Exhibiting Tragedy: Museums and the Representation of September 11

Abstract

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many museums wondered how they could provide a meaningful response to the events. September 11 challenged museums to rethink their public role and find appropriate ways to confront tragedy in their institutions. This article examines two museums—the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and the Wing Luke Asian Museum—that took radically different approaches to exhibitions about September 11. These responses reveal the challenges and opportunities inherent in the interpretation of nation-defining events and demonstrate how museums can utilize their mission and resources to connect to their audiences.