Memorial of the Shoah

Located on the right bank of the Seine, in the district of Le Marais, the Shoah Memorial in Paris serves as a chilling reminder of one of Mankind’s darkest hours. Literally translating as “The Calamity”, Shoah has long been the standard Hebrew word for the Holocaust, and this memorial is dedicated to its victims. The Shoah Memorial serves as both a place of memory and a warning against the dangers of prejudice, serving an important role in Holocaust education and remembrance in France and Europe. It’s a powerful visit for those interested in learning about this period of history.

The underground museum acts as both a memorial and a place where visitors can learn more about the Holocaust, and also about the history of European anti-semitism more broadly. Through films, recordings, text and photographs, it explores the unique challenges and struggles faced by Jews living in France under the Nazi regime. Particularly heartbreaking is the Children’s Memorial, an eerily lit room displaying photos of some 11,000 murdered Jewish children. The Memorial of the Shoah isn’t the easiest place to visit in Paris, but it is one of the most powerful.