United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A solemn and powerful museum preserving the memory of the Holocaust through immersive exhibits and survivor testimonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn and powerful museum preserving the memory of the Holocaust through immersive exhibits and survivor testimonies.
"The most humbling museum we’ve ever experienced.. a profound and emotional journey. 
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online
Free timed-entry tickets are essential. Book ahead to guarantee your visit and avoid disappointment.
😥 Bring Tissues
The exhibits are incredibly powerful and emotional. Be prepared for a moving experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hall of Remembrance
Main Exhibition
A solemn space with 1.5 million lights, each representing a child murdered during the Holocaust. A truly impactful visual.
The Permanent Exhibition
Main Exhibition
A comprehensive and moving journey through the Holocaust, from the rise of Nazism to liberation.
Daniel's Story
Special Exhibition
An engaging exhibit designed for younger visitors, telling the story of a boy's experience during the Holocaust.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Timed-Entry Tickets in Advance
Prepare for an Emotional Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online
Free timed-entry tickets are essential. Book ahead to guarantee your visit and avoid disappointment.
😥 Bring Tissues
The exhibits are incredibly powerful and emotional. Be prepared for a moving experience.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and read the extensive information.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing while exploring the extensive exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online
Free timed-entry tickets are essential. Book ahead to guarantee your visit and avoid disappointment.
😥 Bring Tissues
The exhibits are incredibly powerful and emotional. Be prepared for a moving experience.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully absorb the exhibits and read the extensive information.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing while exploring the extensive exhibits.
🤫 Be Mindful of Others
Many visitors are deeply affected. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for its deeply moving and informative exhibits, calling it a must-visit in DC. While the emotional impact is profound and the historical accounts are powerful, some reviewers note that the museum can become very crowded, requiring patience to fully absorb the content.
"One of the best museum visits in DC. The exhibits are well curated and informative, guiding you through one of the darkest chapters in our human history and causing you to reflect on the past and present and how the world at times fails to remember history (and repeats it).
Recommend reserving tickets in advance ($1 service fee). It is timed entry ticket. Took ~3 hours to tour the museum. Lots of reading, artifacts to view and a couple of short videos. Plenty of sitting areas throughout the building along with restrooms on every floor."
Sandip Desai
"Beautiful experience. I added 4 ☆ because they allow too many people into the museum at once. If you want to read you'll have to plan at least 3 hours ans be extremely patient with the crowds. There were many group tours with young adults yelling and running but some of those things are hard to control. Thank you for a beautiful experience and museum."
Brooke Wilcox
"Visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. today, and wow what a powerful, emotional experience. 💔 You will be moved bring tissues. The exhibits are heartbreaking yet so important. 🕯️
They use timed-entry tickets, which made it easy to get in with no big crowds, and it’s very simple to get to. If you’re in D.C., this is a must. It’s not just a museum, it’s an experience that stays with you."
Linda Lopez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC. It's accessible via Metro (Smithsonian or Federal Triangle stations are closest) and several bus lines. Parking in the vicinity can be challenging and expensive, so public transport is often recommended.
While there are parking garages nearby, they can be costly and fill up quickly. It's generally advised to use public transportation or rideshares to reach the museum.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the permanent and special exhibitions to maintain the solemn atmosphere and protect artifacts. Check for specific guidelines in designated areas.
Yes, the museum is fully accessible. Elevators are available to all floors, and accessible restrooms are provided. Wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hours vary seasonally and can change for special events. It's best to check the official United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, timed-entry tickets are required for all visitors. While free, a small service fee applies when booking online. It's highly recommended to reserve these in advance.
Admission to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is free. However, there is a small $1 service fee per ticket when booking online in advance.
Same-day tickets may be available, but they are not guaranteed and can sell out quickly. Booking online in advance is the most reliable way to secure entry.
Most visitors spend at least 3 hours exploring the museum. Some may spend longer if they wish to read all the information and view all the artifacts.
The timed-entry system helps manage crowd flow. You'll select a specific entry time when booking your ticket. Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors find the Hall of Remembrance, with its 1.5 million lights representing murdered children, incredibly impactful. The permanent exhibition also offers a profound and comprehensive overview.
Yes, the museum is designed with visitor comfort in mind. There are plenty of seating areas throughout the building, especially within the exhibition spaces.
Bags and backpacks are permitted, but they will be subject to security screening. Oversized bags may not be allowed. It's best to travel light if possible.
The museum offers various guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. These tours can provide deeper insights into specific exhibits and historical context. Check the museum's schedule for availability.
The atmosphere is solemn, respectful, and deeply moving. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibits thoughtfully and quietly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a cafe that offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient option for visitors who need a break.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the exhibition areas. You can consume them in designated areas or before entering.
Yes, the museum is located in an area with many dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are prohibited in the permanent and special exhibitions to preserve the solemnity of the space and protect artifacts. Some areas may allow personal photography, but always check signage.
Typically, photography is not permitted within the exhibition halls. However, you might be able to take photos in the lobby or other public areas. Always look for posted signs.
The restrictions are in place to ensure a respectful and contemplative environment for all visitors and to protect the sensitive historical artifacts on display.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children or teenagers, the museum provides an opportunity for profound learning. It's recommended to prepare children beforehand by discussing the nature of the Holocaust and the museum's purpose. Consider focusing on specific exhibits or stories that are age-appropriate and engaging.
Many families find the museum to be a powerful learning experience, fostering important conversations about history, empathy, and the dangers of prejudice. Remember to check the museum's website for any age recommendations or guidance for family visits.
🧑🎓 Students and Educators
Many school groups visit the museum as part of their curriculum. The timed-entry system helps manage these large groups, though it can still lead to crowded conditions. Educators often find the museum's exhibits to be a powerful tool for teaching about human rights, genocide prevention, and the importance of remembrance.
Meeting Holocaust survivors, when available, is a particularly impactful experience for students, offering a direct connection to history and a powerful lesson in resilience. The museum's commitment to preserving these testimonies is crucial for educational purposes.
🤔 Reflective Visitors
The extensive reading material, personal testimonies, and powerful visual displays are designed to provoke thought and emotional response. The Hall of Remembrance offers a dedicated space for quiet contemplation, allowing visitors to process the weight of the history they've encountered.
This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's an immersive journey that prompts critical thinking about human behavior, the consequences of hatred, and the enduring importance of remembrance and vigilance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Permanent Exhibition
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the stories of individuals and communities affected by the Holocaust. The museum uses a timed-entry system for this exhibition to manage crowd flow and ensure a more contemplative experience. Be prepared for a significant amount of reading and visual information; it's an immersive experience that demands attention and reflection.
Many visitors highlight the emotional impact of this exhibition. The sheer scale of the tragedy is conveyed through powerful displays, including personal belongings of victims and survivors, and harrowing accounts of resistance and survival. It's a journey that leaves a lasting impression, prompting deep reflection on the lessons of the past.
The Hall of Remembrance: A Space for Reflection
This area is intended to be a place of solemn reflection. Visitors are asked to maintain silence and respect the atmosphere. It's a space to process the information encountered in the exhibitions and to honor the memory of those who suffered and died.
Many visitors find the Hall of Remembrance to be a profoundly moving part of their museum experience. It offers a moment of quiet to absorb the weight of history and to consider the importance of remembering and preventing future atrocities.
Meeting Survivors: A Living History
Interacting with survivors provides an unparalleled connection to the past. Visitors can ask questions, hear personal anecdotes, and gain a deeper understanding of the resilience of the human spirit. These encounters are often described as unforgettable and profoundly moving, reinforcing the museum's mission to educate and remember.
These meetings are a crucial part of the museum's educational outreach, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and their testimonies are preserved for future generations. It's a powerful reminder of the human cost of hatred and the importance of bearing witness.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit