9/11 Memorial Museum Announces Reopening After Tribute Light Show Controversy

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City is expected to reopen next month on the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

On Thursday, the organization announced its plans to reopen at a 25% reduced capacity. Guests will be required to wear masks at all times during their visit amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the reopening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, a physical testament to the triumph of hope and our potential for resilience in the face of adversity and unfathomable loss,” said Alice Greenwald, CEO and president of 9/11 Memorial Museum, as reported by ABC News.

The museum will have an exclusive reopening on Sept. 11 for the families of victims killed in the 1993 World Trade Center attack and the 2001 terrorist attacks. The museum will be opened to the public starting Sept. 12.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum was initially shut down in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. When it reopens in September, there will be several changes made to reflect the current state of things.

The museum will now be opened five days a week and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for deep cleanings. However, certain parts of the museum will remain temporarily closed and some services will not be offered. The memorial's operating hours will also be adjusted.

Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that museums will be permitted to reopen later this month with social distancing restrictions in place.

The announcement comes one week after the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website announced the decision to cancel its annual light tribute that honors the lives of those lost in the 2001 terror attacks. The cancellation of "Tribute in Light" was made in an effort to alleviate any potential "health risks" for the large crew required to pull off the event.

The decision received a slew of backlash from the families of victims, who felt the organization was disrespecting the memories of the deceased. Two days later, on Aug. 15, the museum reversed its decision.