A year ago today, the 9/11 Memorial Museum opened its doors to the 9/11 community for a preview period. The Museum opened to the public six days later on May 21, 2014. 

Nearly 2.7 million visitors from all 50 states and more than 150 countries have visited the Museum in the past year. U.S. and foreign dignitaries have also paid tribute to 9/11 victims at the Memorial and Museum, including President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and many others.

"The success of the Museum ensures that this place will forever stand as a solemn tribute to those who were killed and serve to educate this and future generations about one of the most important events in our nation's 239-year history," 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniels said. "The Museum provides all those who visit with a comprehensive story of what happened that September morning, the events that led up to 9/11 and the response that took place in the aftermath."

In honor of the Museum’s first anniversary, the National 9/11 Flag, a tattered flag recovered from Ground Zero that was restored in "stitching ceremonies" held across the country by the nonprofit organization New York Says Thank You Foundation, will be put on display starting May 21, 2015.

Visitors will also be able to view a new exhibit, “Beyond Ground Zero: 9/11 and the American Landscape” featuring photographs by Jonathan C. Hyman. This exhibition is made possible in part by the Richmond County Savings Foundation in honor of the victims of 9/11 from the Staten Island community. The photos depict ways that the public paid tribute to 9/11 victims and examined the attacks through improvised memorials and grassroots gestures created within days of the events and over the years.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Gazing at the 9/11 Memorial through a skyscraper's floor-to-ceiling glass window, President Obama uttered two words on what he surveyed: "That's beautiful."

Many of the more than 3 million memorial visitors from all over the world couldn't agree with you more Mr. President.

"At the 9/11 Memorial . . . beautiful," Chad Stillwell shared on the social network Twitter. Emma from the United Kingdom said on tripadvisor.com that "The reflecting pools were beautiful." Kimberly Rene Oser of Queens said, "We paid another visit to the Memorial . . . with our niece and nephew. Just beautiful."

Yesterday, Obama traveled to the World Trade Center site to tour tower one, formerly called the Freedom Tower. From the 22nd floor of the building, Obama and the first lady had a very beautiful view of the memorial, which opened in September. The president was last at the World Trade Center site for the 10-year anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff