Berlin Holocaust memorial marks 20 years of remembrance

Originally conceived in the 1980s, the project faced delays over concerns it might provoke backlash. It was finally approved in 1999 and officially inaugurated on 10 May 2005. The memorial, open 24 hours a day, includes an underground information centre and continues to draw millions of visitors each year.

While visitors often experience it in different ways — from quiet contemplation to informal interaction — the site was designed to create a space for reflection without prescribing any specific response. Its accessibility and openness are central to its character.

A reminder amid rising tensions

The memorial's anniversary comes amid growing concerns about the erosion of Germany’s commitment to historical remembrance. A recent study showed over a third of Germans believe it is time to move on from the Nazi past, while far-right rhetoric criticising remembrance culture has gained visibility. Yet the memorial remains largely respected and free of regular vandalism, despite rising anti-Semitism.

As Germany approaches the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, many believe the continued presence of the Holocaust memorial is more crucial than ever, serving as a visible reminder of past atrocities and a call to safeguard democratic values. Despite challenges, its relevance endures — a solemn landmark in the heart of Berlin that asks each visitor to confront history in their own way.