Many Ways in Lower Manhattan to Observe the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

In Wagner Park, a sunrise observance of the first anniversary of 9/11. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

Here is a variety of opportunities to reflect on the tragic losses and events of  20 years ago.

An exhibit of 40 works in oil, watercolor and digital media from the Tribeca-based artist’s many years of documenting the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site, including 12 years from his views high above the site as an artist-in-residence in World Trade Center buildings 4 and 3. Stone says the work, which spans the 20 years since Sept. 11, 2001, is meant as “an elegy for those lost here and a celebration of the workers and community who brought the vision of the rebuilt World Trade Center to life again.”

NYPD & FDNY: “Honoring a Community That Came Together”

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Varick St. and Ericsson Pl.

The 1st Precinct, Ladder 8, the Silver Shield Foundation and NYC Police Foundation “pay tribute to our members and our community who banded together and overcame the tragedies” of 9/11. Family activities, safety demonstrations, games, giveaways and more by members of the NYPD and FDNY.

9/11 Memorial Exhibition

Now through Sept. 12, 1 to 6 p.m.

Soho Photo, 15 White St.

Two 9/11-related shows are on display at the Tribeca gallery. “Witness,” by Wolfgang Staehle, Hans Weiss and Lee Day (online through Oct. 10) and “911: Our First Responder Heroes,” photographs by the FDNY and NYPD, curated by Linda Sandow.

9/11 Boatlift 20th Anniversary Tribute

Friday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, Battery Park

An event honoring those who participated in the world’s largest maritime evacuation will include a shoreside ceremony, vessel procession and “blessing of the fleet.” Among those invited to speak are Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard. The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Register here.

“A Time and Space for Remembrance and Healing”

Friday evening, Sept. 10, 8 p.m. to Sunday evening, Sept. 12

St. Paul’s Chapel, 209 Broadway

The chapel will be open “to all who are seeking a place to pray, reflect, mourn, or simply sit with their memories.” On Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be brief musical interludes and readings on the hour. More on St. Paul’s, which sits across the street from the World Trade Center, and its role during 9/11 can be found here.

Battery Dance to Perform in Remembrance of 9/11

Saturday, Sept. 11, 8:36 a.m.

Traffic island, Varick, Franklin and West Broadway

As it did in September, 2001 on this same traffic island, Battery Dance will offer “a simple prayer in movement” in remembrance of 9/11. Twenty years ago Tadej Brdnik danced a solo, accompanied by four musicians. For this performance, directed by Vivake Khamsingsavath, Brdnik will come out of retirement to join Khamsingsavath and  company members Sarah Housepian and Jill Linkowski, accompanied by solo violinist You-Wei Hsiao.

“We welcome passers-by, neighbors and anyone who may feel inspired to join us as a way of marking this tragic, life-changing occasion with the beauty and solemnity of this performance,” Jonathan Hollander, artistic director and founder of Battery Dance, said in a statement.  

“Slow Turn,” a Performance by Eiko Otake

Saturday, Sept. 11, 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Belvedere Plaza, Battery Park City

Eiko Otake, who was an artist-in-residence in the World Trade Center's north tower in 2000, performs a piece specifically for this anniversary, described as “a monologue of her memories of that day and the aftermath.” The morning and evening performances are free but ticketed reservations are advised. Walkups receive headsets if available. 

September 11 Memorial Plaza

Saturday, Sept. 11, 3 p.m. to midnight

180 Greenwich St.

Six moments of silence will mark the times when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck, when each tower fell, and the times corresponding to the attack at the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

At 3 p.m., after the invitation-only reading of the names of those killed in the 9/11 attacks, the memorial plaza will open to the general public until midnight. The museum will be open to family members only.

Battery Park City 9/11 Gathering

Saturday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m.

Esplanade Plaza (Volleyball court next to the North Cove Marina)

“As we observe and mark the 20th anniversary,” organizers say, “we invite you to join with us to chat, unite, to reflect, and to honor.” There will be light refreshments and music.

Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra: 9/11 Tribute Concert

Saturday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m.

Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place

The free program (suggested $20 donation) features Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” the world premiere of conductor Gary S. Fagin’s “9/11 in Memoriam,” Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” with violinist Orlando Wells, plus other musical pieces interspersed. Registration for the live performance, and unlimited access to the live stream, can be made here.  

Tribute in Light

Saturday, Sept. 11

The twin beams will shine skyward beginning at sundown.