ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

'Tribute in Light' Marks 9/11 With 88 Xenon Beams Visible for 60 Miles

cultural-heritage · 2026-09-12

The "Tribute in Light" first appeared six months after 9/11 as a public art installation, and it has been presented annually ever since, running from dusk on Sept. 11 until dawn on Sept. 12. The installation's beams are arranged to evoke a phantom presence of the missing Twin Towers. Illumination comes from 88 xenon spotlights that consume 7,000 watts, and the light is visible within a radius of 60 miles. Described as the most striking 9/11 memorial tribute, the work is considered especially powerful when viewed in person.

Key facts

  • The "Tribute in Light" debuted six months after 9/11 as a public art installation.
  • It has been presented every year since its debut.
  • The installation runs from dusk on Sept. 11 to dawn on Sept. 12.
  • Its beams are positioned to suggest a phantom presence of the missing Twin Towers.
  • The light is generated by 88 xenon spotlights.
  • The spotlights consume 7,000 watts.
  • The installation is visible within a radius of 60 miles.
  • It is described as the most striking 9/11 memorial tribute, particularly in person.

Entities

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States

Sources