What is the Empty Chairs Memorial?

The Empty Chairs Memorial is a poignant tribute located in the Jewish district of Kazimierz in Krakow, Poland. It commemorates the Jewish victims of the Holocaust and symbolizes the empty seats that were left behind after the mass extermination during World War II. The installation consists of 68 empty chairs arranged to evoke reflection and remembrance.

Why were chairs chosen as the artistic symbol for the memorial?

Chairs represent absence and loss, making them a powerful symbol for those who are missing due to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Each chair signifies an individual life lost, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories and experiences of those who lived in the Jewish community of Krakow before the war.

Who designed the Empty Chairs Memorial?

The Empty Chairs Memorial was designed by Polish artist, architect, and professor, Marek J. Dziekański. The project was completed in 2010, and it reflects both the historical significance of the Jewish community in Krakow and the impact of the Holocaust.

Can visitors leave tributes or flowers at the memorial?

Yes, visitors are encouraged to leave flowers or other tributes at the memorial as a sign of respect and remembrance for the victims.

Empty Chairs Memorial (Krakow)

Empty Chairs Memorial

This simple yet powerful memorial stands in Plac Bohaterow Getta as a lasting reminder of the persecution of Jewish people during the Second World War. The 70 bronze chairs are scattered around the square, symbolising loss and absence. A number of the chairs are at bus stops to be used by people, highlighting that anyone can be a victim.

Aparthotel Lwowska 1

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Qubus Hotel Krakow

Krakow City, Krakow

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250m from the nearest tram stop
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Xerion Hotel

Krakow City, Krakow

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1.6km from Wawel Castle
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Plac Bohaterów Getta

Krakow

Ghetto Heroes Square lies in what was once Krakow's Jewish neighbourhood. It's the site of an emotional memorial made up of 70 chairs symbolling the furniture left behind by Jews when they were deported in...

0.0 Km to Empty Chairs Memorial - Map

Krakow Ghetto

Krakow

This 12-metre stretch of wall is the most prominent reminder of the Jewish ghetto which was established following the German occupation of Poland. The plaque reads: "Here they lived, suffered and died at the...

0.2 Km to Empty Chairs Memorial - Map

Starmach Gallery

Krakow

Known for its collections of contemporary art, this gallery is one of Poland's top exhibition spaces. It's housed in a former synagogue, which was painstakingly renovated by two art lovers. Despite the...

0.4 Km to Empty Chairs Memorial - Map

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