Black Form – Dedicated to the Missing Jews

Black Form is a large rectangular monument made of dark material positioned prominently in the square in front of Altona Town Hall. Designed by American artist Sol LeWitt, the structure stands as a stark element in the cityscape while partially obscuring the town hall building behind it.

The monument was installed in November 1989 to commemorate the Jewish residents of Altona who suffered persecution and deportation during the Nazi period. Its establishment came shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall and marked an important moment in Germany's approach to remembering this history.

The monument's name directly references the missing Jewish community and serves as a silent memorial that visitors encounter in the town square. Its dark block form deliberately interrupts the view of the town hall, making absence visible to those who pass by.

An information panel from the Stadtteilarchiv Ottensen stands near the monument, offering visitors background details and context for their visit. The site is located right at the town hall and is freely accessible at any time, making it possible to visit throughout the day or evening.

The monument looks completely different depending on where visitors stand and move around it, creating shifting perspectives from various angles. This changing view is intentionally designed and contributes to how the artwork communicates its meaning to those who encounter it.