“bear witness to the power of truth”
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. Federal support guarantees the Museum's permanent place on the National Mall, and its far-reaching educational programs and global impact are made possible by generous donors. Located among our national monuments to freedom on the National Mall, the Museum provides a powerful lesson in the fragility of freedom, the myth of progress, the need for vigilance in preserving democratic values. With unique power and authenticity, the Museum teaches millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred and the need to prevent genocide. And we encourage them to act, cultivating a sense of moral responsibility among our citizens so that they will respond to the monumental challenges that confront our world. Today we face an alarming rise in Holocaust denial and antisemitism—even in the very lands where the Holocaust happened—as well as genocide and threats of genocide in other parts of the world. All of this when we are soon approaching a time when Holocaust survivors and other eyewitnesses will no longer be alive.
I cried the whole time I was there. My only complaint was that during my visit, the permanent exhibit required a ticket (admission was still free) that you had to reserve early in the day or, best bet, prior to your visit, because they tended to sell out quickly, and they were no longer available when I arrived. According to their website, they do this during peak visiting times in March through August. Now I know better!
This museum, and museums like this one, should be must stops for any citizen of the world. I thought I knew a lot about the Holocaust, but I learned so much more from the exhibits at this museum. A word to the wise: get there early. Regrettably, I was unable to get a permanent exhibit pass.
This was definitely a must see. We learned so much. Plan to spend at least 2 hours there is a lot of reading. Reserve a ticket online or if you are a government employee or military no reservation is necessary you just need your ID.
Bring tissues.
An incredible place to visit! The design is spot on .. the train station feel to it .. the layout for guided or self tours .. the insights .. you will walk away a very changed person
Very touching museum and experience. Sometimes it's difficult to get a ticket to the permanent exhibit (I highly recommend trying to make reservations in advance). Even if you can't get into the regular exhibit, the museum has free temporary exhibits in the basement. Located south of the regular museums, a little bit of a walk from some of them.
You will not make it through without crying. I only went through the children's portion. It is designed for older kids. You walk through and experience the story of a little Jewish boy who lived during the holocaust. You need to get a ticket to see the main exhibits in advance (they sell out very fast). Everyone needs to go here.
Highly highly, recommended. One of the most impactful museums I've ever been too. The whole thing is beautifully designed to take you through the experience of victim of the concentration camp. If you're in DC it may not seem like the most exciting thing but as a human I feel it's an absolute must visit at some point in your life.
Amazing museum, a must-see. Admission is free but from March 1 - August 31 you must obtain a ticket to see the permanent exhibit. Leave enough time to see everything you want to see. My family takes a long time soak in museums, so when our 3:30 entry time on our ticket did not leave as much time as we would have liked to see the whole museum.
The museum can be overwhelming emotionally. Bring tissues. The amount of people can be overwhelming as well. You start at the top floor and work your way down; all of the exhibits are in chronological order. It is set up extremely well, but it can mean that it gets very crowded in certain sections.
Not the first place you think to stop in DC, but it really should be toward the top of your list. As many of the other memorials, this one is very heavy and powerful
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
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