Experiencing memorial sites

Memorials play a crucial role in shaping collective memory and commemorating historical events that hold significance for communities and societies. Traditionally, these sites have been characterized by monuments featuring national heroes through figurative and epic style– statues of national heroes on large pedestals are typical examples. These monuments, embedded in self-certain official narratives, can be seen from far away, and encourage visitors to stand at a distance, looking up at them in awe. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more experiential approaches to memorialization, which prioritize engaging visitors on a deeper emotional and sensory level, giving rise to the so-called counter-memorial movement. Inspired by Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., counter-memorials, such as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin or the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City aim to stimulate a richer, closer and more personal engagement with these sites. This entry will begin by reviewing some key studies, concepts, and methodological approaches concerning the study of memorials through the lens of the experiential turn, with an emphasis on recent developments in visual and mobile methods. It will continue by discussing some material aspects of memorials aimed at fostering engaging experiences for visitors, especially in counter-memorials. The entry will conclude with a brief discussion on the implications of the experiential turn in memorial studies.