In May 2005, on the 60th anniversary of the fall of
the Nazi regime and the end of World War II, the city of Berlin
dedicated their Holocaust Memorial, designed to commemorate the murder
of six million Jews at the hands of Hitler and his forces.
The Design
The idea for a Holocaust Memorial was first
proposed in 1988 but the design for the monument wasn't approved until
1999. At that time, U.S. architect Peter Eisenman's controversial design
was chosen as a fitting tribute to the Jews that died before and during
World War II as part of Hitler's plan to exterminate them.
Eisenman's design is quite unique and has drawn
both praise and criticism. 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.
The slabs undulate in a wave-like pattern. Each is a
five-sided monolith, individually unique in shape and size. Some are
only ankle high while others tower over visitors. The paths that are
shaped between the slabs undulate as well. Eisenman hoped to create a
feeling of groundlessness and instability; a sense of disorientation.
Most will agree that he succeeded.
Visitors may walk through the memorial in any
direction as there is no set pattern to the stones. The architect has
said that he hopes it will merely become a natural part of the city,
blending in with its background; used for shortcuts on the way home from
work or a place of peace and quiet on a
chaotic day.
Visiting the Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial, officially named the
Monument to the Murdered Jews in Europe, can be visited at anytime -
night or day. A subterranean Information Center, located at the base of
the memorial, offers stories of families and individuals who faced the
wrath of the Nazi party and provides further information about the
design and construction of the memorial. The Information Center is open
from 10 am until 8 pm.
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