On the World Trade Center site, twin sunken pools mark the tower footprints, ringed by the victims’ names; the underground museum documents 9/11 in unflinching detail.
What to see at 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Memorial pools are free and open to all — deeply moving.
- The Museum (ticketed) is intense; allow 2 hours.
- Free museum admission Monday evenings (timed, books out).
- Combine with One World Observatory above.
Visiting tips
Do the free pools any time; for the museum book a morning slot — and know it’s emotionally heavy, not one to rush.
How long: 2–3 hours with the museum · Best time: Museum at opening.
How to get there & what’s nearby
9/11 Memorial & Museum is easy to reach on New York City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island and Central Park & the Met. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our New York City travel guide.
9/11 Memorial & Museum in pictures
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- The outdoor 9/11 Memorial (the twin reflecting pools) is free and open daily 8am–8pm. The Museum opens Wed–Mon 9am–7pm, plus select Tuesdays.
- Tickets
- The Memorial is free. Museum admission is ticketed — see the official site for the current adult price. Free on Free Admission Mondays (tickets released online at 7am ET, first-come; last entry 5:30pm) and on New York First Sundays 4–7pm for NY-area residents.
- Booking & getting in
- Reserve the museum online. It is a powerful, sombre experience — allow unhurried time, and it is heavy going for younger children. The outdoor memorial pools are worth seeing even if you skip the museum.
- How long
- 2–3 hours for the museum
- Best time
- Late afternoon is quieter; grab a Free Admission Monday slot early if you want free entry.
Verified 2026-09-08 against the official site — prices and hours change, so confirm before you go.
See the full New York City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.
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