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Every September 11 since 2003, two colossal pillars of blue light have illuminated the night sky, filling the gap in the skyline where the Twin Towers once stood. This art installation called Tribute in Light will once again beam into the clouds this September 11, marking 24 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people in New York City and changed the world as we know it.
New Yorkers can view Tribute In Light from just about anywhere, as it can be seen for miles on a clear night. But all are also invited to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza to see the lights from the Twin Towers once stood. Before the lights officially turn on, we got a sneak peek at the testing process and learned 10 interesting facts about Tribute in Light that you might not know.
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1. Tribute in Light dates back to 2002
Though it is a signature autumn event nowadays, the iconic tribute was actually first presented in the spring. Tribute in Light debuted in the spring of 2002, six months after 9/11 even while recovery and relief efforts at Ground Zero were still underway. It became an annual tradition on September 11 as of 2003.
2. It was created by a team of artists
Several artists and designers came together to create the concept. While it may look simple, it's not, as Beth Hillman, president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, told us. Lights were designed specially for this use, as it's difficult to send beams of light this extraordinarily high into the sky.
The artist team included John Bennett, Gustavo Boneverdi, Richard Nash Gould, Julian LaVerdiere, and Paul Myoda, with lighting consultant Paul Marantz; the group was brought together by the Municipal Art Society and Creative Time. Space Cannon made the lights, and Michael Ahern Production Services (MAPS) handled production.
3. The lights are tested early each year
Given the complexity of the project, the lights are typically tested a few days in advance to make sure everything works just right. So if you happen to spot these beams of light on September 9 or 10, you'll know why.
4. Tribute in Light runs all night long
The lights flicker on at dusk on September 11 and stay on until dawn on September 12.
5. The beams of light can be seen really far away
If weather conditions cooperate, Tribute in Light is visible from a 60-mile radius around Lower Manhattan. That means people in all five boroughs, as well as on Long Island and in New Jersey should be able to see the glow of this powerful tribute.
6. It's not actually positioned where you might think
You may have thought the lights were positioned at the exact site of the Twin Towers, but they're actually illuminated from the roof of a nearby parking garage.
7. Tribute in Light is not just two big beams
From afar, the lights look like two singular beams. But in reality, 88 lightbulbs positioned in two massive squares come together to echo the shape and orientation of the World Trade Center's original Twin Towers. The lightbulbs are super powerful 7,000-watt xenon bulbs. Each one flickers on slowly, eventually joining together to make a massive beam.
8. A major number of Americans weren't alive during 9/11
In all, 100 million Americans weren't alive during 9/11. That makes sharing facts and stories from the day even more important. It also underscores the need for enduring commemorations like Tribute in Light.
9. One 9/11 family member calls the installation 'glorious'
New Yorker Anthoula Katsimatides lost her brother John during the terrorist attacks; he was working in the Twin Towers for a financial company. At a media preview event for Tribute in Light this week, she described John as "a ray of sunshine, my beacon my entire life."
"Tribute in Light is one of the most important art installations to me," she said. "I do feel the presence of life in these beautiful glorious towers."
10. The artwork is presented by Con Edison
In the aftermath of the attacks, electric company Con Edison worked to restore power to Lower Manhattan and help support the city's recovery. The company now presents Tribute in Light as a way to remember the tragedy and serve as a beacon of hope.