Holocaust memorial Opernplatz

Reflection, art and everyday life combined

A walk-on pyramid is attractive. But instead of the top, there is a stylised gate. Some people sit inside it. That is permissible and entirely intentional. In this way, a memorial can be touched, people can engage with it and, in a sense, conquer it for themselves. The artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, born in Biella (Italy) in 1933, created it in 1993. He is a master at bringing together the themes of reflection, art and everyday life. This is exactly what he has achieved here in exemplary fashion. The Holocaust memorial has been standing in the middle of Hanover since 9 October 1994.

1935 Names are 1935 reminders

It is about 1935 people from Hanover who were persecuted by the Nazis from 1933 to 1945, deported to concentration camps and murdered. Jewish concentration camp prisoners from areas occupied by the Wehrmacht were also deported to armaments factories in Hanover. Many perished. All known names are engraved on the plinth (there are still additions). The date of deportation or death is inscribed behind each name.

Source: Lars Gerhardts