The 9/11 Memorial Glade

A meaningful addition to the 9/11 Memorial

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After roughly 8 months of construction, the 9/11 Memorial Glade in New York opened on May 30, 2019. The memorial is dedicated to all post-attack victims of 9/11 and was designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, the architects behind the 9/11 Memorial. Here’s what you should know about the Memorial Glade.

  • When did the construction for the 9/11 Memorial Glade start?
    The construction of the 9/11 Memorial Glade began in late 2018.
  • When did the 9/11 Memorial Glade open?
    The 9/11 Memorial Glade has opened to the public on May 30, 2019. The day marks the 17th anniversary of the recovery effort’s formal end and was specifically picked to be the opening day for the new memorial.

The Meaning of the 9/11 Memorial Glade

The 9/11 Memorial Glade dedicates space to first responders, recovery workers, and all other people affected by the horrific attacks, whether they have died from or are battling with the consequences of it. Several thousand people were exposed to the toxins caused by 9/11, including people who lived, worked, and studied nearby. They too are part of the story along with the nearly 3,000 victims and relatives, and now they are honored with the 9/11 Memorial Glade.

The memorial pays tribute to the effort and courage of relief workers who risked their lives to help heal the city, the nation, and the world after the attacks. They were on site from the second it happened, searching for survivors, clearing the debris.

After nine months, on May 30, 2002, the recovery effort formally ended. It was the day the last steel column was removed from the site. The so-called “last column” is now a centerpiece of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, surrounded by the Scroll of Honor, where all registered recovery workers are displayed. Due to the day’s importance, it was also chosen for the opening date.


The Look of the 9/11 Memorial Glade

Memorial Glade Detail

The 9/11 Memorial Glade is located on Memorial Plaza, between Liberty and West Street. The design was first revealed in May 2018 by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s president Alice Greenwald.

The Memorial Glade forms a pathway, 8 feet wide and 14 feet long, with six large monoliths appearing to break through the ground. They were specifically crafted to look bruised, but not broken, symbolizing the strength and the human spirit. Each of the large stone elements weighs around 15 tons and includes steel from the original One World Trade Center.

Further incorporated in the memorial is the traditional Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, literally translating to golden repair (kin = gold, tsugi = repair). The art technique embraces the repair of broken pottery by filling the breaks with gold. Kintsugi symbolizes the idea that no scars need to be hidden. In fact, the opposite is encouraged: Scars should be displayed with pride because the damage is what makes the pottery unique.


FAQ

9/11 Memorial Glade Rendering
Courtesy of MOSO Studios

How much did the 9/11 Memorial Glade cost?
The cost of the Memorial Glade is estimated at $5 million. It enjoys vigorous support by individuals, corporations, and the state of New York. Bloomberg Philanthropies, as well as former Daily Show host Jon Stewart, are backing the construction of the 9/11 Memorial Glade.

Where is the 9/11 Memorial Glade located?
The Memorial Glade monument is located on Memorial Plaza, near the National September 11 Memorial Museum and the two Reflecting Pools at 180 Greenwich St. To get there, take subway line 1 to WTC Cortlandt Street. You can also take the PATH to the World Trade Center (Oculus), or lines 45 to Fulton Street Station. All of them drop you off within the walking distance to Memorial Plaza.

Is the 9/11 Memorial Glade free to visit?
Yes! You can go see the 9/11 Memorial Glade at no cost, as it is located in a public space, just like the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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