Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey

Name: Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey
Uploaded: 2025-07-06
Duration: 1 min
Description: Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey was erected in memorial of the 746 victims from New Jersey who were killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Empty Sky Memorial in New Jersey was erected in memorial of the 746 victims from New Jersey who were killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The monument is located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It lies at the mouth of the Hudson River, across from One World Trade Center.

Eric's Index

1 About the Empty Sky Memorial
- 1.1 Empty Sky Memorial Design
- 1.2 Meaning of the Memorial
2 Visiting the Empty Sky Memorial
3 FAQ

About the Empty Sky Memorial

The memorial is an impressive tribute to the victims of the events of September 11th.

Empty Sky Memorial Design

The Empty Sky Memorial was designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz. The design was chosen unanimously, out of 320 entries, by the ‘Families and Survivors Memorial Committee’.

The memorial consists of two walls with a granite path in between, directed towards Ground Zero: the site where the Twin Towers used to stand before September 11. The two prominent walls define the design, and symbolize the World Trade Center towers.

The names of the 746 victims are etched on the monument, all carved low in the wall, so you can easily reach them, and so deep you can feel them. The name of the memorial is taken from the Bruce Springsteen song “Empty Sky”, which is about the “empty sky” where the towers once stood.

Meaning of the Memorial

The New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation stated that the memorial is to “reflect the legacies of those whose lives were lost, that their unfulfilled dreams and hopes may result in a better future for society. Their unique qualities and characteristics enriched our lives, and through this memorial, their stories live on.”

Visiting the Empty Sky Memorial

Do you plan to visit the monument in Jersey City to admire this impressive tribute? Then I’ll share some tips to make the most of your visit.

Best time to visit

The memorial is of course already impressive to visit during the day. But if you want to make your visit even more special, I recommend going at the end of the day. Since the memorial is located at the New Jersey waterfront, visiting during and after sunset lets you enjoy great views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline.

How to get there?

The easiest way to reach Empty Sky Memorial is to take the ferry from One World Trade Center. Continue until you reach the Hudson and take the Liberty Landing Ferry. A one-way ticket is $10 and takes about 15 minutes. Get off at the second stop, the Liberty Landing Marina. From here it’s only a few minutes walk to the Empty Sky Memorial.

Liberty State Park

The memorial is located in Liberty State Park, a nice park to walk around if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for a bit longer. It’s a green area with many pathways, a playground, picnic spots, and a public restroom. And of course, it offers great views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Eric’s Tip: “If you’re planning to visit the Empty Sky Memorial, I recommend having lunch at the Liberty House Restaurant. You have a beautiful view, and the outdoor terrace is superb! If you’re planning on seeing more of New Jersey, Downtown Jersey City is about a 15-minute walk, and from there, you also have a fabulous view of Manhattan’s skyline. Take the Liberty Landing Ferry to return to Manhattan.”