Katyn Memorial
A solemn bronze memorial on a pier, honoring Polish victims, with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Katyn Memorial
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn bronze memorial on a pier, honoring Polish victims, with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
"Amazing place for walking with the best view of the Manhattan skyline and majestic statue."
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of Manhattan are incredible, especially at sunset or after dark. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Pier
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront. It's a great spot for families with a playground nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Katyn Memorial Statue
Exchange Place, Jersey City
A majestic bronze statue commemorating the 1940 massacre of Polish soldiers. A powerful symbol of remembrance.
Manhattan Skyline Views
Waterfront promenade
Unobstructed, stunning panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. Perfect for photos and soaking in the city's grandeur.
Waterfront Promenade
Exchange Place Pier
A beautiful area for leisurely walks with ample seating and nearby food trucks, ideal for families and friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Remembrance
Prime Viewing Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Katyn Forest Massacre was a mass execution of a over 20,000 Poles by the USSR in 1940. This memorial stands in Jersey City. [3024x4032] [OC]
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of Manhattan are incredible, especially at sunset or after dark. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Pier
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront. It's a great spot for families with a playground nearby.
Exchange Place Statue Memorial for Polish Katyn Massacre is being relocated for a new “green space”. The debate has been heating up Twitter. Does anyone know where the plans are for the redesign? Thoughts on the Statue removal?
The Twin Towers collapse due to a terrorist attack in 2001, photo taken with the Katyń Memorial in Jersey City, the memorial was dedicated to the victims of the 1940 Katyn massacre, in which thousands of Polish Army officers and intellectual leaders were massacred by the Soviet NKVD. [740 × 741]
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Plenty of food trucks offer diverse options, making it a great casual dining spot with a view.
🙏 Solemn Reflection
Remember this is a memorial. Approach with respect for the historical significance.
Katyn' Memorial Shortly After Its Unveiling in 1991
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of Manhattan are incredible, especially at sunset or after dark. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Stroll the Pier
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront. It's a great spot for families with a playground nearby.
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Plenty of food trucks offer diverse options, making it a great casual dining spot with a view.
🙏 Solemn Reflection
Remember this is a memorial. Approach with respect for the historical significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Katyn Memorial for its poignant historical significance and its stunning location offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. The waterfront promenade is highlighted as a pleasant area for walks, with convenient food trucks and family-friendly amenities. Some mention the importance of preserving the memorial's history.
"A nicely executed monument in memory of thousands of Polish victims of Stalin's crime. Great location, very popular among locals and tourists. This would help keep the memories of these crimes alive."
Lev Fr
"Amazing place for walking. For little kids here is playground. Nice waterfront walk with a lot of brunches. Beautiful Manhattan view"
Olga Petrenko
"Oh this is definitely a great place to go. It's a memorial on the pier. You have the best view of the Manhattan skyline. Also, there's plenty of great food trucks. The statue itself is very beautiful. It's majestic. And the piers are wonderful. You can bring your whole family and find plenty of food and seating for all. I've come here with family, with friends, with anyone and everyone, and there's never a dull moment. Would recommend this place to anyone."
Kevin Umanzor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Katyn Memorial is located at Exchange Place in Jersey City. You can reach it via the PATH train to Exchange Place station, which is just a short walk away. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby, though it can be busy.
Yes, the PATH train's Exchange Place station is very close, making it easily accessible via public transit from Manhattan and other parts of New Jersey.
If you arrive by ferry to the Paulus Hook or Exchange Place ferry terminals, the memorial is a pleasant walk along the waterfront.
There are parking garages and street parking options in the Exchange Place area, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
The memorial itself is situated on a pier, offering direct access to the waterfront for unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Katyn Memorial is an outdoor public monument and does not require tickets for entry. It is free to visit.
As an outdoor memorial, it is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and safety.
There is no admission fee to visit the Katyn Memorial. It's a public space dedicated to remembrance.
The memorial is accessible at night, and the illuminated Manhattan skyline offers a different, beautiful perspective.
As a memorial site, visitors are expected to be respectful. Large group events might require prior arrangement, but general visits are unrestricted.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon for golden hour light and sunset, or after dark for the illuminated city skyline, are prime times for photography.
Position yourself on the pier, with the memorial in the foreground and the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. Experiment with different distances for varied compositions.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near public monuments. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography.
Yes, photography of the memorial statue and its surroundings is permitted and encouraged to share its story.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Exchange Place area has several restaurants and cafes. Additionally, numerous food trucks are often present along the waterfront, offering diverse options.
Food trucks typically offer a variety of cuisines, including American classics, ethnic dishes, and snacks, making it easy to find something for everyone.
There are benches and seating areas along the waterfront promenade, perfect for enjoying food purchased from nearby trucks or cafes.
Yes, picnicking is generally allowed in public waterfront areas. It's a great way to enjoy the views with your own provisions.
The casual nature of the food trucks and the open waterfront space make it very family-friendly for dining.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the light is beautiful for photos, and the crowds might be slightly thinner before the evening rush. It's a good opportunity to teach children about history in a visually engaging setting, with the impressive Manhattan skyline serving as a constant, captivating backdrop.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for late afternoon to capture the warm glow of sunset reflecting off the buildings, or visit after dark to photograph the city lights. A wide-angle lens is essential for encompassing the vastness of the skyline, while a tripod will be invaluable for low-light shots and capturing the memorial's details without blur. The pier provides unobstructed vantage points, allowing for creative compositions that blend history with urban grandeur.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down for dining, take advantage of the numerous food trucks that frequent the waterfront. They offer a wide variety of affordable meals, from quick snacks to more substantial dishes. You can also pack your own picnic to enjoy on the benches along the promenade, further minimizing expenses while still enjoying the fantastic scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Katyn Massacre: A Historical Context
The memorial in Jersey City, dedicated in 1991, serves as a crucial reminder of this atrocity. Its location on the waterfront, with a commanding view of the Manhattan skyline, offers a poignant juxtaposition of remembrance and the vibrant life of a modern metropolis. The bronze statue depicts a fallen Polish soldier, symbolizing the immense loss and sacrifice.
Visiting the Katyn Memorial is an opportunity to connect with a significant historical event and reflect on the enduring impact of war crimes. It's a place for quiet contemplation and education, ensuring that the memory of the victims is preserved for future generations. The memorial's preservation has been a community effort, highlighting its importance to those who wish to keep this history alive.
Experiencing the Waterfront Promenade
One of the most appealing aspects of the promenade is the presence of numerous food trucks that frequently line the waterfront. These trucks offer a diverse array of culinary options, from classic American fare to international flavors, making it an ideal spot for a casual and affordable meal with a view. Ample seating, including benches and picnic areas, is available, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy their food while admiring the cityscape.
For families, the proximity of a playground adds to the appeal, providing a space for children to play while adults enjoy the scenery or a bite to eat. The combination of historical significance, stunning urban vistas, and recreational amenities makes the Katyn Memorial and its surrounding promenade a well-rounded destination for both reflection and enjoyment.
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