9/11 museum in New York set to open May 21

Officials with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York announced Monday that they have set opening day as May 21.

The memorial portion of the site opened in 2011 on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The new opening date for the museum comes after delays stemming from political wrangling over the estimated price tag for the memorial and museum that exceeds $1 billion. On its website, the 9/11 museum said it is pursuing federal support as part of an “ongoing private-public partnership to ensure a lasting place of remembrance for generations to come.”

[Updated: A spokesman for the museum disputed the estimate, saying that the entire project costs about $700 million and its operations will be about $63 million.]

So far, the site has relied largely on private donations, and the museum is expected to charge a $24 admission fee. Tickets go on sale to the public starting Wednesday. Admission will be free on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

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Local politicians also have been bickering over who has jurisdiction over the museum and who will end up paying the museum’s operating costs.

On Monday, museum leaders said that they will hold a dedication period May 15 to 20, during which tributes and ceremonies will take place on the grounds. During that time, the museum will remain open 24 hours a day for 9/11 families, rescue works, first responders and lower Manhattan residents to preview the museum for free, though reservations are required.

The museum -- seven stories below ground -- will include an exhibition titled “In Memoriam,” dedicated to those who died at the World Trade Center during the 2001 attacks and the 1993 bombing.

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