Memorial of the Shoah

The Shoah Memorial and the Holocaust Centre form a single entity whose mission is “understanding the past to illuminate the future.”

TravelCurious Tip

Don’t forget to step inside the Tomb of the Unknown Jewish Martyr, a hauntingly poignant place.

Literally translating as “The Calamity”, Shoah has long been the standard Hebrew word for the Holocaust, and this memorial is dedicated to its victims. Located on the right bank of the Seine, in the district of Le Marais, it serves as a chilling reminder of one of Mankind’s darkest hours, but its museum is well put-together and informative too.


The Death Wall

Passing through the rather heavily-guarded entrance, you will first come to the large circular memorial in the centre of the courtyard. Inscribed around it are the names of the major death camps used by the Nazis during their genocide. Beyond this, as you move towards the entrance to the museum, there is a wall which at a distance seems to be covered in a minute, regular pattern. As you get closer, you have the disturbing realisation that this pattern is in fact a list of 76,000 names, all Jews who were deported from occupied France and executed.


Indiscriminate Violence

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.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris
Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville in Paris houses the city's local administration.
Prison de la Force
'La Force Prison' was a French prison used for political prisoners during the French Revolution.
Saint-Gervais Church
This Church is a blend of varied architectural styles. The building and its impressive façade are a must-seen in Paris 4th arrondissement.
Rue des Rosiers
The Rue des Rosiers, which means "street of the rosebushes," is a street in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France.
Rue Pavee
Rue Pavée - Paris is famous with its historical buildings
Jardin des Rosiers
Joseph-Migneret is a charming little park that the locals know

Related Tours

x

Guides

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Partners

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.