Towers Rising
Fifty years have passed since the 1973 dedication of the World Trade Center. The buildings have changed, but the imprint remains. Through artworks from the Museum's collection, Towers Rising: Envisioning the World Trade Center Before and After 9/11 explores the ways New York City redrew its beloved, iconic skyline before and after the attacks.
About the Exhibition
Instantly recognizable, the Twin Towers defined New York City’s skyline in the late 20th century. Plans to build the world’s tallest skyscrapers as part of a World Trade Center promised to anchor New York’s leadership in international commerce. World peace through world trade was the cornerstone idea behind this massive undertaking. A dedication ceremony on April 4, 1973 marked the completion of the 110-story buildings. Fifty years later, this exhibition reflects how the world viewed the rising towers and how New York City rebuilt its skyline in the aftermath of 9/11.
On view through October 2024.
Presentation of Towers Rising: Envisioning the World Trade Center Before and After 9/11 has been made possible by presenting sustainers Rechler Philanthropy, Inc. and Dan and Sheryl Tishman. Sustainers are committed to supporting key Museum initiatives such as special exhibitions, collection acquisitions and preservation, and educational, public, and professional programs.
Objects on View
The exhibition features well-known artists and architects such as Fritz Koenig, Daniel Libeskind, and Michael Arad, all of whom have strong connections to the World Trade Center site. Also included is a portfolio of sketches by Lili Réthi and Nicholas Solovioff, on behalf of the Port Authority, to document the original construction in the 1960s and 1970s. Another featured collection is from FDNY-firefighter-turned-artist Brenda Berkman, who also narrates the audio guide tour stop that provides an overview for this exhibition. For more details about the artwork, visit the Towers Rising: Envisioning the World Trade Center Before and After 9/11 virtual feature gallery on Inside the Collection.
Related Resources
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s programs are made possible, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.