9/11 Memorial and Museum: Pt. 2 The Museum
- Makena Bauss
- Jun 8, 2016
- 2 min read
The 9/11 Museum is one of the most impactful and important sites in New York City. If it was up to me, visiting would be non-negotiable. That being said, when you do go visit, don't rush your trip or try and pack it into an already busy day. Give yourself plenty of time, at least two hours. I spent around three hours in the museum, and there was still plenty of stuff I felt like I rushed through or didn't even get the chance to see. And if the time commitment wasn't enough to encourage you to plan your trip to the museum on a light day, the emotionally heavy and draining nature of the exhibits certainly should be. Prepare yourself to leave emotionally drained and ready to take the rest of the day slow.
When you enter, you'll have to go through security. Make things easier for everyone and don't bring a big bag or backpack. That being said, if you are bringing a camera, you may want to bring a bag to put it in. The largest (read, time-consuming) portion of the museum is a camera-free zone and it can get tiring having it hang around your neck.
In the camera-free Historical Exhibition, take time to do the following:
Right as you enter, watch the video from an art installation that was up in both NYC and Germany. Read the plaque.
Follow the timeline, read what is written and take time to pick up the receivers on the wall to listen to accompanying audio.
Step in the alcoves. Audiovisual presentations are shown in alcoves throughout the exhibit. Enter, watch one, and then stay and watch the next one. At first glance the presentations in a given alcove seem identical, but each alcove has several different presentations that all give important and unique insight on the attacks.
Read all the little signs. There is so much subtle thought and nuance to these exhibts. Nothing is superfluous. A lot can be gained from taking the time to read all the signs and displays, helping to keep you from missing out on hidden gems.
Go through this image gallery to learn more about important features of the museum.
VISITORS TIPS: Take time to watch at least one of the videos in the auditorium on the upper level. They act as a great introduction to the rest of the museum and *bonus* have outlets to charge your phone in. Download the museum app to gain access to a number of different audio tours that give fantastic insight as you go through the museum. Lines for tickets can be long, get yours ahead of time online.
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