I loved the memorial with a very heavy heart. They are Military friendly to retired and active duty but not their spouses. It will bring back tons of memories of that day so be prepared it was very difficult at times walking through. Pro Deo ET Patria read more

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This museum dedicated to the 911 attacks might be the best privately curated museum I've toured in years. The man that owns and operates this Gary and he comes to this from an amazing perspective. He was the photographer given all access and permission to shoot photographs within ground zero. He was right down in the mud during the investigation, remains recovery and salvage operations. He has in depth and personal knowledge of the situation very few people had or ever will have. He was eve made an honorary battalion chief by FDNY. He has artifacts rarely seen anyplace else and many of them you can actually touch. Gary is there, in person while you tour his museum. He gives you an audio guide that is simple and easy to use. That guide gives you personal and in depth info on every artifact and every photograph. All narrated, personally, by him. So much of the info and details brings up really strong emotions as he doesn't sugar coat anything. The feelings and information is direct and honest. It's a very emotional tour. Gary feels a personal responsibility to tell this story as fate put him and his camera in a unique place, at a unique time. If you want to experience a very personal narration of this tragedy and American history, I highly recommend this tour. I left this museum was a far deeper understanding of the impact on the lives, people and families of those lost on that faithful morning. Thank you so much Gary for what you have done and continue to do. Thank you for talking to me and explaining this event in such great detail. read more

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So this photographer became the only one officially allowed on the site to document on images on film and I'm glad he did so in a tasteful way. This is basically a one-room gallery of the images with posted numbers so you can listen to the description of the time the image was taken. Told it was meant to be intimate as it provided a place for some mourning families to grieve. Glad I came to see it.....great photography.... read more

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This is an incredibly powerful and moving place. Workshop is a perfect word for it as it is not quite a museum. Don't let the size of the place make you walk away. It was much smaller than I expected, but there is so much there. We ended up spending and hour and a half there with our 8.5 and 10.5 year old children. Both had been introduced to what happened on 9/11 and they both walked away with a better understanding of how lives were changed including the lives of those that were not inside the towers during the attack. There are items you can even touch and hold which is very powerful. The details that you never even thought of are all there and the photography and story is amazing. Highly recommend this museum. read more

Reminder to self ... cross check yelp or other sites before going. TripAdvisor rated this #2 (at the time) on the list of 658 attractions. Since we just missed out on tickets to Ground Zero we thought this would be a great alternative. It's a small studio gallery with a introduction video, a briefing of the highlights/artifacts and then a self guided audio tour. The photos are all taken by Gary Suson - some really eye catching and telling images. There are some artifacts recovered from the WTC site and that was cool. Overall, portion of the proceeds go to charity, but it's definitely NOT a must see in New York City. Cost was $27 with an allotted time of 2 hours per tour. Most people in our tour left after 1:15. read more

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I really enjoyed it. The only negative comments I could appreciate is if there was a large group of people. Yesterday there were four of us on the tour and we had the room to ourselves, which made it just perfect. A group of 24, I probably would have been annoyed in such a small space. As far as the price, the photographer, the size of the museum, I don't agree. I thought it was worth every penny and shared an experience that you could net get anywhere else. We heard the story of a victim's family member coming there to see a piece of the plane that hit the tower that they have on display. They let him hold the piece and cradle it while he cried. This man had nothing left but the memory of his wife and that is what this place is about. They never found one piece of her for him to hold onto, so they got permission to cut off a tiny clipping of this plane so he could take it home with him. It may sound silly to some, but to this man it was everything. I am not 25 years old anymore and to sit down on a comfortable leather couch, have a restroom to use, to view the film, listen to the descriptions and to be able to take an occasional rest in-between was helpful to me and my husband. It is also located near the highline which provided us a nice walk afterwards and another thing to see right down the block. I took a star away only because others said they took too many people ... i wouldn't have been happy with 24 people in that room either. But my experience was great. Perhaps you should ask how many people will be in the group before signing up. There may be busier days than others. We went on a Saturday during a Holiday week and there were only four of us read more

Stumbled upon this when looking for things to do in Chelsea. Reserving tickets online was easy. I found this museum to be informative for the subject matter. It took about 1 1/2 hours to complete and the $25 fee was worth it. Finding the location is a little difficult if you aren't familiar with the area, which I wasn't. My suggestion, ask a local...they helped and were friendly. read more

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A one of a kind experience... Perfectly displaying human nature at it worst then it's best. The museum very well thought out layout that will engage and hold you by the mind and heart during your entire stay. A must see if you are in NYC. read more

This stop was one of the highlights of our trip to New York. We brought our daughters with us who were not born in 2001. We had the good fortune to meet the photographer who took all the photos and put the museum together. He was also the narrator for your audio tour. You can feel the real passion he has for this experience. It is about two hours of intense emotional exploration. You are transported to Ground Zero during the cleanup. You are provided just a glimpse of what that day did to our country close up. The stories are real, raw and moving. It provided us the opportunity to discuss this with our daughters. We got to touch and feel the artifacts. Take the time to find this place and experience it for yourself. read more

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I read my fellow Yelper's review's and respect their views, I just think that there's value in seeing some of the artifacts that were preserved from that fateful day up close; that is unless everybody thinks that these are fakes and that Suson is just out to make a buck... I will say this: The "museum" is smaller in physical size than most people would expect -- especially if you're going to pay $27 per head to see this. I will take him at his word when the curator says that the proceeds go toward supporting the victim's families, that's good enough for me... This is probably my only opportunity to see some of these artifacts up close... Until they open the 9/11 Museum in late 2012 at the site of the twin towers, this is all there is... read more

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I am surprised that this place doesn't get more rating. I think that it needs to be understood for what it is. It is literally a room full of memories and raw audio, items, and images of the day. The place has a lot of items that were found from the ground zero. Through those items, you listen to your own audio guide. The audio consists of raw sound, interviews, and narrations that explain the importance of the objects and there relations to the day and people that were affected by the situation. The tour is very personalized, and you can go fast or slow according to your pace. I really feel like I learned a lot about 9/11 in a way that I probably would not have from reading news and watching cnn. The experience is fascinating, and touching, and often sad. I really suggest that if you are interested in this historic moment, you definitely should pay a visit. It was one of the best museums I visited, and it was the smallest. However, I couldn't finish looking at all the items available in that room! One thing that can be improved is that I wish the audio would be available in more languages. I know that for such a small organization, that is hard to do, but many non english tourists will be left out. read more

Ground Zero Museum Workshop - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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This is a great complement to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum (although they are in different locations). This one is rather quaint (read: not as overwhelming as some of the massive NYC museums can be) but full of important artifacts to see and experience. It's a good spot to visit if you are looking to learn more about 9/11 and ground zero from a different perspective. As a photographer myself, it was really something else to be able to see the photos from ground zero and hear about what the moment was like when the photographer captured them. I loved hearing Gary's narration and the thoughtful descriptions he gave about his photos or the items placed throughout the museum. read more

First of all, we got there on time and no one was there. No text, no e-mail, nothing. Second of all this is NOT the actual 9/11 memorial site so please don't get this workshop confused with the real "Ground Zero." if you want to see the actual site you're going to go to the web address: www.911memorial.org to check it out and purchase tickets. Thirdly, I left and did have to dispute this charge with my bank because of the fact that no one was there when I arrived on time. Additionally, the next day I received a rude text saying I should communicate with them better, and a sarcastic, "nice contribution to the 9/11 world". Little did they know our family lived in NYC at the time of 9/11. As a matter of fact, my mother contributed a lot of her time and money towards the lives lost on the tragic day. Don't waste your time here with these people because they make slick and unnecessary comments if things do not go their way, and they don't realize that their words and actions have meaning. They apologized later on and stated that they mixed me up with someone else. However, I DON'T CARE. No one should be talked to that way, and they don't know how sensitive people are towards 9/11. Nor, do they know what kind of contributions people have made. I respectfully will not recommend this place to anyone. read more

This museum is a must see...you don't just see it you EXPERIENCE it...the rom is packed with not just amazing photos but also there are many actual artifacts from the World Trade Center. You can take pictures and hold them as well...with each photo/artifact there is a personal audio narration by Gary himself...the docent was extremely knowledgeable...we stayed quite a while after the audio tour with our questions and she took her time with us...I highly recommend seeing this museum! read more

Ground Zero Museum Workshop - Crosses made from the World Trade Center beams that were given to the family of victims - Museums Near Me - New York, New York

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While 9/11 touched all of us in one way or another, I really felt like this place was no more than a shrine to the photographer that took all of the pictures. I felt like it was nothing more than the photographer's way of making himself "famous", and a few bucks on the way. It is a single room filled mainly with photographs, and a limited number of objects found after 9/11. Many if not most of the photos have Suson's (the photographer) name on them and are autographed. It seemed extremely tacky to see such an awful time in our history captured on film surrounded by "Gary Marlon Suson" and a black marker squiggle of his autograph on each. Each photo/exhibit has a number, and Suson narrates an audio file describing what you are looking at. Even in the audio, Suson tells you over and over how he was the exclusive photographer, and how no one else was allowed to take pictures, and how Suson tries to make it appear he was one of the rescue workers trying to save lives. While I can appreciate that because of his work we can at least see some of what happened at the WTC on 9/11, I would expect that it would be a much more humbling experience for Mr. Suson. Not so, at least in my mind. It seems to me that Mr. Suson has quite the ego, and probably quite the checking account now. They tell you over and over that Mr. Suson shares the proceeds from his pictures, autographs, and items for sale with some of the families of those who passed on 9/11 and afterward, but they do not tell you how much. I really hope it is most of what he takes in. It just seems tacky to me to play on our emotions and commercialize this tragedy with his autographs everywhere and audio clips that make Suson himself feel special. Even forgetting my distaste for how this guy operates , there really wasn't too much in this "Museum" (single room) of stuff that isn't available to see online. Personally, if I had a do-over, I wouldn't do this one again. Not worth the time or money. read more

GZMW is so highly rated on Tripadvisor that I thought it was a must-see for NYC. I couldn't have been more disappointed. I have been told that I'm not a very nice person (possibly true) and I'm not very sensitive (definitely true) but I do have emotions. In fact, when Nemo's mom was eaten by the shark in Finding Nemo, I shed a tear. Anyway, for $27 per person I was expecting this place to blow me away. Our group of 20-30 tourists were shuffled upstairs into a room no larger than my living room. It was so crowded that they ran out of headphones and seats. First we watched a 20 minute video of Suson. Next, one of the employees highlighted a few of the best photos. We were given 1.5 hours to listen to as many audiotour descriptions as we wanted. I left with 30 minutes to spare and I was shocked at how the room had cleared out. By then there were only about 5 people left. The photos are great, yes, but there's no need to have a whole "museum" dedicated to these photos. I'm sorry but I was not touched and neither were any of the others in my "tour group." I was waiting to get emotional but I didn't feel a connection to any of the photos. Most of us looked bored and many of us wondered why we had paid so much for so little. read more

September 11th, 2001, was a harrowing day in our country's history and in my family (for private reasons I don't wish to go into). On a recent business trip to New York, I thought I'd check out the Ground Zero Museum Workshop during some down-time. The photography is good. Don't get me wrong about that. Mr. Suson has his way with a camera. What I didn't like was I guess the "tone" of the museum experience. It really felt like the photographic or artistic equivalent of ambulance chasing lawyers. During every tragedy people write songs or blogs or videos trying to become the "face" of the ordeal while saying they are merely trying to capture the event with their art. September 11th was too big an event to take over. Too many lives were ended, too many families destroyed. This museum does not feel like it honors the victims so much as it tries to be a paean to the artist, and that just strikes me as sort of crass and sad. The acclaim for Suson is almost universal, so I think I'm in the minority on this one. I'm comfortable with that. I'm not trying to change anyone's opinions on the matter, I'm merely stating what I saw and felt. Much like, I'm sure, Mr. Suson would claim. Only difference being, I didn't make a museum to honor my post. read more

We visited this museum after visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum 2 days earlier. It was an interesting visit but not what we were expecting. There are approximately 100 exhibits in a single room accompanied by a handheld/headphone audio guide. some items recovered from the site, lots of photos taken during the clearing of the site, these were probably the most interesting part. You have to pre-book, you can not just turn up and enter. We spent about 1 hour in total in the museum. If I had to choose I would recommend the 9/11 Memorial Museum over this one. read more

My dad and I came here, and really enjoyed our experience. We'd been to the 9/11 site and the 9/11 site preview, and this sort of rounded out the 9/11 experience. I actually got more touched at the New York City Fire Museum, which has a 9/11 room, but I think it was just seeing that before this. I enjoyed the variation on what a museum should be, and appreciated that it was interactive and you could decide what to listen to. The photography is great and I enjoyed listening to what Mr. Suson has to say about each photo and what story was behind the photograph. I can understand why this wouldn't be a museum experience for everyone-it's more hands on and interactive, which sometimes you want to have it self driven. Mr. Suson was at the museum when we visited, so it was nice to hear directly from him before we watched the video. He was very friendly and welcoming, as was the rest of the museum staff. While we didn't spend as much time as we could have here, it was an enjoyable and educational stop. I am glad some of the profits go to the people dealing with the aftermath of environmental effects of 9/11, though it wasn't clear how much goes to that. read more

Wow, what can I say about this museum? When I first walked in, I was a little underwhelemed by it's size. Do not judge a book by its cover though!! Looking at Mr. Suson's amazing photos while listening to him tell the story behind them was amazing, and heartbreaking at the same time. Being able to hold a piece of Trade Center steel and window glass was amazing. Seeing artifacts from the site, including glasses from the bar and articles from Windows on the World that were left virtually untouched was eerie. So while this museum may be small in size, it is huge when it comes to a memorial for not only those who were killed, but for the recovery works (both people and K9), who worked tirelessly to recover the remains of those who were lost. This museum is humble, respectful, tasteful and not to be missed. As an added bonus, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Suson on the street as we were leaving the exhibit. He was incredibly gracious and freely gave his time to speak with us, even though he had somewhere to be. It was easy to not only hear, but to also feel the importance this work had for him. Following our tour of the museum, we headed up to Ground Zero for a guided walking tour. The experience would not have been the same if we had not toured the museum first. read more

The photographs and stories are so moving that you'll feel time pause and feel like you were there witnessing some of these moments. Having been just a child during the 9/11 attacks living in middle America and now living in New York City, it was incredible to see how the city and country came together to recover those who we lost on that tragic day and to see all those who stepped up to clean-up lower Manhattan. Gary Suson (the photographer) even stopped by and was so gracious with his time and his stories behind some of the pictures. He was also great with the young children who weren't alive during 9/11 and spent time answering some of their questions helping them understand the meaning behind what had happened. If you're looking for a museum off the beaten path and looking to feel something / be moved, this is a great museum to visit. read more

Not knowing what to expect and wanting an understanding of what happened during and after the period of time of 9/11, this was a perfect collection of artifacts and photography from the man officially named as what i would call 'the memory collector' (Gary Marlon Suson) for you google lovers. This commercial space is located in the meat packing district (which is perfect as its next to some great designer stores, around the corner from Hogs and Heifers - the bar used in the movie Coyote Ugly and a 2 min walk away from Chelsea Market which is full of bakeries and places to eat/drink) The room is bright, welcoming and full of wonderful unique photography and artifacts - from a clock stuck on the time of day to a very rare thick sheet of glass, each photo/item has a number next to it, after the introduction DVD and an explanation of how the interactive room works you are left to your own devices to listen to the story behind each item, there are some amazing stories and simply stunning photographs that you simply need to see. I truely believe this is a must for anyone who wants a visual and audio experience of the events on the day and the cleanup operation that followed 9/11. Thankyou so much. read more

My group met Gary Sason and did a Q&A with him when I was at the museum. From reading the other yelp reviews, it seems like everyone who met Gary gave this museum 5 stars. Some people who did not meet Gary thought it was overpriced and gave the museum a lower rating. When you meet Gary, it becomes evident that he really cares about the 9/11 victims. He is very authentic. He described how he became the 9/11 official firefighter photographer because he helped them find free healthcare and earned their trust. He does talk a lot about his personal 9/11 experience and how he became the official photographer. However, I found his experience to be one of the most fascinating parts. Hearing about how he slept in the church for months and how he started the museum giving all the tours himself and then one day learned about audioguides on a trip to Bath, England was really interesting. read more

When my daughter and I traveled to NYC a couple of years ago, I booked this tour not knowing really what to expect. I'm so glad I did! It was amazing! The staff that put this place together did a wonderful job in describing what everything is. I loved it! Bought the book from the photographer who was allowed to photograph at ground zero. It'll be treasured by my family for years. Highly recommend if you're visiting NYC. read more

Unlike any other 9/11 story. Great experience for children that don't want to read plaques and walk away when their attention wanes. The our guide was entertaining and educational; you may have seen movies and documentaries, but this opens your heart and feeds the mind. read more

We visited here today & you couldn't fail but be moved by the photographic records and items recovered from the site of that awful tragedy. Particularly memorable was the piece of AA11 which survived & the related story of the father who lost his daughter that day. This museum allows you time to reflect and consider what happened that day. Well presented and well worth visiting. God bless all those souls that have passed on may they RIP. read more

This photographer's photos are indeed remarkable and moving. However, the museum itself does seem like more of a showcase of the artist's work rather than a tribute to the worst tragedy in the lifetime of most Americans. The title this photographer claims, "Official Photographer of Ground Zero," does not seem to me like a title that anyone should possess. Some of the most moving photographs I have seen of this day were taken by people who literally lived the moment, and their photos make you feel as though you are witnessing their story through their own eyes. The idea that a person was planted in the scene to capture the moment seems cold and sad to me. To sum up, if 100% of this museum's proceeds go directly to charities that benefit the victims of 9/11, then this museum is a worthy use of your time and money. If this is not the case, you might consider how you feel about padding the pockets of a person who is capitalizing on a tragic event before you go. If this makes you uncomfortable, view this guys photos online, experience some of the other tributes in and around Ground Zero and make a donation directly to a charity that supports the victims. I read more

"good things come in small packages" Yes, the museum is extremely small!! But susons work definitely engages its audience and captures to catastrophic events of 911. I was extremely moved by the artwork and would highly recommend all Americans to go visit. read more

We had a great time visiting this little "museum". Yes it's small. A little appartment, but there are unique pieces. Of course all pictures have the photographer's name on it this guy was the only man authorized to take pictures! He put his life in real danger to report what happened here and what he saw. I think he as much a hero as the others. The exhibition is focused on the recovery only and he did an amazing job taking great pictures, bringing back amazing artefacts and commenting everything making you feel you're with him in this nightmare. Don't expect a huge museum neither planes crashing into the towers or anything about who did this and why, you are coming to see an exhibition about the recovery of 9/11 and that's what you will get. read more

Tastefully done, intimate setting....raw heartfelt stories with every photo and artifacts you can touch. read more

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We, My family and I visited the "museum" on July 3rd. We like everyone else it seems got to meet the "famous" Gary Suson. This place was a small studio with a shrine to all his pictures and artifacts that he may or may not have been able to take from the grounds of WTC. I personally am a skeptic about everything. That is just who I am. I personally don't believe everything Mr. Suson had to say on his video or what he said about his artifacts and that bothers him. I did look him up that evening after we left to see more of his work and find out more about the "museum." The owner (Gary Suson) is nuts! When I questioned him on his "museum's" twitter page about things I had found on the internet, I was sent several emails by some lady that works for him than an email by him. He told me he posted a tweet about me having to be removed from his "museum" by police for harassment! That is just bogus! The day I visited the STUDIO we left with a handshake because I hadn't questioned him at all yet. He even wanted to take a picture of my daughter taking a picture with her polaroid camera! He even had a "gift shop" with all his works you could by already autographed! read more

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is an important place to visit. Many people come to NY and want to see Ground Zero. Make sure you go here as well...you'll have a greater understanding of what went on after September 11th. This is more than just a place to see some amazing photography. It's an experience. There aren't many places I know of - anywhere - that can move you quite like this. It's very personal, intimate and filled with so much feeling. Being able to meet and speak with Gary Suson, the owner and artist behind it all made it even more special. This place really touches your heart whether you're a New Yorker or from out of town. I want to tell everyone about this place. I loved it and will be back again. Dr. David Levin New Yorker and Ground Zero volunteer read more

Not bad at all, definitely worth seeing. The price is a bit high considering they are just photographs that you could probably find online and a video before viewing them, but at least you know that the profits are going to a good place (I forget exactly which charities but they are all related to the families of the victims of 9/11). To say that it's intimate is just short for being in a tiny studio apartment in the meat-packing district. At least they do limit the number of people allowed in at a time. read more

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop in New York City is known as the biggest little museum. The museum is a memorial for those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. I was visiting NYC for the first time after the 9/11 incident. I had to visit this memorial as I had lost two colleagues and a host of acquaintances in the tragedy. I had to stand in a long line to buy the tickets and the good part was that the line was very orderly and somber. The security is a bit irksome, but then what can you do. The whole experience was very moving and I got to pray for my friends as well as others who gave away their lives to terrorists. The online app helped me to find the friends' names. The way the tribute is planned and implemented is very apt befitting the gravity of the tragedy. The museum itself is very informative as it displays the various implements and tools used in recovery and some terrific video footages of the recovery process. read more

This place is simply amazing! It offers an intimate and realistic experience. The immense amount of knowledge given to you makes you feel as if you were there that morning of 9/11. I had the honor of meeting Gary the owner which was an extreme pleasure as he stated that he is hardly there. Meeting him made me connect with the events on another level. I can't lie and say that I did not shed a tear or two, I can go on about the experience but it would be best for you to go and check it out for yourself. read more

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Really surprised that this place has such great reviews. One ticket is around $20 and for that you get a teeny tiny room filled with photos and around 10-20 artifacts. Seriously this place looks and feels like it was meant to be a studio. There is also a tiny bathroom in the corner. The "museum" allows only a small group of around 10 people in at a time. Our guide, Trey, was great but only spoke for around 15-20 minutes. Then we were free to walk around with a headphone and device to input each photo/artifact's accompanying number to hear a brief description. Honestly this place is a huge waste of money and most people in our group seemed to think so as well. My son was done at around a half hour in and plopped down on the sofa staring into space. Do yourself a favor and go to the 9/11 museum instead! EDIT I just read a review down below. Google the owner of this place, Gary Marlon Suson, and you'll read a lot of sketchy things. For example, the money he claims to donate actually lines his pockets. He also seems super rude and impersonal in his interviews. NY Post has also reported on some shady things although I know they're not the most credible. Anyway, I'm really pissed that I wasted my money on this place and at the fact that I supported this ugly man. Hopefully you will find somewhere else to visit (cough cough 9/11 museum) read more

This museum is powerful and humbling beyond measure! We were so fortunate to have met Mr. Suson at the end of our time there and got to speak with him. Through his eyes and words we were to get a glimpse into what the selfless individuals who worked to recover those who were lost faced at every moment. This experience brought forth the emotions needed to never forget that horrific day. Thank you Mr. Suson. read more

Complaints about size of the museum and fees leave me speechless. This museum is a true memorial in every sense of the word. It honors those that perished at the WTC and it honors those who spent the next nine months trying to recover victims and answers. One small room captures how the horror of 9/11 changed lives forever. This respectful collection chronicles the aftermath. Gary Suson's photos and the collection of artifacts in this museum/workshop connect to the reality of this horrific event and those that labored so arduously to bring closure. As the only photographer allowed take images of the recovery, visitors are privileged to see the gritty, intense nine months at the recovery site. The Times Square Fire Station was right around the corner from my hotel. I revisited the station after going to this museum. Photos of fire fighters who died at the WTC were posted on the wall out side of the station. The station motto is "We've never missed a performance". A museum photo depicts a retired fire fighter and a police officer carrying out the flag-draped corpse. The victim, worked at this this station and was the firefighter's son and the brother-in-law of the police officer. One does not need a glitzy, grandiose monument to remember and honor this life changing event. read more

My husband and I went during fleet week as we have never been. It was very eye opening and a place that everyone should go at least once.

Like many people who visit NYC, paying homage to 9/11 was one of the top things on my list of things to do during my 2 week visit to NYC. I planned to visit the 9/11 museum and memorial. On my first attempt to try to go to the 9/11museum, I was overwhelmed by the crowds and lines and decided to go back later. Luckily, I came across St. Paul's Chapel nearby, was impressed with its small exhibit on their part with the recovery work, and also found this place on yelp. I am SO glad that we went! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to NYC! I planned a 9/11 day and pre-booked the tickets (especially after seeing all the lines)! First I started with the Ground Zero Museum Workshop (11-1:30ish). Then had a quick stop for lunch at Chelsea Market. Afterwards, I went to the Ground Zero Museum at Memorial from 3-7:30pm. It was a big day. We spent a lot of time at both museums, taking our time with the exhibits. Here's my comparison of the 9/11 Museum and the Ground Zero Museum Workshop: 9/11 Museum -Located at the site of the World Trade Center towers -HUGE: The space is big, allowing for large artifacts including firetrucks and other vehicles, the "last beam", the "cross". The larger space also allows for a large amount of artifacts that are all packed together. I felt overwhelmed with information. I specifically wanted to read the survivor stories but it was difficult to find and pick them out in all the exhibits. -CROWDED, TOURISTY Be prepared for lines and crowds, kids running around, a very touristy atmosphere. ESPECIALLY on tuesday evenings as they give out free tickets (we got there 30 minutes before and the tickets were already all gone). -Focus is on THE 9/11 DAY. It reminded me of going to the holocost museum in DC. There's voices of 9/11 calls from the WTC towers or people there that day broadcast over the speakers. There's a timeline and a huge number of artifacts. It portrays the HORROR, TRAUMA, and DEVASTATION of 9/11. The focus is on DESTRUCTION. -WHO SHOULD GO?? Foreigners, young people. Those who want to learn about what happened that day. Those who want to visit and check off the "must see" tourist attractions, people who like to visit big, impressive tourist attractions or snap a couple photos to document that they were there and then leave. Those who actually want to visit the 1 World Trade Center. People who had not lived through 9/11 or were not affected by it. Ground zero museum workshop -Located in the MEATPACKING DISTRICT (close to Chelsea Market) -SMALL, INTIMATE SPACE: It's called the "Biggest little museum" as it is only one small room but packed full of about 100 photographs and small artifacts. It was inspired by the photographer's visit to the Anne Frank house. You are given a brief introduction as well as an audio guide and allowed to go through the museum at your own pace. My husband and I (as well as 2 other people) took over 2 hours. Most of the group left after about 1 hour (I was surprised to turn around and see that the room was empty). You are allowed to pick up and hold an actual piece of glass from the WTC. -SAFE place that focuses on HEALING AND RECOVERY. PERSONAL AND INTIMATE, small group. It document the 9-month RECOVERY AFTER 9/11. It is NOT about the actual day, 9/11. This was a deep and meaningful place for me that helped me process the grief and devastation of 9/11. -WHO SHOULD GO?? New yorkers, survivors, recovery workers, family members of survivors or recovery workers, Anyone who LIVED THROUGH AND WAS AFFECTED by 9/11. Anyone who remembers it in their memory as "I remember where I was that day and what I was doing." People who made the pilgrimage to NYC to pay homage to 9/11. Anyone who is going through anything terrible, trauma, or tragic in their own lives. Those who want to hear about personal experiences. Seeing the photographs and hearing the stories narrated about them is incredibly healing. I had been to NYC several times before and once after 9/11. I even had stayed at the Marriot WTC one year before 9/11. My husband had never been to NYC before. We both remember where we were that day, how we heard the news, how we reacted and felt that day and for a long time afterwards. Going to the 9/11 museum made us RE-LIVE that trauma and horror. Going to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop helped us process our feelings and brought much inspiration and healing. This place truly is a labor of love. It's worth EVERY PENNY! After our "9/11 day", I am glad that I saw both museums. I would not go back to the 9/11 museum again nor recommend it to most people that I know as they, like me, lived through that day. Seeing it once was enough. I was also glad that I went to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop FIRST (before 9/11 museum) as it helped me know what to expect, what to look for (in the abundance or artifacts, and it meant much more. Would definitely go back to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop. Highly recommended!! read more