911 Memorial Opening Hours, Schedule, Best Time to Visit

9/11 Memorial Hours

The 9/11 Memorial is open every day of the year from 8 am to 8 pm. 

The last entry to the site is allowed until 7.30 pm.

The attraction is free to enter; however, visiting the Memorial is incomplete without visiting the 911 Museum, which has slightly different opening times. 

9/11 Museum Hours

The Museum is open from 9 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Monday. The last entry is at 5.30 pm.

The Museum is closed on Tuesdays. 

9/11 Museum Open Tuesday

The Museum will remain open on select Tuesdays in 2024 on all Tuesdays in June and July (2024) as these are the peak tourist months.

Here is a list of all Tuesdays when the Museum will remain open for visitors in 2024:

  • 26 March 
  • 28 May 
  • 4, 11, 18, & 25 June 
  • 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 July 
  • 10 September 
  • 26 November 
  • 24 & 31 December 

How Long Does it Take to Visit the 9/11 Memorial?

It takes around two hours to cover the 9/11 Memorial and another two hours to explore the 9/11 Museum.

However, your time at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial depends entirely on your choices. Let’s find out how long you will need to cover the 9/11 Memorial.

Visiting the 911 Memorial

For a quick visit, you can walk through the various points of reflection within the Memorial in about one and a half hours.

The Memo includes the Memorial Glade, the Pools, the Pavilion, the famous Survivor Tree and other quiet, contemplative spaces for reflection. 

Factoring in time to walk through these areas, take in the serenity and spend some time reflecting on the events of the tragedy can add more time to your visit.

Visiting the 9/11 Museum

The 9/11 Museum is a must-visit for thoroughly understanding the events that transpired on the dark September day in 2011.

Covering the Museum and its exhibits takes at least two hours. 

Visitors sometimes spend up to four hours at the Museum to see and read about all the artifacts.

Best Time to Visit the 9/11 Museum and Memorial

It is best to visit the Memo early in the morning as soon as it opens at 8 am.

This provides a quieter experience, and you can enjoy the space with fewer people before it gets busy.

The next best time to visit the Memo is between 9 and 11 am, as the crowds arrive after 11 am.

If you can’t make it in the morning, evenings between 4 and 7.30 pm also provide a crowd-free experience. 

During this time, the crowds start to thin out, allowing you to explore the Memo in a more peaceful atmosphere.

Also, the reflecting pools take on a different ambiance with the soft glow of evening light, which can enhance your overall experience.

Best Time of the Week

Weekends are crowded. So are Mondays as entry to the Museum is free after 5 pm.

Weekdays, especially Wednesday, are the best time of the week to visit the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. 

During this time, there will be fewer crowds and more space to explore the site at your own pace without rushing. 

Consider visiting on open Tuesdays, as some may not be aware that the Memo is open on certain Tuesdays, resulting in smaller crowds and a more peaceful experience.

Also, even weekdays become busier around national holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 11 September. 

Check the calendar to avoid these days if minimizing crowds is a top priority.

Budget-conscious travelers can visit on a Monday as the Museum provides free entry. However, beware of the crowds! 

Also, remember that tickets for free Monday evening visits are given on a first-come-first-served basis from 7 am the same day.

Check out this all-access combo ticket that provides a comprehensive visit to the Museum, memorial and observatory.

Best Month of the Year

The weather in New York is most pleasant from April to May and September to October. 

These months are free of the large crowds of summer or the holiday rush of winter. 

Another option is to visit in early December before the major holidays when the crowds are usually smaller. 

However, summer tends to be the busiest tourist season, so expect larger crowds and possibly hot, humid weather. 

On the other hand, winter months can be cold, with snow and ice. Hence, January and February are typically less crowded. 

Geared with all the information related to timing, we hope you have a peaceful visit to the 911 Museum and Memorial.

FAQs

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Featured Photo by Sedric Benson on Unsplash

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