Holocaust Memorial
Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, the Holocaust Memorial, also known as ‘Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe’, is a prominent addition to the landscape of central Berlin since its opening in 2005.
Occupying about 205,000 square feet (19,000 square meters) of space near the Brandenburg Gate and just a short distance from where the ruins of Hitler's bunker is buried, the Berlin Holocaust Memorial is made up of 2,711 gray stone slabs that bear no markings, such as names or dates.
Situated beneath this field is the Information Centre, an underground exhibition space that provides a deeper understanding of the Holocaust. This centre is divided into four thematic rooms:
- Room of Dimensions: Offers historical context and statistical data.
- Room of Families: Presents the personal stories of 15 Jewish families.
- Room of Names: Features a continuous reading of names of Holocaust victims.
- Room of Sites: Highlights locations of former concentration and extermination camps.
The design of the Information Centre mirrors the abstract form of the stelae above, maintaining a cohesive architectural narrative. This visit offers students a profound opportunity to engage with history, fostering discussions on memory, identity, and the importance of remembrance.
