Year in Review: 2017 at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum closes out another significant year in its continuing efforts to preserve the memories of those killed on Sept. 11, 2001, and Feb. 26, 1993, to bring world-class exhibitions and programming to the public and to advise communities affected by tragedy on memorialization.

The Museum achieved a major milestone in 2017, serving more than 10 million visitors since opening in 2014. The Memorial has welcomed more than 37 million since opening in 2011. For a second year in a row, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum ranked sixth place among the world’s top museums, according to TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards.

We honored the 16-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at a ceremony held on the 9/11 Memorial and welcomed family members from across the country. In addition, the Anniversary in the Schools webinar reached more than 120,000 students across the globe.

The Museum’s public programs continued to illuminate many of the complex, consequential issues of our time, including terrorism, surveillance and the future of democracy, and featured discussions with experts such as FBI Director Christopher Wray and former CIA and National Security Agency Director Gen. Michael Hayden. The Museum also hosted a Tribeca Film Festival screening, in which hundreds gathered in Foundation Hall to view the premiere of an episode on music composed in response to 9/11 from the CNN original series “Soundtracks.”

The Koenig Sphere, a symbol of peace that survived significant damage on 9/11 to become an emblem of hope and resilience, was officially rededicated in its new home in Liberty Park overlooking the 9/11 Memorial.

The exhibition “Cover Stories: Remembering the Twin Towers on The New Yorker” went on view at the Museum in May. The 33 covers by 25 artists spanning more than four decades show the evolving New York City skyline and a city in recovery after the attacks.

The Memorial and Museum along with board chair Michael Bloomberg, board member Jon Stewart and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced plans for the development of a permanent dedication at the 9/11 Memorial to recognize the courage and sacrifice of rescue and recovery workers and to honor all those who are suffering or have died from 9/11-related illnesses.

The institution received a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation that allows for free student workshops student tours from all New York City schools for the remainder of the 2017–18 school year.

“Mission to Remember,” a new video series, was launched in September. The short documentaries included in the series go beyond the surface, immersing viewers in stories of honor and remembrance, and above all show the shared commitment to the mission behind the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff