Wreckage Forms a Cross – The 9/11 Memorial Museum in the U.S. "Brings You Back to the Scene"

▲The 9/11 Memorial Museum officially opens on Wednesday. Officials stated that this is not a hate-spreading genocide memorial, but a place to rebuild hope. (Photo / Screenshot from911memorial.org)

By Yvonne

The 9/11 Memorial Museum will officially open to the public on Wednesday, May 21, with unidentified victims' belongings returning once again to the site of the World Trade Center in New York after the terrorist attacks.

Among the many displays of ruins, there is a cross made from the steel beams of the World Trade buildings. In addition, a damaged New York fire truck, cards for the victims, and other memorabilia all tell the story of what happened that day. This is an extraordinary museum, and few can offer such a visceral experience.

▲The ruins of the World Trade buildingsofremnants. (Photo / Screenshot from911memorial.org)

Monica Iken, a family member of a victim, said: "They are finally home. Thank God these victims have returned to the right place. This is where they died, where they took their last step, and where they breathed their last breath." However, not all families of the victims agree with this move. Many protesters argue that it is more appropriate to place the belongings in a separate memorial rather than at the site of the most horrific terrorist attack in U.S. history.

Critics also pointed out that the fragile museum, which cannot withstand heavy rain, charges a fixed admission fee of $24, which is quite unreasonable for the victims. The main point of contention is that the owners of these belongings are unknown—there is no way to confirm whose items they are, and no one can truly speak for what the owners of these items went through.

▲Memoriam, only open to family members for visiting and remembrance. (Photo / Screenshot from911memorial.org)

All items left at the scene will be placed behind a wall inscribed with the words "No day shall erase you from the memory of time," from the Roman poet Virgil. Before the official opening on the 21st, family members of the victims will be able to visit the Reflection Room in the storage area. Afterward, families can schedule private visits for mourning.

In addition, admission is free every Tuesday from 5 pm to 8 pm, but reservations are required. Reservations can be made Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center

200 Liberty Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10281
Fax: (212) 227-7931
Tel: (212) 312-8800