Heartbreaking!

There was a very serene atmosphere when we arrived at the concourse Lobby of the Museum and memorial. 

We were greeted by our guide who set everyone up with audio equipment that would enable us to move freely throughout the tour and still hear the guide clearly. The guided tours take you around the foundation hall, but not into the exhibition spaces. With a guide this part of the museum gives visitors the opportunity to examine authentic artifacts that explain the global impact of the tragic events of 9/11. The tour took approximately 60 minutes and was very informative. It was a good way to start a visit to the museum giving a small sample of what the rest of the museum has to show as well as an explanation to the founding of the museum and the exposed foundations of the original towers.

At the time we believed that the foundation hall was the main part of the museum and we were very pleased with what we had seen and expected the two exhibition spaces to be small additions to what we had already seen but we were wrong. 

Firstly we went to the memorial exhibition. A room that is clad with photos of victims. In the centre of the room there are some tablets that enable visitors to search for people by their home country or town and we found that there had been people from very close by to our home town in the North West of the UK that had sadly perished in the dreadful events. Under each name you can see a profile that includes a photo and some information about the individuals. It really is quite hard to digest. As a whole this museum gives a very personal account of that day and it’s hard no to feel very emotional. I found myself thinking:

“What would I have done faced with such danger?”

“What if it had been my loved ones?”

The final part of the museum for us was the historical exhibition and it really is curated fantastically! I’d say this is the largest part of the museum and we could have stayed for many hours. There is an overwhelming amount for information to digest from times lines to personal accounts. A military history of the events that led to that day and also in to the lasting effects of the tragedy. Sadly after maybe just over half the the historical exhibition we decided to move a little more quickly and to wrap up our visit. I would have loved to have stayed longer and I would defiantly visit again but It’s so much to take in in one visit and I don’t just mean the details but also emotionally. I think we had both teared up several times it was really just heart braking.

I know I left feeling very luck to have my friends and family and it was a reminder of how easily they can be taken away from us. A lesson in remembering to appreciate what we have that so many others would love. So live everyday to it’s fullest. Be happy and share the love. 

I would say the 9/11 memorial and museum is an absolute must for anyone visiting New York.