Striking Designs Unveiled for Belfast Blitz Memorial in Cathedral Gardens

Exciting news has emerged regarding a significant new addition to our city centre! Striking designs for the Belfast Blitz Memorial have been revealed, ahead of the 85th anniversary of the tragic events that deeply impacted our community.

The powerful concept is the brainchild of acclaimed Berlin-born artist Ralf Sander and his daughter, Naomi Sander. This collaborative effort, in partnership with the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum (NIWM), will see the memorial located in Cathedral Gardens. This area, nestled between St Anne’s Cathedral and Ulster University’s Belfast campus, is currently undergoing a fantastic £5 million transformation into a world-class public space.

It’s anticipated that the memorial will be officially unveiled in spring 2027, coinciding with the grand opening of the revamped Cathedral Gardens. This rejuvenated space promises a large multi-use events area, a nature-inspired play zone, and an interactive digital play zone for kids, making it a true hub for everyone.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, expressed her thoughts: “It’s been a privilege to have the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum’s expert support and guidance in creating this important Blitz Memorial for our regenerated Cathedral Gardens, as well as empathetic creative input and direction from artists Ralf and Naomi Sander. This area of the city was badly impacted by air raids during World War 2, so Cathedral Gardens will be a fitting home to this new Belfast Blitz Memorial, creating a space where people can pause, reflect and honour all those who lost their lives.”

Don Bigger, Chairman of NIWM, highlighted the profound historical significance: “The Belfast Blitz memorial will be a compelling monument to a tragic time in our city’s history which had a devastating impact. Belfast suffered four bombing raids in 1941, now known as the Dockside Raid (7-8 April), Easter Tuesday Raid (15-16 April), Fire Raid (4-5 May) and the Final Raid (5-6 May). This beautiful memorial will recognise and name all those who we know were killed ‘as a result of enemy action’ during the Blitz in Belfast.” He also extended thanks to historians Alan Freeburn and Dr. Brian Barton, who diligently worked with NIWM to identify the list of 952 known fatalities that will be named on the memorial.

The artistic vision is truly compelling. Thanks to the creative insight of Ralf and Naomi Sander, visitors to the memorial will find themselves reflected in an historical image of the bombed-out Belfast International Bar, which once stood on the very site of the planned artwork. This powerful connection bridges past and present. A large bronze relief, crafted from photographs taken during and after the Blitz, will also weave in intricate details and references to these historical events, with a special focus on the resilience of the people of Belfast.

Artist Ralf Sander shared his personal connection: “Our artwork tells many stories simultaneously, forming a timeless narrative in a single image against the backdrop of the city centre which became smouldering rubble. Ultimately, it depicts the humanity and solidarity of Belfast’s people in the face of a merciless war machine. My daughter Naomi and I sculpted the figures over the period of more than a year. And whilst we found it emotionally demanding to engage with images of so much human suffering over such a protracted period, we are deeply grateful and honoured that our design will commemorate all those who lost their lives in the Belfast Blitz. This city has also become our city.”

The redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens and the creation of this memorial are just one part of several significant investments aimed at regenerating our city centre for the long-term benefit of residents and the wider region. These exciting projects include the new Belfast Stories visitor attraction and creative hub opening on Royal Avenue in 2030, a planned refurbishment of the historic Assembly Rooms, and new residential and mixed-use developments. These initiatives collectively promise to enhance our city's landscape and strengthen our community spirit.