Ground Zero Museum Workshop

For a couple of hours, we experienced the horror of 911 and the ability of people to rise above their differences and work together to a common goal. The photographs showed a realism that has to be seen to be believed.

We booked this tour on the recommendation of some family without really knowing too much about it - and only a few days before arriving in New York. Having been to NYC quite a few times before we wanted to do something different and not just the typical tourist icons. This tour was certainly different and probably some of the best money spent during our stay. The museum, while not at Ground Zero, is well contained, well presented and will provoke emotion on so many levels. Do not let the size of the museum put you off. Our viewing took a full 2 hours utilizing the self guided audio tour. We had the added bonus of the Gary Marlon Suson, the official 9/11 photographer and owner of the museum arrive during our visit. Book it online now to avoid missing the opportunity to see this in person. It is a must for any NYC visitor.

We would highly recommend this workshop to anybody with an interest in the impact of the events during and after 9/11; in many ways it is better than visiting the site itself, although you should do both. It wouldn't be right to say that we enjoyed it, because that is the wrong word to describe the emotion, but it was emotional and, I suspose, inspiring. I suspect more for Americans of any belief, who can take pride in the selflessness of their fire fighters, police and others who worked so hard after the event. For everyone else, it was life-affirming to see what people will do to help others. I don't think it is suitable for young children, although there were young children there who were no trouble and the staff entertained well, they were just bored. Do go and make your own minds up about it.

I was a little sceptical of what I would be seeing when I first arrived to the museum, as it was set up in a smaller loft area. I was greatly surprised though at how much was packed into such a small space. The tour was very powerful, and I pray for its continued success, both because the majority of proceeds go to charities benefitting victims of 9/11, and also because it is so important that we never forget.

The photographs and exhibits were a great way to relive, remember and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001 in New York City. It was a very good collection that brought home the tradegy of the day, people's resilience, and America's hope for tomorrow. We would not have missed this exhibition and often recommended it during our 2 week stay in New York.

Our group was composed of three adult chaperones that remember 911 well and eight high school students that were too young to accept it for what it is. But this presentation has definitely opened their eyes to the magnitude of the event and what it means to this country. On a personal note, I have a much greater understanding and appreciation because of our visit and because of the interaction and discussion with New Yorkers who were here at the time.

Suson's photos, and especially the commentary he supplies with each one, provide a very meaningful sense of what it was like for the firemen and police officers who participated in the Ground Zero cleanup. Nothing like this is available elsewhere. Go see this museum.

I didn't feel that it lived up to it's website overall description.

This museum effectively uses exclusive photographs (with audio explanations) and recovered artifacts to provide a profound and moving insight into the aftermath of 9-11 at the Ground Zero site. Highly recommended.

A somber subject brought to life through the photos of Susson. Probably worth the trip to the Meatpacking district of Manhattan just for the area itself, but throw in the roughly 90 minutes it takes to get through all the material in the small museum, and you have a wonderful, thought-provoking 1/2 day trip. A few gripes; The photographer's ego tends to get in the way as he does the narration of the photos and memorabilia included in the museum. This may not bother some, or even most of the visitors to the museum, but I found it distracting from what was a profoundly touching display. And why the necessity, in one photograph, to mention that this was a female rescue worker, as opposed to just a rescue worker. And the editorializing done when describing how a New York Police Officer had used his body as a shield to protect a female New York Police Officer. Little things, to be sure, but these happened often enough that I, for one, was unable to ignore it.

Would not have attended if we had known that the museum was a small 1,000 foot room that consisted of photographs and a few hands on displays. We felt the traveling exhibit at the Smithsonian American History Museum was more to our interests and there was no charge for admission. Nice ladies conducting the tour, but would not recommend it to others visiting NYC.

To much mentioning of the photographer in the audio and it could do with a larger area For $25 per person we thought the tour was ok but not fantastic We thought it might explain why the towers collapsed etc and give some more background into what was going to erected in its place as an example

My wife and I both felt this was the most informative, respectful way to remember all the victims and the families of the 911 attack on the WTC. Gary Suson was actually there the day we went to the museum and signed his book detailing the recovery and rescue operation as the only Photographer appointed by the FDNY to do the documentary. His respectful narration of many of the photos was very emotional for us to hear, and we were glad he was the right person chosen to do this very important task so that we never forget that day and the people we all lost. I really felt that this was not a commercial venture since most of the proceeds go to the victims and their families.

Not knowing what to expect and wanting an understanding of what happened during and after the period of time of 9/11, this was a perfect collection of artifacts and photography from the man officially named as what i would call 'the memory collector' Gary Suson for you google lovers. The room is a small apartment in the meat packing district (which is perfect as its next to some great designer stores, around the corner from Hogs and Heifers - the bar used in the movie Coyote Ugly and a 2 min walk away from Chelsea Market which is full of bakeries and places to eat/drink) The room is bright and full of wonderful unique photography and artifacts - from a clock stuck on the time of day to a rare thick sheet of glass, each photo/item has a number next to it, after the introduction DVD and an explanation of how the interactive room works you are left to your own devices to listen to the story behind each item, there are some amazing stories and simply stunning photographs. I truely believe this is a must for anyone who wants a visual and audio experience of the events on the day and the cleanup operation that followed 9/11. Thankyou

Enjoyed the stories, pictures and artifacts. We were not sure if the visit was worth it what we paid in admission., however, knowing that the proceeds were be used to support the family's of 911 victoms and/or relief workers made it that much more worth the expense. Thank you