Ground Zero

Ground Zero in New York is where the Twin Towers once stood. But today the 9/11 Memorial marks the site of the World Trade Center. Ground Zero is still an impressive sight for many people. You can visit the 9/11 Museum or walk around the memorial that was created in memory of the 2,752 victims of the attacks.

Eric's Index

1 What is Ground Zero?
- 1.1 The reconstruction timeline
2 9/11 Museum in New York
3 FAQ

What is Ground Zero?

Ground Zero is the former location of the World Trade Center in New York, which was destroyed during the attacks on September 11 2001.

Today, the site of the former buildings contains two pools with manmade waterfalls, known as the Reflection Pools. The names of the people who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are inscribed on the edge of the pools.

Many new buildings have been constructed as well in the restoration of the area, like One World Trade Center, World Trade Center Transportation Hub and the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center.

Eric’s Tip: “Would you like to visit Ground Zero and see more of Manhattan at the same time? Then download my Eric’s New York App and follow the Downtown Manhattan walking route. I will take you on a tour of these and other historical sites in the area.”

The reconstruction timeline

In the process of rebuilding the area, there were some important milestones:

In early 2004, it was decided that Daniel Libeskind would redesign the new spot. In addition, there would also be a memorial known as Reflecting Absence.
In 2006, building began on a new tower known as Freedom Tower
In 2009, the name was officially changed to One World Trade Center.
In 2011, 9/11 Memorial was completed for the 2,752 victims who died during the 9/11 attacks.
One World Observatory observation deck opened in 2015.
The Oculus (or World Trade Center Transportation Hub) opened a year later, in 2016.
In 2017, the construction of the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center commenced. It was completed in 2023.

You can buy tickets for the One World Observatory here

9/11 Museum in New York

Also found on the Ground Zero site is the 9/11 Museum in New York. This museum is situated close to the Reflection Pools on the 9/11 Memorial site. The museum shows all kinds of objects related to the September 11 events.

FAQ

Yes, access to the area, where you can see the Reflection Pools and Oculus, for example, is free. If you want to visit One World Observatory or the 9/11 Museum, you need to buy tickets.

The 9/11 Memorial is located at Ground Zero, but it's not the exact same thing. Ground Zero refers to the entire World Trade Center site where the Twin Towers once stood, while the 9/11 Memorial specifically refers to the plaza with reflecting pools built at the spot of the original towers.

Yes, I think it’s a very moving place that's worth experiencing if you're interested in paying your respects and reflecting on this historic event.