Memorial Reservations Director Answers Your Questions

Kim Wright, the director of marketing and reservations for the 9/11 Memorial, recently sat down with the MEMO blog to answer some frequently asked questions about visiting the memorial.

Q: Why are timed passes needed to visit the 9/11 Memorial?A: When you visit, you’ll see that construction continues at the World Trade Center site.  During this interim period in which the 9/11 Memorial’s visitor capacity is affected by surrounding construction projects, the temporary timed reservation system will help reduce potential wait times and ensure as many people as possible are able to visit.  We simply want to ensure that the visitor experience is safe and meaningful. The response has been remarkable. We have had more than 500,000 visitors in about two months.  

Q: Is there a charge for the passes?A: Passes to the memorial are free, but we need your help to ensure this sacred place is preserved for generations to come. When making an online reservation, consider making a donation with your reservation. You can also make an in-person donation at our Visitor Center upon exiting the memorial. Contributions are dedicated to developing and sustaining the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Q: How should visitors get passes to the 9/11 Memorial?A: Reserving passes to the 9/11 Memorial is simple. Just visit 911memorial.org/visit, choose the date and time you’d like to visit, and select the number of people who are coming.  Fill in a few pieces of information, including the names of those visiting, and confirm.  We’ll email passes directly to you or you can choose to pick up the passes at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site located just a few blocks away from the memorial.  

Q: What if the time and date needed is not available?A: We regularly release passes online, so if your preferred date and time is not currently available, check back the afternoon before or the day you’d like to visit. We do, however, strongly recommend that you reserve passes as far in advance as possible to ensure you are able to visit when you’d like.  A limited number of passes for same-day visits are also available daily on a first-come, first-served basis at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site at 20 Vesey St. (at Church Street) beginning at 9 a.m., the NYC & Co. kiosk at City Hall and the NY Water Taxi booth at the South Street Seaport.

Q: What would you say to visitors who are unable to travel to the Memorial?A:  Through thoughtful innovations, we’ve developed other ways for people to experience the 9/11 Memorial and honor the people who were lost.  You can download the Memorial Guide and Explore 9/11 apps (both are free), explore content on the Make History website or browse the resources on our website including photo galleries, interactive timelines and more.  Our EarthCam webcam even gives you live views of the memorial 24/7, and you can always connect with the Memorial via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Q: Any insider tips for MEMO readers?A: The 9/11 Memorial is meant to be experienced at all times of the day, so don’t discount those later availabilities.  In my opinion, the memorial can be at its most beautiful in the evening.   

For more answers to your questions about visiting the 9/11 Memorial, see our FAQ.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff