Instantly recognizable, the Twin Towers defined New York City’s late 20th century skyline. Plans to build the world’s tallest skyscrapers as part of a World Trade Center promised to anchor New York’s leadership in international commerce. World peace through world trade was the cornerstone idea behind this massive undertaking.
The artwork and images included in this feature gallery span two eras of urban renewal centered at and around the World Trade Center site. The first chapter suggests how this pair of rising towers redefined the City’s skyline and came to symbolize modern New York’s economic primacy. The later chapter, launched by tragedy, chronicles some of the milestones of Ground Zero’s transformation into a restored World Trade Center in the wake of 9/11. The decades long rebuilding had two centerpieces: the creation of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the construction of One World Trade Center.
Towers Rising is a temporary exhibition in the Museum’s South Tower Gallery, showcasing works of art, photographs, and design material from the Museum's permanent collection. The exhibition opened to visitors in April 2023, which marked the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the original World Trade Center.
