Honor a large piece missing from New York City’s iconic skyline at Empty Sky Memorial. The memorial was built to commemorate the New Jersey residents who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Located in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, the official state memorial looks out across the New York Bay to where the World Trade Center once stood.
The World Trade Center terrorist attacks were a devastating moment in history. To memorialize those who died, New Jersey commissioned a memorial designed by Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz. It was unveiled on September 11, 2011, the 10-year anniversary of the attacks.
Walk along a granite path between the twin stainless steel walls. Note their symbolic dimensions at 210 feet (64 meters) long, they match the width of each side of the World Trade Center Towers, while their 30-foot (9.1 meter) height is proportionate to the towers if they were laying on their sides. Note that, like the towers, the stainless steel of the walls reflects the changing light of day.
Examine the 749 names carved into the interior walls. Each one of these people, who hailed from New Jersey, perished in the attacks. The walls direct your gaze across the Manhattan skyline. In a symbol of hope, see the newly constructed Freedom Tower where the World Trade Center once stood. The tower stands 1,776 feet (541 meters) high, a nod to the year that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Afterwards, rest on a bench or take a moment in the grassy berm adjacent to the memorial. Sit in the shade of weeping cherry trees and look out to the stunning panoramic views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. Stroll along the waterfront and through the rest of Liberty State Park.
Empty Sky Memorial shares the same hours as Liberty State Park. Visit throughout the year during daylight hours. Get here via car, PATH train, light rail or ferry.
