Every year on September 11th, New York City’s night sky is transformed by two powerful beams of light—the Tribute in Light, a moving public art installation that honors those lost in the 9/11 attacks.
From dusk tonight, Thursday, September 11, 2025, until dawn tomorrow morning, 88 xenon lightbulbs will project twin beams four miles high into the night sky from Lower Manhattan, symbolizing the strength, resilience, and spirit of New York City.
Where the Tribute in Light Comes From
The installation is assembled on the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, just south of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The lights are arranged into two 48-foot squares, mirroring the original shape and placement of the Twin Towers.
Originally presented six months after the attacks, the Tribute has become an iconic NYC tradition and one of the most recognizable memorials in the world.
Where You Can See It
So long as the skies stay clear, it will be possible to spot the Tribute in Light from up to 60 miles away—but some of the best viewing spots are right here in New York City.
Parks and waterfronts with unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan are especially popular, including:
- Battery Park (closest vantage point near Ground Zero)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (with the lights framed by the skyline)
- Astoria Park in Queens
- Hoboken Waterfront
- Liberty State Park in Jersey City
A Citywide Gesture of Remembrance
This year marks the 24th anniversary of September 11th, and as part of the tradition, iconic NYC buildings will also light up in solidarity, including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, and the Oculus, along with bridges and landmarks across New York State.
The Tribute in Light continues to stand as a reminder: though the Twin Towers are gone, the spirit of New York shines brighter than ever.
🗓 When: Thursday, September 11, 2025, dusk to dawn
📍 Where: Visible across NYC & beyond, originating from the Battery Parking Garage