Steilneset

Steilneset is a memorial site located in Vardø, Norway, commemorating the women accused and executed for witchcraft during the 17th century. The memorial was designed by the renowned architects Peter Zumthor and the artist Louise Bourgeois. It was inaugurated in 2011 and serves as a powerful and somber reminder of historical injustices.

The site consists of two main elements. The first is a long, slender wooden structure, a shed-like building designed by Zumthor. Inside this structure, visitors walk through a series of narrow corridors, each illuminated by a single light bulb. At the end of this passage, each light bulb is associated with a chair and a mirror, symbolizing the individual fate of each woman. The second element is a series of abstract sculptures by Bourgeois, representing the victims and their suffering. These sculptures are placed outside the wooden structure and are exposed to the harsh coastal elements.

The memorial is situated on a cliff overlooking the Varanger Fjord, a location that echoes the isolation and vulnerability of the accused women. The starkness of the design and the dramatic setting contribute to the profound emotional impact of Steilneset. It is a place for reflection on historical persecution and the importance of remembering those who were wronged. The memorial is a significant cultural landmark in Finnmark, attracting visitors interested in history, art, and architecture.