Eleven Tears Memorial
200 Vesey St., New York City, New York City, NY, 10285
Located in the lobby of the American Express headquarters in New York City, the Eleven Tears Memorial is a moving tribute to the 11 American Express employees who died on 9/11. Designed by artist Ken Smith, the memorial incorporates natural elements of light, water, crystal, stone, and metal.
The Basics
An 11-sided black granite reflecting pool forms the base of the memorial, and each side is inscribed with the name of an employee and five words or phrases that describe them. Suspended above the reflecting pool by 11 thin wires is a 600-pound (272-kilogram) tear-shaped Brazilian quartz crystal with 11 facets. At random intervals, 11 drops of water fall into the pool from the ceiling. Sit on the black granite surrounding the fountain while you contemplate the memorial, then learn more about the victims by reading nearby informational panels. The memorial is included in some sightseeing tours of Lower Manhattan, particularly those that focus on 9/11.
Things to Know Before You Go
Entrance to the memorial is free.
Be mindful that the memorial is a place of remembrance; please avoid loud or disrespectful behavior.
Access to the rest of the building may be restricted to authorized personnel and visitors, and may require identification and security checks.
The memorial is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The memorial is located inside the American Express Tower at 200 Vesey Street in Lower Manhattan. To reach the building by subway, take the E train to the World Trade Center Station. A number of buses also stop nearby, including the M5, M20, and M22.
When to Get There
Visit the memorial when the building is open to visitors, during regular business hours. The building is closed for most major public holidays.
Ground Zero and 9/11 Sites
After visiting the Eleven Tears Memorial, spend some time learning about the events of September 11, 2001 and honor other victims by visiting nearby sites and memorials. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the FDNY Memorial Wall, the Survivor Tree, St. Paul’s Chapel, America’s Response Monument, and the Sphere statue are all located within walking distance.
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