How Long to Visit 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Published February 13, 2025

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The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an essential stop in NYC that is dedicated to the survivors and courageous individuals who jeopardized their lives to save others.

In this article, we will guide you on how long to visit 9 11 Memorial and Museum and all the essential information you need for your visit to the museum.

What is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum?

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum stands as a museum that serves as both a museum and memorial within the complex of New York's World Trade Center.

It was established to commemorate the attacks on September 11th, 2001, that resulted in the deaths of 2,977 individuals, as well as the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center that claimed six lives.

The museum is situated at the site of this Center, the previous location of New York's Twin Towers which were taken down during the 11 September attacks.

It's managed by one non-profit organization dedicated to generating funds to plan and run the museum and memorial.

How to Get to the Museum

The museum is located at 180 Greenwich Street, New York, United States.

It is situated in the historical World Trade Center core.

As one of New York's most significant locations, the Memorial and Museum is surrounded by numerous other attractions to explore.

You can get to the museum through various means of transport like;

Car/Taxi: To reach the museum by car or taxi can take 15 to 20 minutes, and you may either flag down a local taxi or request a Lyft or Uber using your smartphone.

When using a car and heading down, be aware that parking around lower Manhattan remains restricted.

Also, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is about 6 miles distant from the US Empire State Building and you may either use FDR Drive or navigate via Greenwich Village.

Train: To reach the museum by train takes 30 minutes and the nearest station is the terminal of the World Trade Center.

If you are coming through New Jersey, take a train to reach the museum.

Drive to New Jersey's Harrison Station, leave your car here, and then take the train ride to the museum.

Subway: The time it will take to reach the museum by subway is 20 minutes and the nearest station is at Fulton Street.

1, 2, 3, A, and C Lines will take you straight to Chambers St, whereas lines 3, 2, 4, 5, A, J, C, and Z stop inside Fulton Street.

One can also ride 3 or 2 trains to the Park Place and train 1 or R to Cortlandt Street and Rector Street.

Bus: To reach the museum by bus can take you 25 minutes and the nearest stop is also Fulton Street.

Routes M20, M55, and M22 will take you straight to the Museum and Memorial.

Best Time to Visit The 9/11 Memorial Museum

The 9/11 Museum's operating hours are Wednesday through Monday from 9am until 7pm.

It is not open on Tuesdays and its final entry is 90 minutes prior to closing time.

Then, the Memorial hours are daily from 8 to 8.

The ideal time to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum is during the first couple of hours in the morning and off-season.

Also, going to the museum on weekday mornings may allow you to avoid the crowds.

Weekends and after-lunch hours are notably hectic at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and even Mondays often become quite packed due to the no-cost admission to the museum.

Then, securing tickets in advance is another effective way to conserve time and avoid the crowd.

How Long to Visit 9/11 Memorial and Museum

A visit to the Memorial & Museum typically lasts about two hours and exploring the entire museum takes approximately 2-4 hours.

The minimum is one to two hours when you skip their historical gallery that addresses the 9/11 actual events.

However, if you go to the gallery, you’ll spend an extra 1 to 2 hours.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is so vast and you may dedicate up to 5 hours but still feel like you did not fully appreciate the museum and wish you had additional time.

Can You Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum with Kids?

Yes, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum with your kids and family.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum restrooms feature baby-changing amenities.

Also, strollers are allowed within the museum, though staff may request that you fold up your stroller if it is oversized or interferes with the exhibition areas in any manner.

However, large bags are prohibited from entering the museum so aim to pack only essential things in two medium-sized bags rather than using a large one.

Also, note that amenities like café and restaurants may be out of service, so bring some snacks and water for the children.

What to Expect at the Memorial & Museum

Twin Pools: Do a reflection at these pools, the solemn and introspective memorials established on the sites of the actual Twin Towers.

In the pools, flowing waterfalls cascade into mirroring pools, encircled by the etched names of almost 3,000 victims who perished in the sad event.

Survivor Tree: It’s the Callery pear that survived the devastation of 11 September.

It was subsequently cared for until it regained its health, representing a living emblem of hope, resilience, and renewal in the face of the destruction and grief felt on that gloomy day.

Events: The 9/11 museum regularly organizes events such as educational programs, discussions, and remembrance ceremonies.

All these provide visitors with chances to engage in significant conversations, activities, and reflections that celebrate the memory of 11 September and promote a sense of togetherness and remembrance.

Artifacts: The 9/11 museum contains a varied assortment of artifacts recovered from the debris, including bent steel beams, ruined vehicles, personal belongings, and additional remnants.

These artifacts act as physical cues of the 9/11 events and also assist in maintaining the tangible proof of the tragic day with its consequences.

Exhibitions: Discover various exhibitions that deliver in-depth perspectives on the historical backdrop, individual narratives, and the shared consequences of 11 September.

The museum even uses engaging displays and multimedia presentations to enhance knowledge of the importance of the tragedy.

Memorial Glade: Honor the courageous actions of recovery and rescue personnel through the museum's Memorial Glade.

It is a special area celebrating their unselfish efforts, with a pathway representing strength, resilience, and perseverance shown in tough times.

Information Desk: This is located in the Museum's Concourse Lobby within the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Restrooms: Public restrooms can be found at the museum's Oculus.

Audio Guides: In order to navigate the museum independently, you can obtain audio guides via the museum's Information Desk.

Gift Shop: Stop by the museum shop to explore a variety of stuff to honor your visit. If you prefer shopping from home, you can likewise make purchases online.

This shop can be found on the museum's concourse level, just after you leave the exhibits.

Souvenir Store: Inside the Memorial and Museum, there's a souvenir store where visitors can purchase coins, T-shirts, and an assortment of other keepsakes from your trip.

Dining: Following a long day, relax and enjoy a meal at the local eateries near the museum.

DIG: A U.S. eatery featuring fresh seasonal produce and fruits and the location is merely a half mile from the museum.

Toros Taqueria: Specializing in Mexican food, this eatery offers both takeout and dine-in options, and is well-renowned for its tacos in the Californian style.

It is only half a mile distant from the museum.

Tips For Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

• All visitors are required to undergo a security screening.
• Begin the tour at the 9/11 Museum and conclude it at the 9/11 Memorial.
• Prior to your visit, download the museum's audio guide to enhance your experience.
• Allocate a minimum of two to three hours to visit the museum at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time for the displays.
• The unfortunate event that occurred there could be quite burdensome for kids so it is recommended that you reconsider before bringing your young children.
• The dimensions of tribute items mustn’t go beyond 19 times 17 times 8 inches.
• Going to the museum on weekdays and in the morning is advisable as you’ll encounter fewer crowds during these times.
• The Memorial allows free entry at all times, but there is a fee to enter the Museum.
• Admission to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is complimentary on Mondays starting at 3 pm.
• Please refrain from touching any pieces inside the museum.
• Visitors may take personal photos within the museum.
• Set your mobile phone to silent mode when going to the museum.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the museum.