The 9/11 Tribute Museum honors those lost in the terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center and brings new attention to the stories of those who survived the events of that horrid day. Its exhibits present a fascinating mixture of artifacts, testimonies, videos, and what the museum calls “person-to-person history.” This storytelling method connects visitors to the 9/11 Tribute Museum who want to learn more about the tragedy with individuals who lived it firsthand. The result is a powerful experience.
History of the 9/11 Tribute Museum
The 9/11 Tribute Museum owes its existence to all the hard work done by the September 11th Families’ Association over the past 15 years. The September 11th Families’ Association is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 by a group of family members and widows of the Fire Department of New York for the purpose of providing support for victims of terrorism. They opened the precursor to the 9/11 Tribute Museum in September 2006 at the former Liberty Deli site, a location which served as a place for first responders to receive meals and supplies in the wake of the 9/11 attack.
Formerly known as the Tribute WTC Visitor Center and then just as the 9/11 Tribute Center, since 2017 the 9/11 Tribute Museum has been located at 92 Greenwich Street, just down the street from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the rebuilt World Trade Center complex.
What’s at the NY 9/11 Tribute Museum
There are two primary ways to experience the 9/11 Tribute Museum. One is by purchasing a ticket to view its gallery spaces. There you’ll encounter informative exhibits, anchored by videos and artifacts, that tell the story of 9/11, its immediate aftermath, and all the remarkable rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts that took place in the days, months, and years after the attack.
In addition to its gallery spaces and special exhibits, the 9/11 Tribute Museum offers visitors the opportunity to take guided walking tours of the 9/11 Memorial. Each one of these tours is led by an individual with a personal connection to 9/11—guides here are always volunteers, locals, survivors, first responders, or family members of victims. Tours typically last around 75 minutes, and are an extraordinary way to learn more about the people and places affected so deeply by the events of 9/11.
The 9/11 Tribute Museum also has a store that sells a variety of items whose proceeds support the mission of the facility. There you’ll find books and films on 9/11, FDNY apparel, NYPD apparel, and a whole host of 9/11 Tribute Museum gifts and souvenirs.
Tips for Visiting the NYC 9/11 Tribute Museum
- The 9/11 Tribute Museum is included on several money saving tourist passes including the New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass and NY Sightseeing Pass.
- As you plan your visit to the 9/11 Tribute Museum, it’s important to remember that it is not affiliated with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Though they are located very close to one another, and partner together on a number of initiatives, admission to these two museums is separate.
- Admission to the 9/11 Tribute Museum can be combined with admission to a number of other nearby attractions, including One World Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these combo-tickets, head to the 9/11 Tribute Museum’s website.
- From time to time the 9/11 Tribute Museum hosts special events or runs temporary exhibits. Be certain to check their online calendar of events before visiting for a full rundown of what’s scheduled to be on when you’re in town.
