Return of New York City's Luminous Tribute in September: A Powerful 9/11 Tradition Visible from Over 60 Miles Away
The Tribute in Light, an annual public art installation, returns to New York City on Thursday, September 11, 2025, as a poignant reminder of those lost in the 9/11 attacks. This iconic memorial landmark, consisting of 88 xenon bulbs projecting two twin beams of light six kilometers high into the night sky from Lower Manhattan, will shine bright from sunset to sunrise.
First presented six months after the tragic events of 2001, the Tribute in Light has become a symbol of resilience and hope for the city and the world. The twin beams, arranged in two squares of 48 feet, reflect the original form and location of the Twin Towers, serving as a poignant reminder of the city's past and a testament to its enduring spirit.
Battery Park, the closest viewpoint to Ground Zero, is a particularly popular spot to witness this moving spectacle. However, the Tribute in Light can be viewed throughout New York City and beyond, from the Battery Parking Garage, Astoria Park in Queens, Hoboken Waterfront, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Various bridges and monuments throughout the state of New York will also participate in the lighting in solidarity.
Iconic New York buildings, including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, and the Oculus, will be lit in solidarity on the 24th anniversary of 9/11. On clear nights, the Tribute in Light can be seen up to 100 kilometers away, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The Tribute in Light has become an integral part of New York's cultural landscape, a beacon of hope that shines brighter than ever. It serves as a reminder that though the Twin Towers are gone, the spirit of New York City endures, standing tall and proud. This year, let us gather together to remember, to heal, and to honour the memories of those we have lost.
