The Dutch Holocaust Memorial of Names in Amsterdam, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, was completed in 2021 to commemorate the more than 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust. Situated along Weesperstraat in the city's Jewish Cultural Quarter, the memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of World War II.
The design incorporates four interconnected volumes, which form the Hebrew word "לזכר" ("In Memory of"). These volumes are constructed from stainless steel with a mirror finish, supported by brick walls engraved with the names, birth-dates, and ages of Holocaust victims. Additionally, 1,000 blank bricks symbolize the unknown victims.
Visitors navigate a network of narrow passageways between the brick walls, fostering an intimate, contemplative atmosphere. The reflective steel panels juxtapose the permanence of the engraved bricks, symbolizing memory and resilience.
The memorial integrates sustainable materials and was designed to harmonize with its urban surroundings, while its intricate layout invites reflection on the magnitude of the tragedy it represents. It serves as both a historical marker and a space for individual remembrance.
