A memorial is any object or site whose main purpose is to remind people of something else which it represents. If an artwork also serves as a memorial then its function as art normally supersedes its function as a memorial.

The object or site is intended primarily to remind people of its subject. A commemorative association that is incidental to a different main purpose does not by itself make a place a memorial.

An artwork can commemorate a subject while having art as its usual primary purpose. The commemorative and artistic functions can coexist, with artistic expression usually remaining the principal purpose of an artwork.