NeighbourhoodPlantage / Jewish Quarter
Commemorative Landmark
The Shadow Wall
A quiet, powerful memorial along the Nieuwe Keizersgracht canal, honoring the Jewish residents who were taken from their homes during the Holocaust.
Best forQuiet reflection and history
Plan for15–30 minutes
Worth knowingPlaques are placed directly opposite the victims' former homes.
Introduction
A Neighborhood Remembrance
The Shadow Wall, or Schaduwkade, is one of Amsterdam’s most intimate and moving memorials. Located on the southern bank of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht, it consists of more than 200 metal plaques set into the stone and brickwork of the canal wall. Each plaque is inscribed with the name and age of a Jewish resident who once lived in the houses directly across the canal.
Unlike larger national monuments, the Shadow Wall was a grassroots initiative started by the current residents of the street. It serves as a permanent reminder of the families who were forcibly removed from this specific neighborhood during the Nazi occupation, ensuring their names remain part of the local landscape.
The Second World War
Preserving Local Names
During the Second World War, the Jewish population of Amsterdam was decimated. By the end of the conflict, only approximately 5,000 of the city's Jewish residents had survived. The Nieuwe Keizersgracht, situated in the heart of the Jewish Cultural Quarter, saw hundreds of its inhabitants deported to concentration camps.
The memorial was completed in 2013, nearly 70 years after the end of the war. It was funded and organized by the 'Bewoners van de Nieuwe Keizersgracht' (Residents of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht). By placing the names on the canal wall, the project creates a symbolic 'shadow' of the lives lost, directly linked to the physical buildings where they once lived.
What to See
Features of the Schaduwkade
The Plaques
Individual Tributes
Over 200 individual plaques are embedded in the canal wall. Each one lists the name, age, and date of death of a former resident, providing a human scale to the tragedy.
The Placement
Direct Correspondence
The plaques are positioned so that if you stand at a name, you are looking directly across the water at the front door of the house where that person lived.
The Marker
Historical Inscription
A central historical marker explains the significance of the site in both Dutch and English, detailing the community effort that brought the memorial to life.
Atmosphere
A Place for Contemplation
Morning
Quiet Reflection
Early morning is the best time for a peaceful visit. The canal is typically quiet, allowing for a somber walk along the water's edge.
Afternoon
Cultural Context
In the afternoon, combine your visit with a trip to the nearby H'ART Museum or the Jewish Historical Museum to better understand the area's heritage.
Evening
Subtle Presence
As the sun sets, the plaques become more subtle. The streetlights of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht cast long shadows, emphasizing the memorial's name.
Visuals
The Canal Side Memorial
The memorial is integrated seamlessly into the historic canal infrastructure. The contrast between the weathered bricks of the 17th-century canal and the modern metal plaques highlights the layers of history present in Amsterdam's city center.
Visitor Info
Planning Your Visit
The Shadow Wall is a public memorial located on a residential street. There are no tickets or opening hours, making it accessible at any time. Visitors are asked to remain respectful of the residents living in the houses opposite the memorial.
Museum of the CanalsAccessibility
Public Space
The memorial is located on a public sidewalk along the canal. The path is paved but can be narrow in sections near the water.
Location
Finding the Site
Look for the stretch of canal wall on the Nieuwe Keizersgracht between the Amstel river and the Weesperstraat.
Bookable experiences
Experiences around The Shadow Wall.
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Getting There
Transport Links
The Shadow Wall is easily reached by public transport. The nearest Metro station is Waterlooplein (Lines 51, 53, and 54), which is a short walk away. Alternatively, Tram 14 stops at Mr. Visserplein, providing easy access to the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Questions
Common Inquiries
Is there an entrance fee for the Shadow Wall?⌄
No, the Shadow Wall is a public memorial located along the canal bank and is free to visit at any time.
Who created the memorial?⌄
The memorial was an initiative of the residents of the Nieuwe Keizersgracht and was completed in 2013.
How many names are on the wall?⌄
There are plaques for more than 200 Jewish residents who were murdered during the Second World War.