New England Holocaust Memorial, Boston

Situated at the north end of Union Park, the Holocaust Memorial is a poignant work of art designed by Stanley Saitowitz, chosen through an international competition and officially dedicated in 1995.

The memorial consists of six 50-foot-high glass-and-steel towers, which create a dramatic contrast with the 18th-century streetscape of Blackstone Square during the day. However, at night, these towers take on an ethereal glow, glowing like spectral apparitions. Manufactured steam emanates from grates in the granite base, creating a haunting atmosphere.

Recollections by Holocaust survivors embedded in the glass-and-granite walls, while the upper portions of the towers are etched with 6 million numbers in a random sequence, symbolizing the Jewish victims of the Nazi atrocities. Each of the six towers also represents a major concentration camp and signifies the six years, from 1939 to 1945, during which the mass killings occurred.

Why You Should Visit:
Some Holocaust memorials are very evocative while some are not. This one in Boston is excellent, having been thoughtfully designed to be a memorable and powerful experience.

Tip:
When visiting, take your time to walk slowly through the memorial and read as much as you can. This is not a place to merely walk around; it is meant to be walked through to fully appreciate its significance and impact.