About the Exhibition

Immediately conveying the enormity of loss, a floor-to-ceiling presentation of 2,983 portrait photographs surrounds visitors as they enter the gallery. These four walls present a true cross-section of humanity, ages 2 and a half to 85, from more than 90 nations, spanning the spectrum of ethnicities, socioeconomic sectors, and faith traditions.

Using touchscreen tables, visitors can learn more about the victims’ lives. Individual profiles are searchable by name, birthplace, place of residence, and employer. Through the touchscreen tables, we remember people for how they lived their lives rather than how they died. 

The gallery’s inner chamber provides a more intimate space for remembrance. Profiles of victims are projected onto the walls of this room along with personal photographs and recorded remembrances left by family members, friends, and former colleagues.

Objects on View

Artifact cases feature displays of recovered property and objects reflecting the interests and activities of the victims before their lives were cut short. New artifacts are displayed annually. This year, the commemorative objects on view reference individual victims’ hobbies, writings, or drawings.

Mission to Remember: Acquiring Artifacts

As part of our mission to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Memorial Museum works with family members, close friends, and coworkers to collect artifacts and spoken remembrances that illustrate the lives, personalities, and passions of those who were killed.
 
In the video below, Executive Vice President of Collections and Chief Curator Jan Seidler Ramirez shares how her team collects objects for display in the Museum.