The following tours visit Eleven Tears in New York, NY:
10/5/2024 - 9/29/2025
Explore the vibrant heart of the Big Apple with the NYC Freedom Tour, an enthralling experience that seamlessly blends the iconic landmarks of New York City with the rich history and cultural significance that make this city a true marvel.
Eleven Tears, nestled in the heart of New York City, is an iconic memorial that has earned the admiration and emotional reverence of locals and tourists alike. Located within the premises of American Express Headquarters, World Financial Center, this stirring monument was erected in memory of the American Express employees who lost their lives in the catastrophic incident of 9/11. It becomes a must-visit point of interest in NYC due to its evocative message and unique architectural uniqueness.
The establishment of this poignant monument took place on June 30, 2005. Sculpted by Ken Smith, a renowned American landscape architect, Eleven Tears is a depiction of loss, resilience, and remembrance. The monument is based on a massive granite globe, weighing about 6000 pounds. It is suspended amid the lobby, with eleven facets removed, signifying each of the deceased employees. These facets are carved with the names of the fallen, making the impact of personal loss more profound within collective grief.
One of the biggest highlights of Eleven Tears is its exceptional design representation. Akin to a three-dimensional tear, each carved facet on the granite sphere creates an individual waterfall, with the water cascading down into a reflecting pool beneath, hence amplifying the sounds of falling water droplets. Each point of contact in the pool corresponds to an inscribed name on the granite floor surround, forming a dynamic constellation which is symbolic of the grieving process. This marvellous synchronization of architecture and sentimentality is an immersion of visual spectacle and emotional resonance that amplifies the visitor experience.
Moreover, above the granite sphere, an elaborate network of cables and light fixtures allows a natural light-play, casting shadows and creating soft reflections. This effect, fostering a sense of tranquillity, sets the Eleven Tears memorial apart and enhances its emotive allure. Here, visitors find a sanctuary for quiet contemplation on their personal emotions and shared feelings of loss, bringing forth an engaging, immersive and reflective experience.
In closing, Eleven Tears stands as an elegant and powerful tribute in New York City, offering far more than a mere touristic point of reference. Its sublime representation of remembrance subtly threads together tragic loss, reminiscence, and resilience, etching a profound emotional impact in visitor's hearts. It might not be the most cheerful place to visit, but its poignant beauty and symbolic allure make it a must-visit landmark, reminding us of the strength, resilience, and unity of humankind amid challenging times. The blend of architectural ingenuity and profound sentiment is indeed an embodiment of the New York spirit and an echo of the city's undaunted resolve to move forward.
The establishment of this poignant monument took place on June 30, 2005. Sculpted by Ken Smith, a renowned American landscape architect, Eleven Tears is a depiction of loss, resilience, and remembrance. The monument is based on a massive granite globe, weighing about 6000 pounds. It is suspended amid the lobby, with eleven facets removed, signifying each of the deceased employees. These facets are carved with the names of the fallen, making the impact of personal loss more profound within collective grief.
One of the biggest highlights of Eleven Tears is its exceptional design representation. Akin to a three-dimensional tear, each carved facet on the granite sphere creates an individual waterfall, with the water cascading down into a reflecting pool beneath, hence amplifying the sounds of falling water droplets. Each point of contact in the pool corresponds to an inscribed name on the granite floor surround, forming a dynamic constellation which is symbolic of the grieving process. This marvellous synchronization of architecture and sentimentality is an immersion of visual spectacle and emotional resonance that amplifies the visitor experience.
Moreover, above the granite sphere, an elaborate network of cables and light fixtures allows a natural light-play, casting shadows and creating soft reflections. This effect, fostering a sense of tranquillity, sets the Eleven Tears memorial apart and enhances its emotive allure. Here, visitors find a sanctuary for quiet contemplation on their personal emotions and shared feelings of loss, bringing forth an engaging, immersive and reflective experience.
In closing, Eleven Tears stands as an elegant and powerful tribute in New York City, offering far more than a mere touristic point of reference. Its sublime representation of remembrance subtly threads together tragic loss, reminiscence, and resilience, etching a profound emotional impact in visitor's hearts. It might not be the most cheerful place to visit, but its poignant beauty and symbolic allure make it a must-visit landmark, reminding us of the strength, resilience, and unity of humankind amid challenging times. The blend of architectural ingenuity and profound sentiment is indeed an embodiment of the New York spirit and an echo of the city's undaunted resolve to move forward.