Ground Zero Museum Workshop
420 West 14th Street, Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10048
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop tells the story of the aftermath of the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Though small, the museum features a meaningful photography collection by Gary Marlon Suson—the only official FDNY photographer allowed to document the recovery period at Ground Zero—along with artifacts, video footage, and audio guides in Spanish, Italian, French, and English.
The Basics
Admission includes a guided, interactive Ground Zero Museum Workshop tour, as well as an audio guide explaining the work it took to rebuild Lower Manhattan. Tours begin with a short video followed by a tour of the artifacts with guided explanations of the stories behind many of the photographs on display.
Things to Know Before You Go
Museum workshop tickets must be booked in advance, as only 28 guests can be accommodated per tour.
Considered non-graphic with a focus on recovery efforts rather than the attacks themselves, the museum is kid-friendly, welcoming children as young as 4.
The museum's self-guided audio tours are available in four languages.
Many travelers choose to visit this site before heading to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Note that the two are different and separate.
How to Get There
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is located at 420 West 14th Street in the Meatpacking District near Chelsea Market, 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometers) north of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The site is accessible via ACE trains and by subway to 14th Street and 8th Avenue.
When to Get There
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 3pm, with 1- to 2-hour museum workshop tours led by a tour guide starting at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 1:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Artifacts at the Ground Zero Museum Workshop
Built under the premise that education leads to healing, the museum’s experiential galleries include artifacts—including the must-see piece of the first plane to hit the World Trade Center towers—that visitors are welcome to touch. Also on display is the largest piece of window glass from the twin towers, a frozen clock that still displays the time of the attacks, and a charred bible page. The artifacts were collected by official photographer Suson during his work at Ground Zero or donated to the museum by family members of victims and others.
Ways to explore
Admission to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop includes a guided audio tour through the small but jam-packed gallery. With capacity for only 28 people at a time, reservations are highly recommended to guarantee your spot. Many travelers visit this site before heading to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the One World Observatory, either on their own or as part of a guided tour. Note that the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is not located at Ground Zero.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible. Videos aren’t captioned, but transcripts are available.
Age limits
The museum is recommended for children aged 4 and up.
What to pack
Hand sanitizer for interactive displays, tissues in case you tear up
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, light layers for indoor temperatures
Not allowed
Commercial photography, outside food and beverages, smoking
Amenities
Restrooms, audio guides, air-conditioning
Address
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is located in the Meatpacking District, just over 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. It’s easily accessible by subway, and many guided tours include transportation.
Driving
For most visitors, navigating heavy traffic and limited parking in the Meatpacking District is more trouble than it’s worth. Hail a cab or use a rideshare app instead.
Public transportation
The easiest way to reach the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is by subway. It’s about a 5-minute walk from 14th Street/8 Avenue station (A, C, E) and a 10-minute walk from 14th Street station (1, 2).
Best times to visit
The only way to guarantee entry to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is to reserve a tour in advance. Plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled start time.
Best days to visit
Visit mid-week for your best chance at scoring a walk-in ticket, which may be available if museum tours aren’t fully booked.
Best months to visit
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is a year-round attraction. Book ahead if you’re visiting New York during the summer high season.
Special events
While the Ground Zero Museum Workshop doesn’t host any festivals or special events, some visitors might plan their trip in September to commemorate the 9/11 attacks.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!