Oregon Holocaust Memorial
A solemn and artistic memorial in Washington Park, honoring Holocaust victims with poignant inscriptions and evocative sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more reflective atmosphere
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Best Time
Quieter, more reflective atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn and artistic memorial in Washington Park, honoring Holocaust victims with poignant inscriptions and evocative sculptures.
"Stunning memorial with an immense amount of history. Make sure to read it all."
🚶♀️ Walkway Art
Notice the bronze 'forgotten' items on the walkway; they lead you to the main memorial.
🙏 Bring Flowers
Consider leaving flowers as a gesture of remembrance for those lost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Memorial Wall
Main section of the memorial
Read firsthand accounts and historical details etched into the wall, offering a poignant and heart-wrenching perspective.
Forgotten Items Art
Walkway leading to the memorial
Bronze sculptures of items left behind by deportees create a powerful and unsettling artistic pathway.
Soil and Ash
Base of the memorial
Soil and ash from six killing-center camps serve as a somber reminder of the atrocities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkway Art
Notice the bronze 'forgotten' items on the walkway; they lead you to the main memorial.
🙏 Bring Flowers
Consider leaving flowers as a gesture of remembrance for those lost.
🤫 Keep it Quiet
Maintain a somber and quiet tone; avoid loud noises or children playing.
🚌 Free Shuttle
Utilize the free Washington Park shuttle to easily access the memorial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkway Art
Notice the bronze 'forgotten' items on the walkway; they lead you to the main memorial.
🙏 Bring Flowers
Consider leaving flowers as a gesture of remembrance for those lost.
🤫 Keep it Quiet
Maintain a somber and quiet tone; avoid loud noises or children playing.
🚌 Free Shuttle
Utilize the free Washington Park shuttle to easily access the memorial.
📚 Read Everything
Take your time to read all inscriptions for a deeper understanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe the Oregon Holocaust Memorial as deeply moving, somber, and heartbreaking, yet beautiful. Many are particularly struck by the artistic 'forgotten items' on the walkway and the poignant inscriptions on the memorial wall, finding them incredibly impactful for remembrance and education. Some note its remote location within Washington Park.
"Very moving, in a remote corner of Washington Park. Most unsettling was the art on the ground, depicting various items left behind by deportees."
jenshaetty
"A place for reflection… I was very moved, spent quite bit time here. Let’s never forget this darkest moment in our history, and never let it happen again!"
Free Spirits
"Stunning memorial with an immense amount of history. Make sure to read it all. And notice the sculptures on the walkway to the memorial"
Samantha Tranghese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Oregon Holocaust Memorial is located within Washington Park in Portland, Oregon. You can drive and park, or take advantage of the free Washington Park shuttle that stops at various destinations, including the memorial.
Parking is available within Washington Park, though it can be limited, especially during peak times. The free shuttle is a convenient alternative to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the memorial is within walking distance of other popular attractions like the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Washington Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The free shuttle operates daily.
While not directly served by MAX light rail, you can take public transport to the vicinity of Washington Park and then utilize the free shuttle or a short taxi/rideshare to reach the memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial is free. It is a public space dedicated to remembrance.
Tickets are not required for the Oregon Holocaust Memorial as it is a free and open public space.
To experience a more peaceful visit, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends and afternoons tend to be busier.
The memorial is located within Washington Park, which has general operating hours from dawn to dusk.
While photography is generally permitted, visitors are reminded to be respectful and mindful of the solemn nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The memorial is dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust and educating visitors about this dark period in history. It features a memorial wall with personal accounts and artistic elements.
You'll encounter a memorial wall with historical information and personal stories, as well as artistic sculptures on the walkway depicting items left by deportees.
Visitors often spend a significant amount of time reflecting and reading the inscriptions. Allocate at least 30-60 minutes for a meaningful visit.
Restroom facilities are available within Washington Park, though not directly at the memorial itself.
While educational, the memorial's content is somber. Parents should consider their children's maturity and prepare them for the sensitive nature of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are urged to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The 'forgotten items' art on the walkway and the inscriptions on the memorial wall offer powerful photographic opportunities.
Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. The focus should remain on remembrance and education.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks, including Washington Park, for safety and privacy reasons. Check park regulations.
Consider a camera that handles low light well, as some areas might be shaded. A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the memorial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Please ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit. To make the visit more manageable, consider utilizing the free Washington Park shuttle, which can help reduce travel fatigue.
+1 Combine your visit with other family-friendly attractions in Washington Park, such as the Oregon Zoo or the Hoyt Arboretum, to create a balanced day. However, always prioritize the solemnity of the memorial itself and ensure the experience is conducive to learning and remembrance for all family members.📚 Students and Educators
Educators can leverage the memorial's artistic elements and textual content to facilitate discussions on history, ethics, and human rights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Remembrance
The main memorial itself is a large, imposing slab etched with concise historical descriptions of the Holocaust.
This combination of artistic expression and direct historical narrative makes the Oregon Holocaust Memorial a uniquely impactful site for remembrance and education.Educational Impact
Many visitors, including educators and students, highlight the immense educational value of the Oregon Holocaust Memorial.
Navigating Washington Park
While the park offers numerous attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden and the Oregon Zoo, navigating its various points of interest can be a challenge. Fortunately, the park offers a convenient and free shuttle service that makes exploring much easier. +1The Washington Park Free Shuttle operates on a loop, stopping at key destinations throughout the park, including the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, the Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden.
This service is invaluable for visitors who wish to see multiple sites without the stress of finding parking or dealing with the park's hilly terrain. It runs daily, making it a reliable option for accessing the memorial and other attractions year-round.Accessibility and Convenience
The free shuttle is a game-changer for accessibility within Washington Park. It allows visitors to hop on and off at designated stops, eliminating the need to drive between attractions and search for parking, which can be scarce and costly.
This makes the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, and the park's other offerings, more accessible to a wider range of visitors, including families with young children and those with mobility concerns. By providing this service, Washington Park ensures that visitors can focus on the experience and the important messages of its various sites, rather than logistical challenges. 
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