Empty Sky Memorial | Jersey City

The Empty Sky Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11th attacks, located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey.

It consists of two 30-foot-tall stainless steel walls, each 208 feet long, oriented towards the World Trade Center site.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial features two parallel walls constructed from brushed stainless steel. Each wall is 30 feet in height and 208 feet in length. The walls are positioned to face the former location of the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan. The names of the 749 New Jersey victims are inscribed on the inner surfaces of the walls. The ground between the walls is paved with granite.

Location & Access Logistics

The Empty Sky Memorial is situated within Liberty State Park, Jersey City, New Jersey. Access to Liberty State Park is via Morris Pesin Drive. The park is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Downtown Jersey City. Parking is available within Liberty State Park, with designated areas near the memorial. Public transport options include NJ Transit buses that serve Liberty State Park. The Liberty Landing Ferry also provides access to the park from Manhattan.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The memorial was designed bynione architects Jessica Jamieson and Mark Wagner. Construction began in 2007 and it was dedicated on September 11, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the attacks. The site itself is part of Liberty State Park, which was developed on the former Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal grounds, a historically significant transportation hub.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk between the two stainless steel walls, reading the inscribed names of the victims. The memorial is designed to provide a contemplative space for remembrance. Observation decks are positioned at either end of the memorial, offering views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within Liberty State Park, located at the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal building. Shade is limited around the memorial itself, primarily provided by the walls. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within Liberty State Park. Food vendors are typically located near the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and other park areas.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting on the stainless steel walls and inscriptions, early morning or late afternoon light is recommended. The best months for visiting are typically April through October, offering milder weather. The memorial is accessible during Liberty State Park operating hours.

Facts & Legends

The design of the memorial intentionally leaves the space between the walls open, symbolizing the "empty sky" left by the loss of life. The precise length of the walls (208 feet) corresponds to the distance from the memorial to the original World Trade Center site.

Nearby Landmarks

• Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (0.3km Northwest)
• Liberty Science Center (0.8km West)
• Statue of Liberty (2.5km Southeast, across the water)
• Ellis Island (2.8km Southeast, across the water)
• One World Trade Center (3.5km East, across the water)