Haunting artefacts go on display at New York's 9/11 Memorial Museum

New York's long awaited 9/11 Memorial Museum is set to open to the public on 21 May and will display more than 10,000 artefacts in tribute to the 2,983 victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum's 110,000 square feet of exhibition space is located within the archaeological heart of the World Trade Center site and tells the story of 9/11 through multimedia displays, archives, narratives and a collection of monumental and authentic artefacts. The lives of every victim of the 2001 and 1993 attacks will be commemorated as visitors have the opportunity to learn about the men, women, and children who died.

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The museum will open following a six-day dedication period for 9/11 families, survivors, first responders, workers and local city residents. During this time, the doors to the museum will be open for 24 hours a day from 15 to 20 May.

President Barack Obama and the first lady will attend the dedication ceremony for the opening of the museum on Thursday.

Chairman of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, philanthropist and Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013 Michael Bloomberg said: "The opening of the 9/11 Museum is an important milestone for our city and our country.

"The Museum tells heartbreaking stories of unimaginable loss, but also inspiring stories of courage and compassion. Its opening honours the commitment we made to 9/11 family members and to all future generations: That we would never forget those we lost or the terrible lessons we learned that day. So many people from across the country and around the world made the Museum possible - including New York City school children who donated their pennies - and they all have my deepest gratitude."

Some of the moving artefacts on display include the battered "Survivors' Staircase" that hundreds used to escape the burning skyscrapers, missing person posters and a pair of glasses recovered from Ground Zero.

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