Holocaust Memorial Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (Denkmal fur die ermordeten Juden Europas), commonly known as the Holocaust Memorial, occupies a full city block near Brandenburg Gate. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, it consists of 2,711 concrete stelae (pillars) arranged in a grid pattern. The pillars range in height from 0.2 meters to 4.7 meters, and the ground between them slopes and undulates. An underground information center beneath the memorial provides historical context through documents, photographs, and personal stories. The memorial is rated "Mostly Accessible" because the ground between the stelae is uneven and sloped, though the perimeter paths and the information center are fully accessible.

Getting There

• S-Bahn: Brandenburger Tor (S1, S2, S25, S26) has elevator access. The memorial is a 3-minute roll south from the station along Ebertstrasse, on flat paved sidewalks.
• U-Bahn: Mohrenstrasse (U2) is also nearby, about a 5-minute roll north. This station has elevator access.
• Bus: Routes 100 and 200 stop at Brandenburger Tor. Route M41 stops on Ebertstrasse.
• Accessible entrance: The information center entrance is on the south side of the memorial, on Cora-Berliner-Strasse. It has step-free access with automatic doors.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The memorial field is an outdoor grid of concrete pillars with narrow passages between them. The ground between the stelae is paved but deliberately slopes in multiple directions. The passages are approximately 95 centimeters wide.
• Wheelchair users can enter the outer rows of the memorial where the stelae are shorter and the ground is more level. Deeper into the grid, the ground slopes steeply and the towering pillars create a disorienting effect that is part of the artistic intent.
• The perimeter paths around the entire memorial are flat and paved. You can experience the memorial from these paths, looking into the grid from outside.
• The underground information center (Ort der Information) is fully accessible via an elevator on the south side. The elevator entrance is clearly marked.
• Inside the information center, all exhibition rooms are step-free with wide doorways. The Room of Names, where the names of known Holocaust victims are projected and read aloud, is fully accessible.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are located inside the underground information center. They have grab rails, emergency pull cords, and adequate turning space. There are no accessible toilets in the memorial field itself. The information center toilets are available during opening hours (Tue-Sun 10:00am-7:00pm).

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Both the memorial field and information center are free. No ticket or reservation is needed.
• The memorial field is open 24 hours. The information center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 7:00pm. It is closed on Mondays.
• The memorial is a place of remembrance. Visitors are asked to behave respectfully. Running, jumping on the stelae, and loud behavior are not appropriate.
• The concrete surface of the perimeter paths can become slippery when wet. Take care during rain or after snow.
• Audio guides are available inside the information center in multiple languages.
• Combine this visit with Brandenburg Gate (3-minute roll north) and the Topography of Terror (10-minute roll south) for a full morning of historically significant accessible sites.
• The memorial is exposed to the elements with no shade or shelter. In summer, bring sun protection. In winter, dress warmly, as the concrete can make the area feel colder.
• The nearest accessible cafes are on Ebertstrasse and Potsdamer Platz, each within a 5-minute roll.