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 commemorates the 11 American Express employees who were killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Designed by artist Ken Smith, the memorial incorporates natural elements of light, water, crystal, stone, and metal, and is free for all to come and visit.
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.
Ways to explore
Save time for quiet reflection during your visit: The Eleven Tears memorial consists of a granite reflecting pool inscribed with the names of the employees, as well as 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.
It is easy to visit the memorial independently. However, the landmark is also included in some sightseeing tours of Lower Manhattan, particularly those that focus on 9/11.
Accessibility
200 Vesey, which contains the Eleven Tears Memorial, is accessible to wheelchair users.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, small handheld bag (security checks may be conducted)
What to wear
As you’ll likely visit as part of a Lower Manhattan tour, wear comfortable layers and walking shoes.
Not allowed
Acting disrespectfully, disturbing fellow visitors
Amenities
Reception area, nearby restaurants, nearby restrooms
Address
The Eleven Tears Memorial is inside 200 Vesey, a Lower Manhattan skyscraper that’s just adjacent to Ground Zero and part of the Brookfield Place complex. Public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, and tours with included transportation are all great ways of getting there.
Driving
Owing to road congestion and limited (or expensive) parking, driving in Lower Manhattan is not recommended. Instead, make use of taxis and rideshare services, both of which are widely available.
Public transportation
By subway, take the 1 train to WTC Cortlandt station, the E train to World Trade Center, or the R or W train to Cortlandt Street. Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) trains also stop at the World Trade Center station.
Best times to visit
You don’t need to book tickets or make reservations to visit the memorial, but aim for daytime business hours, when it is most likely to be accessible.
Best days to visit
The lobby of 200 Vesey—and the wider Brookfield Place complex—are open daily; the area is busy with commuters on weekdays and tourists on weekends.
Best months to visit
No month is better than any other at the Eleven Tears memorial, which is regularly accessible to visitors.
Special events
The anniversary of September 11 is always a moving and busy time to visit the memorial.
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