Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
A vast, undulating field of 2,711 concrete stelae designed to evoke unease and reflection on the Holocaust.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, undulating field of 2,711 concrete stelae designed to evoke unease and reflection on the Holocaust.
"A deeply moving and disorienting experience that demands solemn reflection."
🚶♂️ Walk with Intention
Wander through the stelae; the uneven ground and varying heights are designed to evoke unease.
🤫 Maintain Solemnity
Avoid loud noises, running, or playful behavior. This is a place of remembrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Field of Stelae
Main memorial area
A vast, undulating field of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, creating a disorienting and thought-provoking experience.
Information Centre
Underground exhibition
An essential underground exhibition detailing the persecution and murder of Jewish victims.
Stumbling Stones (Stolpersteine)
Various locations in Berlin
These small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks commemorate individual victims of the Holocaust.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Conduct is Key
Embrace the Disorientation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Walk with Intention
Wander through the stelae; the uneven ground and varying heights are designed to evoke unease. +1
🤫 Maintain Solemnity
Avoid loud noises, running, or playful behavior. This is a place of remembrance. +1
Shocked and upset about my experience at the Berlin Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin. The blocks are supposed to create an uneasy atmosphere and symbolize an orderly system that has lost touch with human reason. [2048×1536]
📸 Respectful Photography
Refrain from taking selfies or posing playfully. Consider the memorial's purpose. +1
📚 Visit the Info Centre
The underground exhibition provides crucial context and personal stories.
The German Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Walk with Intention
Wander through the stelae; the uneven ground and varying heights are designed to evoke unease. +1
🤫 Maintain Solemnity
Avoid loud noises, running, or playful behavior. This is a place of remembrance. +1
📸 Respectful Photography
Refrain from taking selfies or posing playfully. Consider the memorial's purpose. +1
📚 Visit the Info Centre
The underground exhibition provides crucial context and personal stories.
📍 Explore Stolpersteine
Look for 'stumbling stones' in surrounding neighborhoods to see individual victim commemorations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the memorial's powerful and thought-provoking design, noting its ability to evoke deep emotions and encourage solemn reflection. The Information Centre is lauded for providing essential historical context and humanizing the victims. However, some find the memorial's abstract nature challenging, and instances of disrespectful behavior by other visitors can detract from the solemn atmosphere.
"Walking through the rows of concrete blocks creates a strange and unsettling feeling that stays with you. It’s a space that invites silence and reflection. There are no signs or explanations in the field itself, which makes the experience even more personal. I also recommend visiting the underground information center to better understand the history. A must-see for anyone who wants to connect with the past in a meaningful way."
Federico Giulio D'Ostuni
"Its an interesting monument but I found that having very little information available or from the tour guide a bit average. Nobody knows the designers' reasons for the layout, etc, and it's left to your imagination. I didn't find it a moving monument like others and didn't feel it really captured the gravity of the situation or really provided a strong memorial for thise lost unfortunately, but thats just my view.
It seemed to just be a bunch of concrete blocks and I feel so much more could have been done"
Tom Brennan
"Very very sombre sight seeing all those blocks at different levels. Originally there were meant to be double the number but heath and safety needed wide walkways through.
Well maintained. Security on site to help remind people to be respectful and not sit on the blocks."
Laura Sellars
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is centrally located near the Brandenburg Gate. You can easily reach it via public transport, with several U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations nearby, including Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburger Tor. Many visitors also walk from nearby attractions.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the memorial, there are several paid parking garages in the vicinity, such as those at Potsdamer Platz. Public transport is generally recommended to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the outdoor memorial field is accessible 24/7. The underground Information Centre has specific opening hours, typically from 10 AM to 8 PM daily.
The outdoor field has uneven terrain and varying heights, which can be challenging. The Information Centre is generally accessible. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Many visitors suggest taking your time to walk through the stelae field, allowing yourself to feel the intended disorientation. Visiting the Information Centre afterward provides crucial context. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the outdoor memorial field is free and open to the public 24/7. However, there is an admission fee for the underground Information Centre.
The Information Centre is typically open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any seasonal changes or special closures.
Admission fees for the Information Centre are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for the most current pricing information.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for the Information Centre can save time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the official website for booking options.
Guided tours are often available for both the outdoor memorial and the Information Centre. These can offer deeper insights and historical context. Inquire at the visitor center or check the official website.
📸 📸 Photography & Etiquette
Photography is permitted in the outdoor field, but visitors are strongly urged to be respectful. Avoid selfies, playful poses, or anything that trivializes the memorial's purpose. +1
Behaviors like running, jumping on the stelae, loud conversations, or taking selfies are considered disrespectful. The memorial is a place for solemn reflection. +1
This is a controversial topic. Some argue it's a way to remember their visit, while others find it deeply inappropriate. The architect has commented on this, suggesting it's a complex issue.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in sensitive areas like memorials to ensure respect and safety. Always check local regulations before flying drones.
Focus on capturing the scale and atmosphere of the stelae field. Consider abstract shots or wider views that convey the memorial's impact without featuring individuals in inappropriate poses.
🎫 🤔 Understanding the Design
The memorial is designed to evoke feelings of unease, disorientation, and fear, symbolizing the systematic nature of the Holocaust and the loss of human reason. +1
The varying heights and dimensions of the 2,711 stelae are intentional. As you move deeper into the field, the blocks can appear to grow taller, creating a disorienting effect and symbolizing the gradual descent into horror. +1
The Information Centre provides crucial historical context, displaying personal stories, documents, and photographs of Jewish victims, humanizing the abstract nature of the outdoor memorial.
The memorial was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman, with landscape architecture by the firm Gross Max.
Stumbling stones, or 'Stolpersteine,' are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, commemorating individual victims of Nazism. They offer a more personal and localized way to remember the Holocaust.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Children
Consider focusing on the Information Centre's personal stories, which can be more relatable for older children, and perhaps limiting time in the most disorienting parts of the stelae field. Be prepared for questions and provide a safe space for them to process their feelings. The 'Stumbling Stones' initiative might also be a more accessible way for children to connect with individual stories of remembrance.
🤔 Reflective Travelers
Dedicate ample time to the Information Centre, where the personal narratives of victims will undoubtedly resonate. Consider visiting during quieter times, such as early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, to enhance the sense of solitude and personal connection. Engaging with the 'Stumbling Stones' in the surrounding neighborhoods can further deepen your understanding of the Holocaust's pervasive impact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Unease
Many visitors report feeling lost and unsettled as they navigate the maze-like arrangement. The ground itself is often uneven, adding to the physical discomfort and symbolic representation of the difficult journey faced by victims. The sheer scale of the memorial, combined with the uniformity yet individuality of each stela, forces contemplation on the immense loss of life and the chilling efficiency of the perpetrators.
It's important to understand that this disorientation is intentional. The architect's goal was not to create a picturesque monument, but a space that prompts reflection and a visceral understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust. The memorial encourages visitors to confront the past in a deeply personal and impactful way.
The Information Centre: Personal Stories
The exhibition is meticulously organized, detailing the persecution and murder of Jewish men, women, and children across Europe. It highlights the systematic nature of the Nazi regime's crimes and the devastating impact on families and communities. The personal narratives serve as a powerful counterpoint to the overwhelming scale of the memorial, reminding visitors that each number represents a unique human life.
Visiting the Information Centre is highly recommended to fully grasp the memorial's significance. It provides the necessary historical context and human element that makes the experience truly impactful and educational.
Navigating the 'Stumbling Stones'
Each stumbling stone bears the name, date of birth, and date of death (or deportation) of a victim. Walking through Berlin and encountering these stones unexpectedly can be a deeply moving experience, offering a more intimate and localized connection to the past. They serve as constant reminders of the Holocaust's reach into everyday life.
While not directly within the memorial site, seeking out these stones can enrich your understanding of Berlin's history and the pervasive impact of the Holocaust on the city. They are a testament to the ongoing effort to remember every individual lost.
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