event as he tried to make sense of what he called ‘baddies’ doing something so mean and nasty to hurt people.

The entire event is tastefully reconstructed in a 911 Memorial Timeline to reflect the horrors that unfolded not just on the day, but also during the lead up.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Mementos on display at the 9 11 Memorial Museum

The National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

The BIG THINGS on display made it real for him.

Center Passage demonstrates the scale of the 9/11 attacks through monumental artifacts, evoking the magnitude of the World Trade Center buildings and their destruction.

The squashed and bruised Ladder Company 3 Truck of the New York City Fire Department, the giant scrap piles of twisted metal, the image of the damaged flag, and the Survivors Stairs (pictured below) are all relics of a time no-one wants to remember but no-one can forget.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

“The Survivors’ Staircase was the last visible remaining original structure above ground level at the World Trade Center site.

Originally two outdoor flights of granite-clad stairs, and an escalator that connected Vesey street to the WTC’s Austin J Tobin Plaza”

(Wikipedia)

Those New York City survivor stairs were the lifeline to hundreds of people evacuating from the 9-floor building (5 World Trade Centre) next to the 110 storey towers.

They were moved to the National 911 Memorial and Museum and are now a stand-out feature opposite the Blue Wall artwork, “Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning” by Spencer Finch.

New York - Mémorial du World Trade Center

For me, it was the LITTLE THINGS.

The mundane everyday items that were retrieved from the wreckage – tiny non-momentous items that all of us use each and every day.

A pair of shoes.

A wallet.

Receipts from lunch.

A handbag.

Computer disks.

All the things used by the people who went to work one day, and never came home.

The museum reminds us that beyond the stark images of planes hitting buildings on a blue sky day in the world’s most favourite city, and the unbelievable spectacle of fire raging and steel buildings falling, the people matter most.

This is their memorial.

A chance to reflect upon, and learn more about those individuals who left us that terrifying and sorrowful day, and their loved ones who were left to pick up the pieces.

wtcoutline

WARNING: Not for Kids at the 911 Memorial NYC

There was one section in the 911 memorial NYC that I steered him around.

Tucked behind a solid wall, a screen showing video footage of those who either fell or leapt to their deaths.

This is the one incomprehensible memory that stays with me all these years later, those poor souls who could see no other way out.

A senseless death, and a tragedy of epic proportions.

Definitely not for kids.

In Memoriam...

No. 2: THE MEMORIAL EXHIBITION

Surprisingly, the place where Ned spent the most time was in the Memorial Exhibition, and in particular, “In Memoriam”.

A quiet, contemplative space, “In Memoriam” is a quiet darkened space filled with short film stories about each of the 2,983 victims of September 11 2001, as told by their friends and family.

He could have sat and listened and watched all day.

When I asked him later what he’d learned, he told me stories of the people who died too young, and what their families and friends miss most about them.

Human stories connect us, especially when we can put ourselves in their shoes.

We are more alike than different.

These stories help us to remember that.
Visit ROAM THE GNOME Family Travel Directory for MORE SUPER DOOPER FUN ideas for family-friendly travel around the world. Search by City. Photo 911_Memorial_The_National_September_11_Memorial 911 Memorial NYC

No.3: WITNESS AT GROUND ZERO & REFLECTING ON GROUND ZERO

See hundreds of in-person photos of the aftermath of Ground Zero, as captured by French photographer and film maker, Stephane Sednaoui during the few days after the attacks.

You can also watch video interviews with government officials, historians, journalists, members of the armed forces, family members of victims, survivors, emergency responders and other museum visitors in the reflecting on 9/11 exhibition.

The National September 11 Memorial (New York, USA 2012)

Family Activities at the 9 11 Memorial Museum

Visiting the 911 Memorial NYC with kids?

Join in at the 9/11 Memorial Art Cart to participate in free, self-guided explorations and art activities, written in age-appropriate language.

These activities will help children discover the stories and symbolism behind the 9/11 Memorial, and the rebuilt World Trade Center site.

Visiting the 9 11 Museum with kids?

Stop by the drop-in activity stations tied to specific artifacts and themes in the Museum.

Meant to spark conversations between children and their caregivers, current activities offer age-appropriate entry-points into the history of the World Trade Center, 9/11 and its aftermath.

  • This program takes place on Saturdays in the Museum’s Education Center from September through early June.
  • Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Program dates and times subject to change.  
  • Click here for event dates.

Download the Kids Guide to the NYC 911 Memorial here.

You can also download lesson plans if this is of interest.

9/11 Memorial Museum Fountain

9 11 MEMORIAL FACTS FOR KIDS

Take a look at these 911 Memorial Facts and FAQ.

No.1: What is the 911 Memorial?

According to the official website,

“The National September 11 Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon.

The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America.

The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood.

The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history.”

No.2: What’s the difference between the 911 Memorial and the 911 Museum?

The 911 memorial is outside, as above.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is America’s indoor museum where visitors can:

  • learn about the events leading up to 9/11
  • explore the artefacts and reflect upon the stories of the dreadful days’ events, and
  • their ongoing impact on the American psyche, culture and people.

It’s also a place to explore the continuing significance of September 11, 2001.

911 Memorial

MORE Facts about 9/11 Museum & Memorial

No.3: Why is the Museum underground?

The Museum is located below-ground because remnants of the original World Trade Center buildings are still visible below-ground, and it is the Museum’s job to preserve them so they can be seen by visitors like you and I.

No.4: Why were they called the Twin Towers?

The 110-story Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in New York City.

For a brief period, they were the tallest buildings in the world.

They were called the Twin Towers because they were nearly identical.

You could tell them apart, though, because the North Tower had an antenna on its roof.

No.5: Why is the word ‘SAVE’ written on the columns?

Can you see the word “SAVE” written on the steel trident columns?

After 9/11, people wanted to make sure some objects from the World Trade Center were kept and protected for a possible future museum.

They spray painted the word “SAVE” in big letters on those objects to make sure they were preserved.

New York City, Lower Manhattan, St. Paul's Chapel, 1766

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT 911 MUSEUM

No.1: How many people have visited the 911 Memorial Museum in New York?

More than 10 million people have visited the 911 Memorial NYC Museum since it opened in May 2014, marking a major milestone for the organization.

No.2: How many people visit the 911 Memorial each day?

Averaging about 9,000 visitors per day, the Museum has welcomed attendees from all 50 states and more than 170 nations who have traveled to the Museum to connect with the significance of September 11, 2001.

Visitors to the United States also stop by the 911 Memorial and Survivor Tree to remember the victims of the attacks.

911 Memorial Timeline

Take a look at the in-depth 911 Memorial timeline either before, or after your visit too.

9/11 Memorial Museum

Audio Tours – 9/11 Museum Audio Guide

Enhance your experience of the 911 Memorial NYC Museum by using the official audio guide.

Narrated by Robert De Niro, this self-guided experience includes three themed tours featuring stories from the day of 9/11 and the recovery at Ground Zero.

It also presents details of the Museum’s archaeological elements and architectural designs of the Memorial and the Museum.

Tours are available in:

  • American Sign Language
  • Chinese (Mandarin simplified)
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Portuguese, and
  • Spanish.

The 9/11 Museum Audio Guide is available via handheld devices at the Information Desk, and downloadable as an app for iOS and Android smartphones.

Visitors using handheld devices or smartphones must use personal headphones.

Headphones are available for purchase at the Information Desk.

The app is available on iOS and Android devices.

Download the app now for free at Apple’s App store or Google Play store.

Inside the WTC Memorial

911 Memorial App

Use the Explore 9/11 app to learn the history of the World Trade Center, the design of the 911 Memorial NYC and the inspiring artifacts of the Museum.

Experience the app’s map and story features by rotating your device to switch between modes.

Users can explore a content-rich landscape of the memorial and multilevel maps inside the Museum.

Clickable hotspots along the maps reveal photos, videos, audio and more.

In story mode, users can explore this content organized in chapters.

The app also features a new tribute mode where users can leave tribute messages, including their name and where they are from. Tributes can also remain anonymous.

The app is available on iOS and Android devices.

9/11 Memorial Museum Giftshop

9/11 Memorial Museum Gift Shop

Visit the 911 Museum Store, located on the Concourse Lobby level.

They stock a range of meaningful keepsakes, educational books, and DVDs.

All net proceeds are dedicated to sustaining the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

image - 911Memorial museum Logo

Where to eat at the 911 Museum Cafe

Visit the Pavilion Café, located on the Atrium Terrace level.

Food and beverages are not permitted in the exhibition spaces.

New York City

Visit the One World Observatory Freedom Tower

You can visit the One World Observatory, 102 floors high above New York, for a unparalled views of the city from above.

One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

There’s a 14 foot wide circular glass disc that you can walk on to look down at the city below. This glass walkway is not for the faint of heart!

Visit the One World Observatory gallery shop for iconic New York souvenirs too.

Remembering 9/11

THE INSIDE SCOOP: The 911 Memorial NYC

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in US dollars, unless otherwise stated

The 911 Memorial Address: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum are located at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan  at 180 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10007.

Visitors can currently access the Memorial at the intersection of Liberty Street and Greenwich Street, at the intersection of Liberty Street and West Street and at the intersection of West Street and Fulton Street.

Visitors can also use the entrance at Fulton Street and Greenwich Street daily between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Footprint

911 Museum Opening Hours (Updated 2019)

The 911 Museum is open daily.

  • Sunday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. last entry);
  • Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 p.m. last entry)

911 Memorial Hours

The 911 Memorial is open daily.

  • 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

911 Memorial Tickets: 

The 911 Memorial museum tickets cost:

  • Adult $26
  • Youth (7-12) $15
  • Young Adult (13-17) $20
  • Senior 65 + $20

FREE September 11 Memorial Tickets:  Children under the age of 7 receive FREE admission, but a ticket is required for entry.

Free Admission Tuesdays from 5pm till close. Free Admission Tuesday tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the Museum starting at 4 p.m. The distribution time is subject to change.

911 Museum and Memorial tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance and include entry to all exhibitions. Last admission is two hours prior to closing.

The 9/11 Memorial outside the museum is free and open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

911 Museum Admission and Tours:

Click here for combo ticket prices which include admission to the Memorial Museum, and either a Museum or Memorial tour

9 11 Memorial Museum Discount Tickets

  • Try Groupon for discount coupons

You can also get FREE entry with any one of these New York sightseeing passes:

  • The New York Pass
  • New York explorer pass
  • New York CityPass
  • New York C3 pass
  • New York Sightseeing Pass

NYC 911 Museum Map

Download a copy of the Memorial Museum New York map here.

Facilities at the 911 Museum

Toilets: Yes, including baby change table at the 911 memorial NYC
Disability access: Yes.

  • The 911 memorial NYC facility is wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check on the Concourse Lobby level.
  • Induction loops are installed throughout the Museum including in the exhibitions, auditorium, and classrooms.
  • Open captioning or written transcripts are available for all exhibition media installations that feature audio.
  • ASL interpretation is available, free of charge, for guided tours and public programs by request with two weeks advance notice.
  • The 9/11 Museum Audio Guide is VoiceOver compatible on all iOS devices and includes a descriptive tour for visitors who are blind or partially sighted.
  • Large print materials are available upon request at the Information Desk. Service dogs are welcome.
  • For additional information about programs and services for visitors with disabilities, please visit the Information Desk.

Closest ATM: Eftpos and Credit card facilities at Ticket Booth, Cafe and Shop
Dogs: Service dogs only.
Photography in the 911 Museum:

  • Flash photography is not permitted anywhere inside the Museum.
  • Photography is not permitted in the security screening area, the auditorium, Rebirth at Ground Zero, September 11, 2001, and In Memoriam.
  • Photography is permitted in all other spaces.

New York City, USA

Toadstool Rating – The September 11 Memorial Museum

The 911 Memorial NYC Site, and the 9 11 Memorial Museum is the place to pay your respects to the victims of this atrocity.

The September 11 Museum is a quiet contemplative and reflective space, with strict codes of behaviour and noise levels. It’s a difficult place to take toddlers and young preschoolers, but easy to take babes in arms (or in Ergo baby carriers).

Those who can go, should go.
911 memorial museum reviews

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