NEW YORK, NY.- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter has announced that "A Space Within: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum," a public showcase of the 8-acre memorial and museum taking shape at the heart of the World Trade Center site, will open to the public today, June 25th, at 6pm.

The exhibition, curated by Thomas Mellins, contains new details of the memorial and museum plans. The exhibition will display scale models, construction photographs, drawings and videos, and host a series of public programs. "A Space Within" will remain on view at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, from June 26-September 14, 2009. The exhibition was organized by AIA New York in partnership with the Center for Architecture Foundation and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

In the aftermath of the events of September 11th, 2001, the evident need emerged to build a tribute to those who had been killed. An astounding 13,683 individuals responded to a design competition, submitting over 5,000 designs. The memorial jury selected a proposal by architect Michael Arad, made in collaboration with landscape architect Peter Walker.

The selected design, Reflecting Absence, calls for two sunken, one-acre-large pools occupying the Twin Towers' footprints, constantly refilled by cascades of water and surrounded by bronze parapets inscribed with the names of nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 WTC bombing.

Said Rick Bell, Executive Director of AIA New York, "The memorial, and the manner in which one descended to bedrock, differentiated Michael Arad's competition entry from all others. The jury saw the 'space within' as taking precedence over other attributes of the site plan."

The memorial and plaza are expected to open by September 11, 2011, with the museum opening one year later. The exhibition, designed by Incorporated Architecture & Design, also includes details of the museum plan by Davis Brody Bond Aedas and the museum pavilion, designed by Snohetta.