What’s Inside the 911 Memorial and Museum in New York

I finally made it to the 911 Memorial and Museum in New York last July 4th weekend. I had two chances to visit this place before but I didn’t want to do it alone. Then, last weekend, a friend was free and we went there together.

Visiting the 911 Memorial Museum was a bit emotional. I didn’t cry like a river, but I had some moments when I had to turn around, composed myself and continued reading or looking at those haunting photos and objects. Some descriptions are just heartbreaking while reading them. Listening to the voices of the witnesses, rescuers, survivors and the families of the victims is chilling and I had goosebumps, too. However, some descriptions are just too lengthy for me.

There was a 15-minute video show (I forgot the title) which narrates the construction of the One World Tower and the Memorial and Museum but it’s a bit boring. We were not impressed with the editing. 😉

Memorial Museums always moved me. I’ve been to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan and 7 minutes after I entered, I was already crying that I had to wear my sunglasses. When I exited the memorial museum, I was so devastated that I had to sit for a while and calmed myself down before writing some words in their Visitor’s notebook.

I also visited the open-air museum called, “Killing Field” in Cambodia—and as soon as I saw the piles of skulls displayed on a glass-covered memorial temple, my heart just died. At a tiny shed, I joined two Americans and European tourists who were reading a long descriptive history of the Killing Field. As soon as we finished reading, tears were shed. Tissues were brought out. Silence between and among us was deafening.

In Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum is as haunting the other museums above. Some of those war small objects were made into art statues, creating a more haunting memory of the Vietnam War. It’s here where I sat down next to an American backpacker who, obviously, was crying. When he looked at me, she said, “I’m so ashamed to be American right now.” I gave her the silence she needed—and when I thought she’s ready for more conversation, I introduced myself.

Memorial Museums, I think, should be a compulsory visitation for every public official, from top to bottom—so they can make sound decisions in their political ambitions.

Here are the photos of what you can expect inside the 911 Memorial and Museum in New York.

Travel Tip:
Buy your tickets online and choose the time you like. It is much easier and faster that way, especially when the queue is unbearably long in summer. Allow two to three hours inside the 911 Memorial Museum.

Respect the Memorial and Museum. If the No Photography sign is visible, do not attempt to take a photo inside.

Money Saving Tips:
Buy a New York City Pass to save up to 41% for Six Must-See Attractions in the City that Never Sleeps, including the 911 Memorial Museum.

This is the Last Column removed from the ashes of Twin Towers. 

The River Water Line Valve

The Survivor Stairs.
Yes, hundreds of survivors passed through these stairs!

Reposed behind these walls are the remains of many who perished during the terrorist attack.

Remnants of the box columns.

FDNY Dream Bike
A police officer bought a battered 1979 Honda motorcycle with the hope of restoring it to its original glory. But he never had the time to finish it. He died on duty, while rescuing people. Later, his fellow officers restored the bike in his memory. And they call it, “The Bike of Healing.” 

The Urn.
No, there are no ashes inside. If you look closer, you’ll find the names of the 2,977 victims on the vessel.

The South Tower Grillage.

Remembrance Room.
This is the room where photos of all the victims are posted on the wall. You can even get to know them by pressing their photo on a computer screen.

The Elevator Motor.

The new elevator looks like a haunting tunnel.