9/11 Memorial & Museum
8.4Friend Score / 10#2 of 11 Museums in New York City
Known for9/11september 11ground zeromemorial pools
The memorial pools — two voids where the towers stood — are free, open daily 8am-8pm, and quietly devastating. The underground museum (adult tickets in the mid-$30s, open 9am-7pm most days) is masterfully done but emotionally heavy; give it 2-3 hours and don't schedule anything intense afterward. Free museum entry Monday evenings if you book at 7am that day.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Sun 09:00–19:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | WTC Cortlandt (1), Fulton St (2/3/4/5/A/C/J/Z), World Trade Center (E), or PATH to WTC Oculus |
| Time needed | 30 minutes for the memorial; 2-3 hours for the museum |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings right at opening; the memorial is most moving at dusk |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.4/10- Value8.0
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I need at the 9/11 Museum?
- Two to three hours minimum — it's vast, and the historical exhibition rewards slow attention. Add 20-30 quiet minutes outside at the pools. Don't try to squeeze it between two other big activities.
- How much does the 9/11 Museum cost?
- Adult admission runs in the mid-$30s, with discounts for seniors, students, veterans, and kids (6 and under free but ticketed). Free options exist: Monday evening tickets released at 7am each Monday, first Sundays for NY-area residents, and free entry with an EBT card.
- What is the Survivor Tree?
- A Callery pear pulled from the rubble in October 2001, nursed back to health, and replanted on the plaza in 2010 — it blooms every spring. Look for the tree with smoother, newer branches growing from gnarled old limbs, usually with people gathered around it.
- Can I visit One World Observatory at the same time?
- Yes — One World Trade's observatory is a separate ticket at the adjacent tower, and pairing them is efficient. Do the museum first, then the observatory; ending your visit 100 floors up looking over the harbor lands differently.
- Is the 9/11 Museum appropriate for kids?
- The museum recommends caution for children under 10 — the main historical exhibition includes recordings and images that are genuinely disturbing. The outdoor memorial is fine for all ages, and there are family guides for older kids.
- Is the 9/11 Memorial free?
- Yes — the outdoor memorial with the twin reflecting pools is free and open daily 8am to 8pm, no ticket needed. Only the underground museum charges admission.
- What are the 9/11 Museum's hours?
- Generally 9am to 7pm, Wednesday through Monday — and in 2026 it's open most Tuesdays too. The memorial plaza outside is open every day 8am-8pm. Book timed tickets online to skip the box office.
- What's the difference between the memorial and the museum?
- The memorial is the free outdoor plaza with the two waterfall pools ringed by victims' names. The museum is the ticketed underground institution beneath it, built around artifacts like the slurry wall and the Last Column. You can do just the memorial in 30 minutes.
Nearby in Ask New York City
- One World ObservatoryAttraction0.17 km · 2 min walk
- Bluestone LaneCafé0.5 km · 6 min walk
- ChinatownNeighborhood1.46 km · 18 min walk
- Brooklyn BridgeAttraction1.51 km · 19 min walk
- The River CaféRestaurant1.79 km · 22 min walk
Where to stay near 9/11 Memorial & Museum
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