ORLANDO — The gay nightclub that was the site of the worst mass shooting in modern US history will become a memorial and museum to comfort the bereaved and educate future generations about the importance of tolerance, the club’s owner said Thursday.

‘‘What began as a place for fun and joy is now sacred ground,’’ Pulse owner Barbara Poma said at a news conference outside the Orlando nightclub before dozens of officials, first responders, and a handful of victims’ relatives. ‘‘What was once our little corner . . . is now shared with the world.’’

Poma offered few concrete details about what the memorial will look like, how much it will cost, and what the timeline will be for building it. But she said the design and content of the memorial will be decided by survivors of the massacre, family members of those killed, first responders, and the doctors and nurses who treated the victims, as well as the Greater Orlando community.

Poma said no decision has been made on whether the building will be part of the memorial or torn down. ‘‘The ultimate design and function will be decided by this community,’’ she said.

Associated Press