Selection of the design of the monument was made through an international competition, which was conducted in two phases. The first phase was organised by the International Auschwitz Committee with the participation of the International Union of Architects, and was announced on 2 June 1956. The British sculptor Henry Moore was chairman of the selection committee. A total of 465 design proposals were received, from almost 700 architects and artists from 36 different countries. Among those who submitted designs were Carel Visser, Joseph Beuys and .
