September 11 Memorial Fountains. World Trade Center Twin Towers, Ground Zero New York
September 11 Memorial Fountains, Ground Zero, New York
The 9/11 Memorial Fountains Commemorating New York Twin Tower Attacks is breathtaking, moving and very tasteful. I was taken by surprise just how remarkable I found them.
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York was a moving and remarkable experience. It is something that I would strongly recommend that anyone passing through or visiting New York makes sure that they find time to visit.
The memorial consists of 2 huge waterfalls that fill the entire footprints of where the two Twin Towers of the World Trade Center that were destroyed on September 11 2001 used to stand. They commemorate the 2,983 men, women and children who died in the attacks.
It is a very sensitive, surprising and beautiful memorial. The massive waterfalls cascade into the ground, and then the water disappears into a large hole in the center. You cannot see where the water goes, and for me the movement downwards evokes the image of the towers falling. Probably the most shattering memory of the attacks.
Around the sides of the waterfalls is a metal surround with the names of the people that died carved into it. You get a sense of the huge numbers of people who died as a result.
There is a garden planted in a regimented series of straight lines of trees. Once grown the trees will create almost a forest effect, creating a massive cover of green and no doubt absorbing the sound of the hustle and bustle of the city – creating a place of silence with the roar of the water. There is one tree that is from the original plaza that was planted in the 1970s that survived the destruction, and has been nursed back to health and replanted. You can spot it as it has various support wires to help it grow and strengthen.
People stroll about and talk quietly and respectfully. Standing absorbed in their thoughts as they watch the water. The use of water was a masterful idea as it draws you in and entrances you.
The best way of describing the memorial is by seeing it, and so I would encourage you to watch the video I made. There is no commentary and just the noise of the place and the water.
Watch the video to experience the September 11 Memorial Fountains and Gardens:
To see the photos I took of the September 11 Memorial Fountains: click here.
While the construction of new buildings is going on around the memorial, you need to get a timed entry. This can be obtained on the site at 911memorial.org or on the day at the entrance. There is no charge, though you have the chance to make a donation to help fund the museum and activities of the foundation. The museum was not yet open when I visited.
September 11 Memorial Fountains New York
September 11 Memorial Fountains New York
