Holocaust Memorial - monument to all the Jews murdered in Europe

Ondřej Císler in the grip of concrete steles.

"The silence and muteness of the monument lead to the fact that the third generation after the Holocaust is beginning to speak again about the darkest chapter of German history."

P. Eisenman

Symbolically, on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Eisenman's undulating field of steles was supposed to be opened. In fact, it was successful with a two-day delay. Gerhard Schröder wished for a “place where one would like to go.” They could not have chosen a better location for the monument: on the so-called “tourist mile” between Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, between the government quarter and the offices of individual federal states. The proximity to human bustle and the presence of all politicians in sight cannot be forgotten.
From the perspective of an ordinary passerby, a view into the decentralized labyrinth of concrete steles presents itself. The place can be used in many different ways; from solemn worship, educating oneself in the information center, or as a playground for adventurers. However, each time they return from there, they will speak of having visited the Holocaust Memorial. I will not dwell on Degussa's selection, the subsequent unfortunate joke and verbal quarrel, nor the financial distress of the foundation a few months after the opening. None of these issues are visible on site. The place has risen above all trivialities in the form of a gigantic sign.

The Idea of the Monument
The monument is dedicated to the Jewish victims of National Socialist terror. It stands prominently in the center of Berlin; its connection to the newly created parliamentary and governmental quarter signifies an acknowledgment of historical responsibility. Remembering the crimes of Nazism is a basic necessity of the Federal Republic of Germany. The story of the monument's creation is closely linked to the service of democracy and civic courage. In its openness, it leaves space for personal memories and mourning.

The History of the Monument
1988-89 the call of journalist Lea Rosh for an “immeasurable monument,” which was supported, among others, by Willy Brandt and Günther Grass, won by Christa Wolf; 1994-95 realization of a public art competition; 1997 after public debates, a new competition is held for invited artists/architects; spring 1998 promise of federal chancellor Kohl to implement the design of the duo Eisenman/Serra, delays in the decision on the part of the federal parliament; 25.06.1999 final resolution of the German Bundestag on the construction of the monument and the establishment of the foundation; 01.04.2003 construction begins; 12.06.2004 completion of the rough construction of the information center; 15.12.2004 installation of the last “tombstone”; 12.05.2005 handing over to the public.

The Numbers of the Monument
2,711 hollow tombstones made of high-quality concrete (slate was originally considered) with a width of 0.95 m and a length of 2.38 m with slopes of 0.5 - 2.0°. Of this, 303 tombstones are higher than 4 m, 569 tombstones are 3 - 4 m, 491 tombstones are 2 - 3 m, 869 tombstones are 1 - 2 m, 367 tombstones are 0 - 1 m, and 112 tombstones are flat. The weight of the heaviest 4.7 m high tombstone is 16 tons, the average weight is 8 tons; plastered area 13,100 m²; 13 paths for the disabled, 41 trees in the field of tombstones.