2,977 Drones Recreate Twin Towers Over New York

A drone installation titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor” recreated the outlines of the Twin Towers above New York Harbor ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Each illuminated drone represented one of the 2,977 people killed in the attacks, rising in helix-shaped columns before forming the towers at full architectural scale. Developed with victims’ families, survivors and first responders, the free public artwork originated from Governors Island and was intended to preserve the memory of 9/11 for younger generations while promoting remembrance and unity. The display took place alongside New York’s annual Tribute in Light memorial, which uses searchlights to evoke the fallen towers.