Holocaust Memorial
"The Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) is a haunting field of 2,711 concrete slabs (stelae) of varying heights arranged in a grid. Walking into the center is disorienting—the ground undulates, the slabs tower overhead, and you lose sight of others. It's intentionally overwhelming and claustrophobic. The underground information center documents Holocaust victims. The memorial opened in 2005 after decades of debate. Remain respectful—no climbing, no selfies on the blocks."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Somber, powerful
Duration
1 hour
Best For
History buffs
The Backstory
Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and opened in 2005 after 17 years of debate over how to memorialize the Holocaust. The abstract design was intentional—no explicit symbolism, just disorientation and reflection. It sits near Hitler's former bunker site. 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust; the memorial honors them without naming individuals (except in the underground center).
Local Secret
"Enter from the edges and walk toward the center where the slabs become taller and more claustrophobic—this is the intended experience. Spend time in the underground information center (free) which documents victims' stories. Visit early morning or late evening for solitude. Do NOT pose for selfies on the slabs—it's deeply disrespectful. The memorial is always open (24/7)."