Tragedy and many layers of memory
The September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York
MúzeumCafé 44.
Since the tragedy of 11 September 2001 the site known as Ground Zero has been completely transformed. All traces of the catastrophe were removed, the environment was cleaned up and then a massive wave of building got underway. On the site of the former twin towers there now stands the Freedom Tower, and the construction of still more skyscrapers and other establishments is planned. Yet there is no question of forgetting or breaking with the past, since along with the rebuilding the element of memory and remembrance is embedded in the plan. In the huge area to be bounded by the future towers there is now a memorial space as a place of meditation and a museum to the memory of the nearly 3000 victims of the September 11 terror attacks and the bombings of 1993, and in the neighbouring streets numerous spaces have been formed and institutes established to support victims’ relatives and help them work through the tragedy. Here in the clearly most important, symbolic space stands the September 11 Memorial & Museum, which well testifies to the many arguments which preceded the formation of the space. There are still problematic issues in connection with the memorial place and the museum, but it can be truly stated that a functioning space has been formed in line with a basically well developed conception, where every single, minute detail has its role and can be seen to fulfil its function. The space, despite some sensationalist elements, is capable of becoming a medium of collective memory. The September 11 Memorial & Museum is a memorial place of many levels where in the remembrance the areas surrounding the museum, the building itself and the exhibitions inside all play an important role. As understanding develops and reaches new levels.