The glass pavilion of the 9/11 Memorial Museum form the plaza.
Credit: Aaron Adler
Some of the families of those killed in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the World Trade Center are reportedly infuriated by a new 9/11 Museum gift shop at the site, which sells trinkets such as mugs, books, t-shirts and other souvenirs.
The National September 11 Memorial Museum will open its doors Thursday, offering visitors the chance to see 110,000 square feet of exhibitions for $24.
Kurt Horning, whose son Matthew died on 9/11, told The Washington Post that the museum was “crass commercialism on a literally sacred site.”
“It’s a burial ground. We don’t think there should be those things offered on that spot. If you want to do it, do it someplace else — but not right there,” Horning said.
A hat being sold by the 9/11 Memorial store. Photo: 911memorial.org
Nearly 3,000 people were killed at the World Trade Center during the September 11th attacks.
Jim Riches, whose firefighter son, Jimmy, died at the World Trade Center on 9/11, told the Post, “They’re down there selling bracelets; they’re making money off my dead son. I won’t go down there as long as those body parts are in the museum.”
Organizers of the museum said the cost of operation, about $65 million annually, will require the support of gift shop revenue in addition to admission fees, CNNreported.
A message on the museum’s website states “All net proceeds from our sales are dedicated to developing and sustaining the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Thank you for helping to build a lasting place for remembrance, reflection, and learning for years to come.”
9/11 Memorial CEO and President Joe Daniels has described the museum as a “living testament to our nation’s resiliency.”
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