The newly opened National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum in lower Manhattan is already stirring controversy over the decision to include a gift shop. 

The gift shop has T-shirts, books and a number of other 9/11 items for sale. All proceeds go toward maintaining and running the museum, which has a $63 million operating budget. 

Some argue that the shop goes against the museum's purpose of honoring victims and that it's insensitive to sell memorabilia related to the tragedy.

The memorial museum had also tried unsuccessfully to obtain federal funds to help defray costs, including a $24 admission fee. It is free, however, to rescue workers and relatives of those killed in the attacks. 

The museum was dedicated last Thursday in a ceremony attended by survivors, rescuers, victims' families and President Barack Obama. It's currently only open to the 9/11 community, but will open to the general public on Wednesday.