At Westermarkt beside the Keizersgracht and Westerkerk, Amsterdam’s Homomonument commemorates LGBTQ+ people persecuted for their sexuality. Unveiled in 1987, it was the first official memorial dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Sculptor Karin Daan arranged three pink granite triangles to form a larger triangle, with each point carrying its own meaning. The pink shape recalls the badge gay prisoners were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps. Pause to consider the memorial’s symbolism and its place as a site for remembrance, ceremonies and events focused on equality.
A memorial at Westermarkt
The Homomonument stands at Westermarkt, beside the Keizersgracht and close to the Westerkerk. It commemorates gay men and women persecuted because of their sexuality, including those killed under Nazi rule. The memorial also recognizes the longer history of oppression faced by LGBTQ+ people.
Unveiled in 1987, it was the first official memorial dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Its purpose is both remembrance and support for people continuing to seek recognition and equal rights. Ceremonies and events are held here, including gatherings that celebrate equality.
Three triangles, three directions
Sculptor Karin Daan designed the monument as three pink granite triangles that together make a larger triangular outline. The colour and shape refer to the pink triangle gay men were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps. Its meaning is tied to persecution, but the memorial also looks toward the community’s present and future.
Each section points in a different direction. One extends toward the Keizersgracht canal, another faces the Anne Frank House, and the third points toward the offices of COC, a gay cultural organization. The design connects remembrance with places nearby, giving the monument a meaning that reaches beyond its stone form.
A place for remembrance and gatherings
The Homomonument is an outdoor memorial in a public square, so a visit can be brief. Take a moment to look at the three parts and consider what their shape recalls. The site is also used for ceremonies, parades and other events connected with LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Its setting places it close to other sites associated with Amsterdam’s history, including the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House. The nearby public urinal can affect the surroundings, so an early visit may suit anyone seeking a quieter moment. No ticket is needed to see the monument.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for the Homomonument?
No. The monument is outdoors and can be visited without a ticket.
What does the Homomonument commemorate?
It remembers LGBTQ+ people persecuted because of their sexuality, including those killed under Nazi rule, and recognizes ongoing struggles for equality.
What do the three triangles mean?
The pink granite form recalls the badge gay men were forced to wear in Nazi concentration camps. The three sections represent past, present and future, and point toward nearby places including the canal, the Anne Frank House and COC offices.
How long should I spend at the Homomonument?
Allow about 10 to 20 minutes to see the memorial and consider its design.
