The 210-foot length of each wall represents the original width of the Twin Towers.
The memorial is oriented to point directly toward the footprint of the World Trade Center site.
The name 'Empty Sky' was chosen to reflect the missing towers in the New York City skyline following the attacks.
Stainless steel was chosen for its durability and its ability to reflect the changing colors of the sky and the harbor throughout the day.
The memorial was officially dedicated on September 10, 2011, marking the eve of the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
The path between the two walls is designed to represent a 'void' in the landscape.
Construction materials were selected to require minimal maintenance while withstanding the salt-air environment of the Hudson River.
The Empty Sky Memorial is the official New Jersey state monument dedicated to the 749 New Jersey residents who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Designed by architects Jessica Jamroz and Frederic Schwartz, the memorial consists of two identical stainless steel towers that stand 30 feet high and 210 feet long. The towers are positioned to frame the site of the former World Trade Center towers across the Hudson River. The names of the victims are engraved into the stainless steel walls in 4-inch deep letters. The interior surfaces of the walls feature a brushed finish that reflects the surrounding harbor and the New York City skyline. The memorial is integrated into the landscape of Liberty State Park, utilizing a path that draws visitors between the two structures. The design intentionally creates a sense of openness, allowing light to pass through the space between the walls. It remains a site of public mourning and historical reflection within the larger park complex.
The central walkway between the two walls facing the Manhattan skyline.
Visit during the late afternoon to see the stainless steel reflect the sunset colors.
Walk the entire length of the path between the walls to experience the architectural framing of the city.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Liberty State Park waterfront promenade.
Do not treat the reflective walls as surfaces for lean-tos or photo props; maintain appropriate distance to respect the engraved names.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor as this is a site of memorialization.
