United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Reviews

We went on a Sunday. There were many staff present. The museum entry was free. We went as a church group with some of our youth members. The museum was packed with lots of information. Those shoes! The wall! The group enjoyed themselves.
We opt to buy food from the many food trucks that were parked outside.

Free timed passes required for the main exhibit. But don’t forget about the exhibits in the lobby. Arrive early or stay after your time allotted to view these exhibits. Especially Daniel’s Story. Very well designed museum. I learned so much. We spent around 30-45 minutes in the outer exhibits and about another hour in the main exhibit.

We spent about 3 hours in the Holocaust museum and it was well worth the time. Very well done, great presentation of historical information. Highly recommended!

Very interesting and educational. So sad to see the truth of the holocaust but important to understand how it came about so that we could hopefully prevent this from ever happening again. Unfortunately, some of the scenarios and rhetoric of the time before all the horrors occurred appear to be similar to what’s going on now in the U.S. president’s office.

This is a very important memorial. Every human should come here. Very well explained and with a good timeline as well as many exhibits.
What I found difficult: Too crowded. Often not possible to read texts. Too cold on floor 3, much colder than floor 4. The film theatre on floor 4 was closed and there are long stretches without the possibility to sit down. This makes it not so accessible to those who cannot stand for long periods. We stayed 5 hours and came out not only emotionally but also physically exhausted.
It would also be nice to get optionally more information, eg with QR codes for further reading.

Deeply moving and motivating for everyone. Decades ago, it was this museum that spurred me into my nonprofit work. Getting tickets was very difficult. They were sold out for months ahead of time. If you are online at 7am, you may be lucky to snag same day tickets. Museum is free but online reservation is $1.00 per person.

Having such an emotional experience at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, we were excited to go to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum since it claims to be the most complete museum of its type in the country. What a let down… the museum is so poorly run, it was impossible to take everything in. The staff let too many people in the exhibit. It is a self guided tour with no time limit so people take their time, as they should. However, the staff doesn’t ensure enough people have exited the exhibit before sending another large group in. It’s so crowded that you can’t move or even really see the posters or watch the videos. There is no staff anywhere during the self guided tour of the exhibit, so if something were to happen, there is no one around but other patrons of the museum. If you have a medical emergency, you aren’t getting out of there in an acceptable amount of time. If there were a disaster, you’ll likely get injured and be stuck down there due to people panicking and trampling everyone trying to evacuate. What we experienced at the museum definitely is a fire code violation and extremely dangerous. I cannot recommend anyone go to the museum unless they reevaluate how the museum operates.

A very educational, emotional and eye opening exhibit. Highly recommended. Really brings home as much as possible to what it must have been like for the millions of people who experienced this horrendous atrocity to human beings. Very tragic.

What struck me the most was upon entry reading Eisenhower's quote after visiting Auschwitz. "I made the visit deliberately in order to be in a position to give first hand evidence of these things if ever, in the future, there develops a tendency to charge these allegations merely to "propaganda". Unfortunately in my lifetime I have seen those who would attempt to call the holocaust a hoax. This is a somber reminder that left unchecked history at it's worst can and will be repeated. The tour was busy- entry is timed so make sure you obtain your tickets in advance. At the beginning of the tour I think everyone wanted to read every placard posted and it was very crowded. We went ahead a bit and the flow became much more manageable. Easy to see and read the descriptions of what we were seeing. It really does take between 90-120 minutes to go through the museum so plan accordingly. There is a security check upon entry. Empty water bottles are allowed in for you to fill at fountains. It was an incredible experience to visit here.

This museum is right in the centre of the city, so very easy to get to and is very important to visit.

A well-designed museum that treats a sensitive topic with a neutral point of view. The permanent exhibition's narrow and sequential layout doesn't handle large tour groups well. Try and come later in the day to avoid them. And funny forget to reserve an entrance time in advance!

There are no words to express the emotions that I felt going through this museum. I only wish everyone could visit it at some time in their life.

I feel conflicted because there were too many people there for me to truly see and take in all of the exhibits, but I also feel that more people should go to this museum. It is enlightening, even for those who are well-versed in the circumstances surrounding WWII and the Holocaust. It simultaneously simulates the cold, industrial environment that made the Holocaust possible while also highlighting the people who suffered and died.

The US Holocaust Memorial is a very well-presented memorial to the millions who lost their lives to Nazi hatred and industrialized slaughter. The museum traces the rise of the Nazis and the anti Semitic philosophy of Hitler. The museum of course focuses on the 6 million or so Jews who were murdered, but it does not leave out the others that the Nazis targeted: the Roma, the Slavs, the Homosexuals, etc. the exhibit is tastefully presented, but it does tell to stories of the horror of the holocaust. I am glad I took my teenage son to this museum. It was good for him to learn about this and to learn empathy for the sufferings of people. However, I would be careful not to bring younger children to this museum as it could be too scary for them. The museum itself gives guidelines and suggestions regarding age appropriateness.
Not only does the museum tell the story of the Holocaust, but it also contains many artifacts from the camps. It is a very good museum and I recommend a visit.

Absolutely thought provoking museum. This is the best museum dedicated to the holocaust (next to Auschwitz) that I’ve visited (having studied this period in history I have visited many museums and places dedicated to preserving this history & this one was done so very well. Really well laid out -anyone from all perspectives can gain knowledge (whether this is your first knowledge of the holocaust or you've visited other sites and museums). The inclusion of personal stories kept the experience grounded, personalised and in focus to individual lives as well as the mass horror. It can be hard to separate individual stories in the mass and size of the horror and this museum achieves that very well. Thank you for keeping this in focus for future generations as we are losing not only the generation who lived through it, but the first and second generations who heard the stories first hand from those that lived it.

My 12 year old wanted to go to the Holocaust Museum. Tips- get your tickets early. You do have chances the day off but I was not able to get in despite being up and in the que.
Parents of littles- I recommend you skip this location. It’s not the place for toddler tantrums or elementary students. (I’ve had littles and understand wanting to see things that you want on vacation).

It’s well done- they have made some changes over the years.

Allow 2-3 hours. It does get busy so go early!

Not an easy subject to read about, but I feel it is important to learn about the history of events to teach others and make sure that horrific things like this never happen again. I was somewhat familiar with the Holocaust, but this really opens your eyes to what happened during that terrible time, and how the US could've possibly done more to prevent more loss of life. Highly recommend paying a visit.

We went with our teens and elderly parents. We were all really looking forward to visiting this museum. We went through a metal detector and the security yelled and cussed at each of us and several people behind us. We even talked with other visitors that day who experienced the same treatment. I really hope the security team was just having a bad day and this is not how guests are normally treated.
Aside from the terrible start, we did learn a lot from the museum. I was hoping to see more artifacts vs photos. It was difficult to read all the information due to the amount of people.

We've visited Auschwitz, and this was still very educational and compelling. Incredible museum that gives the full historical background of how Hitler came into power, how he maintained his reign, and the final days. We spent 4 hours, and could have stayed longer. Lots and lots of reading, not suitable for young children, and somber, but critically important for us all to grasp and understand so this never happens again!

Informative, sobering visit, especially in these trying times. You can't be too happy or sad when you go, just be ready to absorb the cost of man's inhumanity to man. Highest recommendation

The outside does not prepare one for the building inside. This was explained by an enthusiast for the building at the information desk. Another amazing building. There were only two facts I did not know before visiting but the way the exhibits were laid out and the space available made the exhibits all the more real, frightening. Every school child of an age to understand should visit.

You ca not visit DC and not come here. It’s so moving. At the beginning you get what looks like a passport of someone in the Holocaust. This is a humbling experience. Having been to Poland and Germany it really hits home.

A very well done presentation of the political climate leading up to the Holocaust and World War II. It is easily a 2 hour + visit

An amazing, educational, emotional and gut-wrenching exhibit highlighting the terrifying travesties that humankind has committed against each other.

My family and I visited the museum during a vacation to DC. Overall they did a great job of trying to chronical what started this tragic time in history, how it continued and grew over the years and ultimately how it ended. I appreciated what they were looking to accomplish. What I would advise guest and the museum are a few points to consider. This is a lot of reading and walking in a line with other guests because you are “walking through history” as stated in relative chorological order. Also this museum is NOT for younger children say under 10, or really for anyone who cannot understand the reverence and quite which should be observed in a space like this. We had a number of younger children talking at a very loud level, laughing and joking and it look away from the experience. In addition, the museum did not have any docents around to ask for quiet.

Finally, getting tickets to this museum is an exercise in patience. They go on sale in advance and for our June trip sold out to the date our visit became available to reserve. Now you can go on in the morning of at 7:00 am but it took us 3 daily attempts and a team of 3 people all online at exactly 7am, to get tickets. We were told they release approx. 300 or so tickets the day of and in less than 3 minutes they were sold out.

I fancy myself one who knows a lot about history, but I had no idea how quickly Hitler consolidated his power and how pervasively he attacked the Jews of Germany (and every other country Germany took over during the war). I am also not sure I understood how efficient "The Final Solution" was. The level of evil is the mind-bending and stomach turning part, even to them making use of the hair they shaved off all arrivals at the camp. We started our tour at 10:45, finished at 2:30 (even though we skipped the current special exhibit on Burma), so plan on at least 3 hours. My daughters (24 and 19 y.o.) said they read "every sign...because it was so interesting". I can be counted on in museums to do that, but they rarely do.We had had breakfast at 9 AM, but none of us felt like eating again until dinner, and then only because we knew we had to. Very emotional experience.

A must see while in Washington DC. It is well documented, seeing, and listening to the videos and peoples stories gives you a whole new understanding of what happened.
Entrance is free, but you need to book tickets online.
I took my 12 and 15 years old daughters with me. I think everyone should come here and to the one in Israel, Yad Vashem. We were there for about 2.5 hours, and didn’t finish everything. Every school should bring the students here.
It is scary to see how history repeats itself.

Overall excellent and worth the fee and in many cases free admission. You must bank on 4 hours to read and see everything. Excellent experience and atmosphere and crowd through the facility was very light, but wished for the facility to be attract more visitors. Staff was excellent.

Thought this was going to be what it was once touted to become, a museum that would compare the Holocaust with other genocides that have occurred before and since the Second World War. While this is a well put together museum, and evocative, it is very deficient when it comes to telling the story of the genocide of native Americans, Ukrainians during the Holodomor, the Armenian massacre, Rwanda, what's happening against Ukraine in 2022 and so on. Rather disappointed.

Specific timed and dated free tickets are required in advance for entrance from the museum’s website. The museum itself is a must see while in Washington. Expect large crowds and cramped space, but a highly educational experience from videos, pictures, eyewitness accounts and actual artifacts from this tragic time in history.

This is a rough museum to walk through, but one that is important to visit. If you are military, police or EMT there might be extra tickets set aside for you if they say the regular tickets are taken.

I visited when I was 18, but that almost 30 years ago and not sure I fully appreciated it at that age, Very thorough history of everything surrounding the Holocaust. Very emotional at times. Very well put together

This is a must see! The Holocaust Museum does a great job of telling the story of the extermination of the Jews and Gypsies in Europe. It will take you two hours to go through the storyboards, maps, films and displays. I would hesitate to take children who are younger than 14, as the displays would be challenging to explain. There is an exhibit for children that I did not visit. You start by selecting a booklet of a specific man or woman who lived during the Holocaust. At the end of the tour, you learn of their fate. If you visit, I would recommend you make this the last stop of the day. Tickets can get scarce during vacation weeks, so plan accordingly. I took a 15 minute survey and received tickets to be used immediately.

This exhibit is extremely well done and a graphic reminder of how humans can both treat each other and also look the other way and fail to help each other. Well worth a couple hours.

Words cannot express how meaningful this visit to the Holocaust was for me. I was fortunate enough to travel with a group of teachers and it was so impactful. Our guide had a personal family connection to the Holocaust and was telling us about how his grandparents perished in this tragic genocide. This is a must stop for the compassionate and the history buff.

It was so very busy and crowded so it was difficult to get through. There were a lot of videos and reading of displays so it took time. It’s too bad because this is a very important display of history. What we did see was worth going to.

Excellent collection and presentation of this event. Modern venue. Somber atmosphere. Even the pre-teen liked it. Highly recommend!!!

We did not see the main tour as we didn't decide to get tickets early enough. That was probably for the best as our kids are a bit young for the graphic nature of that tour.

I went here with my 2 teenage daughters and when we left, my 14 year old summed it up with 'it's the same as the others.' I realized she was right - it must be a theme for me, but I have taken them to the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Lyon, the Museum of Surrender in Reims, and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. If you've been to a Holocaust museum before, I'd recommend using your time elsewhere.

Everyone should visit this museum. With that said, expect lots of crowds despite reserved timed tickets. Bring a load of patience and try not to rush through the exhibits. The crowds do thin out the further into the exhibit you go. At the end, the Hall of Remembrance offers a quiet space for contemplation. I also recommend visiting the website ahead of time to get a layout of the museum and background information.

This is a large museum with an overwhelming amount of information to read about what can happen when people are persecuted, and specifically the genocide of European Jews, gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, disabled people and others during World War II. We started on the 4th floor which was very interesting but was crowded, had a lot of information to process and no place to sit (for those who cannot stand for long periods of time). There were places to sit on other floors of the museum. On the second floor, there was an open area where a video of survivors was shown - very interesting to hear from people who actually experienced this horrible time. Read about the museum before you go so that you can determine what areas would be the most interesting to visit if you have less than 2 hours to tour. To plan the trip better, request the Planner on their website - find Visit Planner and click on Learn More. Their website also has many videos and information if you are unable to spend more than an hour or so in the museum or want to learn more after your visit.

We have been to many holocaust museums, and this museum had its own unique approach to telling the story. It was exceptionally well done. Very moving, and you definitely want to plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours at a minimum.

A solid line 3-6 feet thick through most of the main exhibit on July 23rd. I kept expecting it to get better around each corner but it never did! Exhibits are mostly reading and the line creeps making exhibits inaccessible. I feel remorse because my teens went to the one place in the USA that was supposed to really educate them on the holocaust and they would have gotten more out of a PBS show or YouTube video!
We witnessed an employee allow someone without a ticket in; please review your crowd control policy and ticketing system. Otherwise its probably a great place!

This is a mut see. Plan to spend all day and immerse yourself. I wouldn't recommend taking small children.

Highly recommend that everyone who visits DC should take the time to see the Holocaust Museum.. It was such a powerful afternoon. By the end of our tour my emotions were all over the place. Seeing the horrors that people went through made me so angry at those who were in charge…and yet, seeing the resolve of those who survived was incredible. I truly hope that nobody will ever endure what I was when I went through the museum.

Wow, give yourself plenty of time for this museum. Everything has meaning everywhere you look the pictures. A must see, take your time watch the videos, read the items, look at the pictures. Again give your self plenty of time. It will humble you

I have made two visits to this museum, and have had the same response each time. I enter thinking I am prepared for what I am about to witness. I leave feeling forlorn, disgusted, and exhausted. It is so very important to learn about the Holocaust, so I am by no means advocating against going to this museum. I am recommending that you be prepared to have intense feelings during and after your visit...it definitely stays with you.

The exhibits in the first section as you enter note the events leading up to this atrocity (book burnings, propaganda in state run media, loss of personal freedoms, etc.). My wife and I were struck by how many of these types of things are happening today in our country.

Tickets are hard to get. This is a popular draw and they are still trying to keep crowds smaller due to COVID. If you can plan your visit ahead of time tickets will be easier to obtain. We were able to secure tickets on the 7 am ticket scramble. My best advice is to not give up if you are not able to get them on the first try. It was almost 7:15 before one of our attempts got through. We found that using the go back arrow rather than refresh was the best way to get to tickets. Best of luck getting tickets...the experience is worth the extra effort.

Very emotional museum and so difficult to understand the cruelty Very complete presentation of antisemitism and eugenics that resulted in the death of millions. The testimonials near the end of the tour were very moving.

Bring your tissue! Great learning experience for all ages. The raw videos and pictures in there are so sad. We all have learned about and heard about the Holocaust, but being here really opens your eyes to what they really endured. I did not expect to cry as much as I did.

Very moving! Lots to see, hear, and read. Very somber. Not a place for you get children. Learned many things not taught in school years ago. Lots of walking but there is an elevator. Places to sit and read and hear testimonials.
WC in the basement, not convenient. Small gift shop. Great place to see if rainy but one never knows as reservations are required.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is a national institution dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and its lessons for humanity. Located in Washington D.C., the museum is one of the most significant Holocaust institutions in the world.

The museum's exhibitions and programs are designed to preserve and share the history of the Holocaust and to raise awareness of its lessons for future generations. The museum's permanent exhibition, "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race," explores the Nazi regime's use of science to justify the extermination of millions of people. Other exhibitions include interactive displays, personal artifacts, photographs, and films, all of which provide a powerful and emotional experience for visitors.

Very moving museum. There were some pictures and videos that made me upset bc of the graphic nature but the information was very interesting, I highly recommend for teenagers and older. IMO this is not suitable for young children.

*April 2019
We only saw Daniel’s Story, as were were limited in time, but it is a must-see. The exhibit was designed for kids, but it was really amazing. The temperature dropped , the lights dimmed, and the ground changed as we walked further into the Holocaust. I heard the rest of the museum was great, too.

Very well done museum. We arrived at 2pm thinking we’d spend 90 minutes there. We left at closing time of 5:30 and didn’t see it all.
There are a few side exhibitions like the childrens tile wall but there is one main exhibition, which at present you need the timed entry ticket for. You line up and they let people in, in batches, to keep numbers down. You get in an elevator and go to the 4th floor then work your way back down, following a controlled one-way path through all the exhibits.
While the first bit was really packed and hard to get near the exhibits, the rest was busy but tolerable.

The museum steps through pre-war Germany and the plight of the Jews, then a LOT of detail about the death camps, and then a shorter section about the establishment of Israel and other post-war happenings.

Lots of photos, movies, diagrams, graphs, and a room-sized scale model of Auschwitz.
I thought I already knew a lot about the holocaust but what struck me is the extensiveness of the killing across many death camps, labour camps, concentration camps, random shooting sprees, the whole lot – across 5 years.
Millions of Jews slaughtered, and millions of prisoners of war also. They also went after the Gypsies and the Jehovah’s Witnesses and other groups.
Hitler had dozens of high-ranking officials working on facilitating the killing.
The museum personalises the stories to really bring home what a terrible blight on human history this was.
The period between 1933 and 1939 was a horrible period for the Jews, and how did the world not see this coming? Probably, because until 1940 Hitler really just wanted the Jews relocated, apparently. When this couldn’t happen, he devised the final solution.

I could not wait to see the Holocaust museum during our trip. Maybe I expected too much but although informative and powerful, I was left disappointed in the displays.
Sure there was a bunk and a rail car and the wall of photos was moving but I at least expected to see a striped camp uniform and that yellow star that every jew had to wear on every article of clothing they had and there was nothing like that. The shoe exhibit was removed as well. I just expected to see some more personal items from the victims. They are the ones who suffered. I had seen practically all the written material and pictures on documentaries. I did appreciate the identification card we were given at the start. That did give a bit of a personal touch to things.

The most moving memorial you will ever view.. extremely moving… tissue recommended…
The entire presentation made you think!!!
As you read .. you were engulfed in the times…

Way too crowded, couldn’t really appreciate any of it. Museum not designed for crowds that it receives. Fascinating exhibits but couldn’t see most of them. Very disappointed.

This museum is VERY heavy but also completely necessary. It really highlights how “normal” or “nice” people can be blinded to (at best) or participate in (at worst) atrocities committed against fellow humans. Make sure you leave enough time to read everything and move through all the floors. It’s such an important museum to hopefully prevent future generations from forgetting this tragic and preventable loss of life, and in hopes that they will not allow it to happen again.

We now have seen 2 Museum's and 1 Transition Camp all of which are very sobering. The US Memorial is lengthy we spent 4 hours inside. It's almost to much to take. But glad we went it's hard to comprehend this took place let alone it still happens today. I would encourage everyone to see this museum.

Book in a week or more in advance.

Very well done display about this sad pat of our history. Highly recommended but not for families with yound children.

Harrowing, but so glad we visited and wished we'd had longer. We've never walked around a museum where everyone paid such respect. Such a moving memorial with some plaques that just sum up the horrors of what happened.

I wasn't keen on putting this visit on the itinerary given the depressing topic, but people I trust had said it is a must visit.... and they were all right. This museum is as dark and sobering as you'd expect, but it's also both enlightening and fascinating. This place will likely touch you on multiple levels. Do it.

I didn't know what to expect when I came inside the front doors but you'll receive an extensive trip back in time to see very real monsters and see remnants of the evil they wrought against Jews. At the end of the tour is a ray of light as you will also see the good in humanity that risked everything to save people from the Holocaust.

Very educational and emotional, specially to our teens that had never experience such horror and cruelty. Makes them realize how blessed we are in this country

Everyone should go and learn. It is a quiet museum since it is a heavy topic and everyone is reading and absorbing. We even met with a Holocaust survivor and heard his story. I like how they had a free coat check so that you could be comfortable for hours and learn in the museum.

If you graze through the recent reviews, you gain a certain impression. And sadly, this general thought is accurate. The information that is presented is accurate, thoughtful, and powerful. There are aspects of the Holocaust which are shown that few books, movies, or the media deal with. However, the lay out of the museum does not work. This type of layout may work in some cities; however, D.C. is known for school trips that do basically the same itinerary. Therefore, this kind of cattle drive style was exhausting. For the first twenty minutes, we simply stood in line and read a single panel on a wall. I mentioned to my family if this was meant to humble us; how dare we think that our inconvenience is bad when in front of us is true pain!

I'm really not sure why the displays are in such a confining way. Even going to the bathroom becomes an agonizing process.

Great information, but not organized in a a practical, usable way.

My teenagers (13, 17) and I visited the museum and it was a heartbreaking but beautiful experience for all of us. The quietest, most solemn museum I have ever been in - I read other reviews where there were really loud kids/people but luckily this was not the case when we were there. Everyone was quiet and respectful.

There is a LOT of reading to do (you really can't take in the museum without doing the reading) as well as graphic pictures and video. I would not take children younger than probably 10 or so for both of these reasons...or kids that tend to be loud, hyper etc.

Nice gift shop, and a little cafe on site.

This museum is truly incredible. The way they have it set up to take you on a journey through World War II and the Holocaust is haunting, but tells a very important story. This is somewhere important for everyone to go and truly take in everything that is being offered. It is key for you to put down your phone, and truly immerse yourself in the learning experience of this museum. This is my second time visiting, and I learned even more this time. It is not an appropriate place for younger children, as they will not truly be able to take in what is being presented.

(Pre-Covid Review)
The Holocaust Memorial is hard to describe. There were so many things here, many emotional and some gut-wrenching. At the begging of the tour, you are given a booklet. Inside it has a person and it tells you all about their life. And as you walk through the museum you are told if they survived or not. I feel that this is an important part of our history and that everyone should come here at least once. This is a place for teenagers and up, not a place for little guys.

This is obviously a very humbling experience. A past we need to make sure never happens again. The museum itself is larger than I expected. We spent three hours and did not see the last wing. We read everything though and most of the museum is reading. There are some things there that are not for the faint at heart as they are real pictures and videos and though I saw small children there, I think preteens and up would be best to understand everything. They had a heroes wall which was informative. The bathrooms were plentiful and clean. They give you an id book when you go in that has a real story of a real person. The museum has some artifacts/items but mostly pictures and information. It is definitely worth going to but be in the mindset. The staff was the only downfall. You must have to be miserable to work there. Other than the very sweet man who scanned our ticket, the guards and the cafe staff were all unnecessarily rude and rough. Even putting their hands on you to move you along. They dampened the whole experience. Seemed to be rude to everyone who approached them. Very unprofessional. Despite the staff I would still recommend. You have to purchase tickets ahead of time 1.00$

An amazing and haunting museum which depicts the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party..all too similar as what's happening today. The images are graphic but necessary to remember what happened..how cruel and inhumane people can be..and not just in Germany but all genocides..just that the Nazi's records were made visible.Hopefullu Never Again

This is a very impactful museum. You learn a great deal about what happened all over Europe, not just to the Jews but to all the persecuted groups. The museum had excellent crowd control. You had to plan ahead and obtain timed tickets for your group. To take the elevator to the exhibit beginning, they only allowed 3-4 people at a time. There was someone controlling that. I felt very safe as far as COVID protocols.

I am writing to express my deep disappointment following my recent visit to the Holocaust Museum. This was our first time visiting, and we had hoped for a meaningful and respectful experience. Unfortunately, the conduct of the security staff left us shocked and disheartened.

The security personnel were unprofessional, loud, and condescending. When we asked simple questions, they responded with dismissive gestures rather than clear answers. Their tone and body language were unnecessarily aggressive, making us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable from the outset.

We understand the importance of maintaining safety in such an important institution, but courtesy and professionalism should never be compromised. This experience overshadowed the entire visit and left a lasting negative impression. We expected empathy and respect in a place dedicated to remembering human dignity and loss.

Sadly, based on this encounter, we will not be returning and will be hesitant to recommend the museum to others unless there is acknowledgment and commitment to addressing such behavior.

I urge your team to review this matter seriously and take appropriate steps to ensure future visitors are treated with the respect they deserve.

Visited with wife and our 13 & 11 y/o. Although wife and I thought we knew and understood a lot about this terrible time in history, we realized how little we actually knew. It was very impactful to us, and surprisingly to our children also. Wasn’t sure how they’d react. That were very interested in the entirety of this museum. The actual footage and photos from those times is what did it for me… it’s like I went back in time and saw it happening. The most moving display for our family was the model-display showing the massive crowds herded into the underground “showers”, not knowing it was a trap into the gas chamber. I CANNOT imagine how an evil to that degree existed on this earth.

The museum is such an important piece of history. But the amount of people they let in is extremely heavy. If you have any interest in reading the displays, forget about it.
It was to the point that we almost left. And I have to think it's a fire hazard and not within the legal limits. Very dissapointed that a manager allows it to be this way.

When we first entered the museum it was hard to get near the exhibits to read the placards. I was worried that would be the experience throughout but luckily the crowd thinned as we went along. By the end it was very difficult to keep my emotions in check.

The footage in the videos throughout the displays was immensely sad and hard to fathom. The model of the gas chambers was particularly heart wrenching. I appreciated the wall dedicated to the people who saved lives and were part of the resistance…the stories were extraordinary! The photographs of the skies over the all camps was really interesting and again, sad. Must visit if you are in DC.

Must do if you are in Washington DC. It can be crowded, so dip into your well of patience. This is an exhibit worth the time - very moving. The atrocities are hard to fathom. You can reserve your time slot online in advance, but they do also offer a limited number of daily tickets. You can go check with the information desk after going through security.

It was a memorable moment. You can feel
The heartache along with tragic pics will take your breath away. I can’t imagine what they went through but it made my wife and I cry as we saw the pile of children's shoes. Love your family as other lost theirs. Highly recommend for you to talk this walk through. But don’t bring small kids as you will want to have time to read the memories of the victims.

This museum was a bucket list trip. We were fortunate to join a small tour with an excellent guide for a tour of the lower level exhibitions.

This is not a museum to be skimmed through. We spent almost 6 hours here drawn into the whole account.

Powerful exhibits. American Witnesses exhibit. Hall of Remembrance. It is unfortunate that the shoes exhibit was removed for renovation. My daughter talked about the impact on her many times.

We visited July 16th. Secured time slot specific advance tickets. The number of people in all hall was overwhelming and made it impossible to experience the museum. Really poor crowd planning, especially having ALL the tools to do it better with the advance tickets. 🤷‍♂️

The Holocaust museum is difficult to describe. The topic of the museum is so important, I feel everyone should visit at least once. The information provided is comprehensive, and presented in an interesting and thought provoking way. The feeling of the museum is somber, and the atmosphere is quiet. I would recommend for teenagers and up.

Rating this 5 stars the same as I would a good restaurant seems odd but it is something people need to see.
You need about 3 hours to go through the museum without being rushed so plan accordingly.
It is mostly photos with text but that is plenty.
Keep in mind that this isn't intended for small children so if you have concerns that they may misbehave make arrangements.

The online ticket system for timed entry is a mess. I logged on at 7am and all the tickets for same day entry were sold out immediately. I think there must be professional bots snatching them all up. I recommend USHM do something about this, very disappointing. Additionally, I would also like to point out that no other museum still has Covid restrictions. USHM is the only one still doing this kind of stuff.

Whilst the exhibition contains so much information, there is no room to read anything.

Way too many people are let in to the point there is no room to more & you cannot get close enough to read anything. You’re crammed in like sardines.

This left me extremely disappointed as I was really looking forward to this exhibition.

This exhibition holds so much significance, give it the recognition it deserves and half the amount of people they let in so you can embrace it.

Very crowded but we appreciate that the museum is designed to give you the feeling of being herded like cattle so that you are in the right mind frame. The videos really disrupt the traffic and it is difficult to read the exhibits sometimes but the video of the survivors at the end is unforgettable.

The museum is beautiful and very well done. It is deeply moving and, to be honest, can be overwhelming at times, but I believe everyone should visit this museum. We took our 11-year-old daughter to the museum this year, and she was old enough to understand the gravity and importance of the events of the time. She has been reading about World War II in school this past year, so it was good for her to put what she knew and didn't together. We spent 2.5 hours at the museum, but I believe it is possible to spend more. I was just getting emotional and overwhelmed.

Such a special and moving museum. An unforgettable experience. The architect and design of the museum tells a story all by itself.

What an inspiring place. Inspiring in the fact that some people survived to tell the story. Heartbreaking that such events took place. They tell the story from start to present. It takes a long time to read all the displays and see the artifacts. We spent 2 1/2 hours and could have stayed longer.

Contact the museum months in advance for admission tickets. Be sure to get your little passport when you get into the museum. I still have all of mine and treasure them. Once the elevator door closes and the audio begins if you are not a stone cold person it will change a part of you forever. Be patient as there are many rude tourists so don't be afraid to step back on their foot. It is a museum that you need to take your tim, don't pass by a thing. There is a photo in there of a German holding a dog and the dog is looking right at you. It has stuck in my mind. The artifacts, prisoner uniform, the bowls, the pictures drawn by the little children. The whole experience is a mind changer. Much for me since I just in the last few years learned I have a jewish line and people in the camps. Please make the plans and admission reservations to go. A trip to Washington is not complete without goig there. Please

Great museum, it shows all of the event of the holocaust in great detail. A truly humbling and interesting place to visit.

It had a lot of cool things to see but we didn't end up seeing half of it because the design of the museum was so terrible. Staff weren't really honoring timed ticket and people with 114t tickets were getting in at 1030. As a result there was a huge line getting into the museum and took us about 20 min just getting in the museum. Once inside the museum it was only a one way direction so everyone was jam packed into the same starting point which is a dimly lit room with narrow hallways. It was so packed with bodies that we couldn't even skip ahead to leave the exhibit. It had a lot of great exhibit but the design of the museum was so terrible it was not an enjoyable experience. The line was significantly shorter as we were leaving so if you do this museum do not go first thing in the morning.

Been multiple times. Always moving and good history reminder. Even those unfamiliar with history will enjoy this museum.

This is a MUST visit museum which is brilliantly laid out. You join a journey from the rise of the Nazi party to the murderess destruction of an entire race - a true genocide. The real question is how did a perfectly civilised country behave in such a way, and not only against the Jewish people?

The exhibits, documentation and lighting add to the overall harrowing experience - even the lifts / elevators look like gas doors. It’s the only large place I’ve been into with hundreds of people and experienced total silence. Now we all know why Israel is fighting for its life - never again is right.

You will need tickets even though entry is free.

We visited the Holocaust Museum last June. The Museum is well-organized and very impressive. The Museum is set up to walk visitors through the Holocaust. With the amount of antisemitism and Holocaust denial, this excellent museum is more necessary than ever. It has pictures, first hand accounts and exhibits that provide visitors with evidence that the Holocaust occurred and displays to show the sheer awfulness of the Holocaust.

I rated the Museum 4 stars instead of 5 because the Museum has a good problem - lots of visitors. In fact there were so many that at times it was difficult to see the exhibits. The Museum takes steps to spread out the crowd, but there is still a huge crowd. I wouldn't want to see the Museum turn away visitors, but it could improve the experience if it found some way to handle the throng of visitors even better than it does.

This place is moving, sad, educational and a must see. I think if more people saw it, less people would be prejudice against others. I told my daughter, we are all just people. If we see the inside without judging the outside, life might be easier for all of us.

There was not possible opened that day to enter,and I felt very sorry,in this important issue, I visited the concentration camps Auschwitz Birkenau and Budapest Museum of the Holocaust ,focusing on the deportation from Hungary in the year 1944 ,unit headed by criminal Adolf Eichmann ,it's a small Museum
Eichmann was eventually captured in Argentina and death penalty in Tell Aviv, Hannah Arendt wrote about the evil of that Historical Crime in the year 1944 deported by train of Jews

The visit was extremely sobering and the opportunity to talk to Holocaust survivors was particularly stricking,

This museum was so beautifully done. The building itself is beautiful, but the main exhibit was so incredibly done - it was not just history, it was true art and a true experience. So emotional, so sobering. It’s a must see while in DC.

We often are not able to take in a perspective of a historical event, even terrible ones like the holocaust. This museum offers a unique perspective into a world event. The prisoner shoe display, as well as the children's artwork (the Nazis had them draw happy pictures) were very impacting to me. You can easily spend hours here, especially if you want to truly get a bit of understanding of the events that scarred the European, and world history.

A must see and visit. Even though free you need tickets to get in. Get the tickets early! We tried a week before and could not get one. We we went anyway and got there 30 min early to be at the front of the line in hopes of maybe getting a ticket. They were passing out tickets to first come first serve so we got in first thing. Lots of people and student tours so it was crowed. But a fantastic, informative and sad part of our history.

Very well done. It’s quite emotional. The real graphic photos/videos are presented in such a respectful way. There is a lot to read so make sure you have plenty of time. Everyone needs to see this so it’s never repeated.

I visited the Holocaust Museum in August 2024. I visited here several times many years ago so some things are either new or I never noticed them. The first exhibit is about the US army divisions which liberated the concentration camps in 1945. There is a QR code for each division with the details.

Then there is the permanent exhibit. It covers the rise of Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, the outbreak of World War 2, Jewish ghettos in Poland, the invasion of the USSR and Nazi execution squads, the concentration camps, the end of the war, the Nuremberg trials and many other things.

There was a wall of lost communities where I found my grandfather’s birthplace. The Polish ghettos included my grandmother’s town / birthplace.

It took me around two hours to visit the museum. There is a gift shop.

Timed entry tickets are required. I think it is a very worthwhile place to visit.

Very well done job of presenting history of Nazi Germany and what led to Holocaust. There is a lot to read and many replicas to see. I’ve been to the museum in Jerusalem and this one is not as developed as it but if you are in the area and have an interest is worth the visit and costs.

Everyone should know the history and suffering that occurred during this period in time. Each time I go to a holocaust museum I learn more of this history.

This museum is so well done. I'm not generally a big detail person in museums, but this one had my attention from beginning to end. The architecture of the museum hints at features of concentration camps and adds to the somber feeling throughout. We learned much more than we expected and would like to visit again someday to pick up even more details.

What a heartbreaking and moving experience. While it was difficult to see the images and hear the sounds, we must remember so that history will not repeat itself. Highly recommend.

This comprehensive memorial museum tells the whole story and is a must. Most of my family were murdered by the Nazis. I never knew my grandparents and numerous family members so this was a bone chilling experience for me. Reliving the horrors through these excellent displays and presentations is unforgettable. I could see how evil and hatred turned human beings into murderers. The suffering is so intense that it is almost impossible to comprehend but alas there are still evil things happening in today's world. Before entering, there are free "Identification Cards" each tells the story of a regular person stripped of his human dignity and killed in the Holocaust.

Everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime but getting the tickets is the tricky part. There were no tickets available online for months in advance. You are also supposed to be able to get tickets online stating at 7 on the day you want to visit but that didn't work either. To get tickets just show up early and get in line. We got there at 9 and there were already people waiting. A man starts going down the line asking if you have tickets yet. If you don't, he gives you a ticket and a time. Our time was for 11:45 so we walked around enjoying the cherry blossoms and went back at our designated time.

Wow, I was blown away. Such a beautiful, moving experience. I could have spent all day in there, but we only had a couple of hours. A must see!

A truly memorable and very moving experience. It is difficult to believe just how badly the Jewish concentration camp inmates were treated throughout and before WW2. Everyone should visit, learn and understand in the hope that such atrocities will never be repeated. Generations of all ages should visit this exceptional museum and memorial. I cannot recommend more highly.

We finally made it to this museum. So very interesting to see how things happened. I have read many books and this further enhanced my knowledge.

I have been studying the holocaust for 15 years. I have been looking forward to going to the museum for a very long time. This museum was great! It had a lot of info that people can learn from. I felt like it was a good amount. I knew most of it, but was very glad to walk in the cattle car. That brought me to tears. Also, the room filled with the photos of life in a shtetl/town before the war was impactful. It was very touching to see the “Oneg shabbat “ container. I have read a few books about the history. I had no idea it was in the museum. I wish I had more time for the memorial room. To sit at the end and pay tribute to the victims. I would recommend to everyone!!! All ages. (The food was not that great in the cafe. Chicken was cold)

This museum is incredible and incredibly important now that most of the survivors of the Holocaust are gone. Such difficult subject matter handled so incredibly well.

Definitely need to make a visit. Amazing museum. It’s sad history but very informative. You can get tickets on their website each morning at 7am. You will be expected to wear a mask.

Walking into the Holocaust Museum on a recent Monday afternoon, I was taken aback at how few people were here to see the exhibits. The doors remained flanked by heavy security—a sobering reminder of the violent threats of ignorance that persist in our present day. It is my opinion that everyone should have the chance to learn from the moving, inspiring, disturbing, and terrifying displays of this institution. Are we not, after all, responsible for learning from one of the darkest periods in human history?
At first glance, I wished I could have an architect accompany me through the museum, because every inch of this massive building is designed with excellence. The skylit atrium lobby is stunning, as are the walls of photos and murals spanning several towering stories.
The curators encourage attendees to start at the fourth floor and work their way down. During the elevator ride up, we are each handed a passport featuring the life story of a real person who lived during the Holocaust. Leave ample time to explore all the artifacts, photos, and video recordings; you will not want to rush through this experience.
I appreciate the way these exhibits are built. The most horrific, graphic footage is sheltered behind concrete ledges so that viewers can choose whether or not to look. Train cars, shoes, and diaries preserved from the 1930s are all on display. Projectors loop fascinating contemporary newsreels and heartbreaking testimony from survivors. Each museum-goer views the era from what feels startlingly like a first-hand perspective. We are thereby able to understand the full historical context and human realities surrounding these reprehensible events.
In short, this is the greatest museum I have ever had the privilege to visit. While this museum is certainly more somber than other offerings nearby, it is absolutely worth seeing—and completely free. I left the building afterwords feeling shocked, sickened, but grateful for having visited this extraordinary space.

As a student of history, a first generation American of European descent, the atrocities of World War II linger deep in my DNA and my family, and as such, I finally made it to this museum, and while I had planned an hour, we left close to four hours after visiting this incredible thought, provoking experience with tremendous visuals, audio, and personal recorded testimonials, I was impressed by its accurate depiction of the atrocities of mankind. We were incredibly lucky in that we had not gone to the website to pre-order tickets and were able to get right in, but I would suspect that during peak tourist season getting tickets ahead of time would be best, the bookstore is actually very good with all sorts of books available on the atrocities of mankind, and while the subject matter is sad, well worth a few hours to sober one, remind me how brutal we can be with one another.

This is the kind of place where you feel that you should hurry through because it's overwhelming and easier not to accept or understand what really happened. But if you take the time to read the displays, you will come to understand just how something like this actually happens. You will be more aware of how we can prevent this from ever happening again. This museum is SO well planned, from the top to the bottom. It's heartbreaking because they've just allowed you to peak into the reality of evil.

Beautifully done. Had been wanting to visit this museum for quite some time...so glad I did. It did feel quite crowded upon first getting started but in time, space happened.

Highly recommended. Very somber experience. The museum includes a lot of photos and written text to read and learn. I wish it contained more artifacts; can't compare to the 9/11 Museum in NYC (which includes thousands of artifacts).

You know I am on the fence about this museum. On one hand it was humbling, everyone needs to know about the history and the 1st hand accounts. On the other hand, the issue to me was the execution. There were just too many people to take in everything this museum had to offer. There were areas in the museum where it bottle necked and you were 3 deep trying to see a display. The print and pictures were too small, so unless you were at the front you couldn't see. People would try form a line but the next group would just walk up and push their way through. The big high school groups were just too much, a lot of laughing and joking around. Maybe have a blocked out time that's just for school age groups. I still would recommend, maybe try and be the first ones in or the last ones out. I would love to go back and take my time and really be able to take in everything, but unless they have smaller or after hour options I don't think I will return.

Bring your kids here. There is a lot to read with a lot of pictures. This museum is not for someone looking to expand their knowledge on the holocaust or to see items from that era.

Amazing museum, but I'm giving it a 4 and not a 5 because it was too crowded. For a museum that regulates entry, it should be better. The museum is amazing, but we felt like we missed a lot due to too many people, especially in the first sections. Still highly recommend.

I went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on 9th of July 2023, and I liked it it’s a sad yet educative experience. I highly recommend to go with family or friends and it really portrays what happened back then.

We came here back in May when in town for a conference and this was an excellent museum. It is filled with excellent and thought-provoking content as one would expect and it was humbling to hear the stories of people who experienced the holocaust. They did a great job of straddling the fine line of respecting the victims while showing enough of the graphic nature of the holocaust to make sure that people understand what really happened. My only critique was that it was way, way too crowded (even with timed entry) and it made it difficult to read through everything we wanted to see. We were very glad that so many people wanted to learn about this event, but the crowds definitely detracted from the overall experience. I would 100% recommend coming here, but try to find a time where the crowds might be at the lowest so you can fully appreciate the exhibits.

Simply stunning. I have been there a couple of times before, but this was the first time with our 9-year-old. It was tough for him, of course, but absolutely worth going. Despite what some governors think, our kids need to know about the inhumanity and cruelty of history -- not just what makes them feel good.

Everyone should see this sobering exhibit. It’s well done and the atmosphere in there is appropriately reverent and respectful.

We went on a rainy Saturday and it was very crowded and really dampened the experience. I was disappointed there were so many people when we had scheduled timed tickets in advance. We were in huge crowds shuffling through the museum the entire time. Too crowded to take your time in any area or move through more quickly.

EVERY middle school curriculum needs to include Holocaust Education & should include a visit here. There is so much information about the Holocaust that never reaches the ears of young students. I was saddened and at the same time, disgusted with the propaganda and the one sided newspapers. Read “Daughter of the Reich” and see if you can spot similarities between the role of the media and who controlled the narrative. I am so impressed with the information and collectibles obtained. The photos took my breath away; these were real people and this tragedy should never be forgotten. As we watch similar hatred, ignorance and propaganda, I suggest educating the people in government who are supposed to protect everyone in this country. Im the 1940s, The Jews were put in ghettos, behind high walls to “protect them”. In 2023, Jewish students are locked in libraries on college campuses to “protect” them…too many similarities. Thank you for this Museum and never again!

While planning our family vacation to visit DC. The holocaust museum was the first visit we wanted to make. Months before we knew we needed to reserve tickets. Their website shows you need advance tickets. Starting in January their website had already had all their tickets reserved through May. Therefore, I needed to reserve tickets day of. Every day at 6:50am, I logged onto the website to no avail. One time I got as far as the verification “I wasn’t a robot” and once that was completed the site told me the tickets I had chosen were no longer available. However 4/5 of the days the site at 7:01 stated No tickets were longer available.
I understand why it works this way, but either the system isn’t working correctly or there’s a system that is capable of claiming all of the available tickets at once. BEYOND DISAPPOINTED IN THIS COMPUTER SYSTEM. And extremely bummed my family and I were not able to get into the museum.

Very somber experience. There is a complete timeline from the beginning to the end and everything in between. Many graphic photos and videos. The only “negative” thing is the crowding. So much to see and read and the people start adding up. I got a little overwhelmed with the amount of people but it’s such an important story to see and hear about.

I visited with my brother and his partner and it was a soul searching experience for all three of us. It is a wonderful structure very cleverly organised. I particular found the downward spiral to be very effective. I won’t go into detail on the exhibits as we all know the history but I found the exhibits well thought out and very effective. If I had to pick just two things which caught my attention one would be Remember the children: Daniel’s story and the Hall of remembrance, what a wonderful idea to have an area where you can light a candle of remembrance and take a few moments to contemplate what you have seen.

I'm not sure why there are soo many great reviews but in my opinion don't wast your time going here! It's not very spectacular and when there are a lot of school groups there it's packed. Realistically what you do is walk down walls on a few levels and watch and read stories and movies, boaring.

I learned so much. The place has a very sad vibe to it. There is a lot of reading. Lots of pictures to look at and videos to watch.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum requires a timed pass to get in and the security procedures similar to boarding an aircraft. The exhibits are laid out so that you take an elevator to the third floor. The lift is steel, has no buttons or signs and 15 people are crammed into the car. Half way up a short announcement begins about – I can’t remember what – as I was still taking in how the elevator car ride is meant to represent in a minuscule way the journey of Jews in airless freight cars to a concentration camp. The door opens and the exhibits are unrelenting from there on, as they should be. The story then unfolds over three floors as you move through the exhibit and descend each floor. The special children’s exhibit tells the story of Daniel in a way that doesn’t shy away from what happened, yet in a sensitive way more suitable for children.
It is a confronting, sobering, yet compelling experience. Not to be missed out of all of the museums in Washington D.C.

Like all Holocaust Museums, this one is very sad, but a learning experience. The museum was designed as a walkthrough which I found much easier, although the beginning exhibits are very packed. One of my favorite exhibits was were there were pictures of Holocaust victims all around and there were iPads where we could scan certain pictures and it would tell their story. I highly recommend taking a trip to this museum. You will learn a lot.

We drove six hours to DC for the purpose of visiting this museum. It's a heavy experience -- so much to consider, both the actual events of the Holocaust and its ongoing implications. We went in the morning, stayed about 2.5 hours, and spent the rest of the day walking around the Mall. It's a lot to process.

The presentation of the rise of Hitler, the Holocaust itself, and the aftermath, is excellent. It's a lot to read and watch, but there's a mix of text, videos, photos, and artifacts that create an engaging experience. The overall exhibit provides so much context for what happened and how it happened, and I left angry, sickened, and sad, but also inspired by the many people who did whatever they could to save their Jewish neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. The exhibits portray the Holocaust in context, providing commentary that only comes with time and perspective on what people did and didn't do that allowed this to happen.

The third floor, which focuses on concentration camps, is -- to use the word of another reviewer -- chilling. Along with numerous photos and videos, there are artifacts such as a replica of the metal banner over the entrance of Auschwitz and a bunk where prisoners slept in a concentration camp. In contrast, you will walk through displays that are a vivid reminder of the vibrancy of Jewish life and culture in Europe pre-Holocaust.

I'm glad we waited until our teenager were older (15 and 18) to bring them here. We have since had some thoughtful conversations about our experience at the museum. This museum is a stark reminder of how vital it is to preserve and tell the stories of history.

There were both good things about our recent visit here as well as a few things which were disappointing.

First, the good: The “Daniel’s Story” exhibit was well done. I liked it better than the static displays with huge amounts of text. Also, the display of photographs was poignant and heartbreaking.

As some have already mentioned, it is somewhat crowded and hard to see the displays. My advice is plan the time of your visit to minimize this. Perhaps be first in line when it opens in the morning.

One thing I was disappointed in was the hall labeled “Americans and the Holocaust” (or something like that). I thought the display downplayed the shameful history of pro-Nazi sentiment in the United States during the 1930s. There was a brief mention of Father Coughlin in a video but the America First Committee and fascist groups like the Silvershirts went unmentioned. In February 1939 the German-American Bund held a pro-Hitler rally in Madison Square Garden and 20,000 people showed up. This, too, went unmentioned. These could have been eye-opening displays which would rightfully shock and horrify visitors since most people today are largely unaware of them.

I know decisions about what to include and not include in a limited physical space are difficult and not every obscure fact can be included but I think if you are going to include a display on Americans and the Holocaust it is hard to see how you would omit some of these topics. My guess is they could be seen as too politically sensitive.

Otherwise, everything here was done with thoughtful care and historic diligence as well as due respect for the weighty subject matter.

We are Germans visiting this museum. Most of the facts you know from school - so not so much new information. But the presentation moved me to tears twice. When an elderly man explained the Warsaw milk cans, and at the end when some videos were shown in which a woman explained that she shared everything equally with a friend in the camp (previously a stranger, but she came to feel they were sisters).

My heart breaks for these men, women, and children. This tour was so informative, and gut wrenching. So many things I did not learn in school. My only peeve was so many people in one spot just standing there. I wish there was someone to move people along especially in confined spaces. If your claustrophobic like me, you will probably walk past some things to get by people standing around.

As heartbreaking as you’d expect on such a emotional subject, yet done very compassionately and with clear education as well. A must visit for all generations

Very interesting and very emotional. My wife and I both learned a lot that we didn’t already know. It put some of the history into perspective for us. Definitely worth visiting.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a solemn four-story experience, prompting your heart to fight against human rights violations around the globe. Everyone is silent, and the exhibitions are state-of-the-art.

Had an easier time getting tickets to Lalapalooza. Ridiculous. And we were trying mid-week. Learned we would be in town just under a month in advance, so we were unable to get advance tickets. The problem is they release the same-day tickets at 7 am, but if you get through, you can snatch as many as 25 tickets for $1 each. They should be putting a reasonable limit on the number of tickets to a single buyer. Apparently, they believe 25 is reasonable (though logic indicates that generally if you're traveling with 24 other people, you're likely making your plans at least a month in advance and would be able to take advantage of their advance ticket option.) So if you can't reserve your tickets at least a month ahead of time, it's probably not worth the 7 am stress every day of your trip to try to secure tickets.

Powerful and moving. This museum is amazing. The exhibit takes you from before WW 2 through the war and to liberation. The information is presented well and paced well also, creating a great flow.

Even if you’ve visited places such as the Anne Frank House, or other Holocaust museums, you will still gain a lot from this experience. Must do in DC.

This is a well designed museum that covers the rise of Hitler and his devious plans for The Final Solution. There are many displays, activities and immersive multimedia exhibits. The ever present silence is evidence of the impact this place has on people. I would recommend this museum for children over 10-12. Even at my age (70+) I learned many aspects I had never encountered in previous visits or school.

We arrived for opening at 10am and the museum was quiet. We were the first inside and walked through the whole museum as if we were the only ones inside. It was eerily empty and quiet. This meant we could really absorb everything the museum had to offer. There was so much information which we could read and listen to undisturbed from crowds. We’ve been to many holocaust museums and this was very informative though the museum in Prague haunts me the most. A truly indescribable feeling when we left.

WOW, what a heart felt story it conveys. Staff and security was great and helpful. Displays well done

We were very disappointed. We had reserved our time entry tickets so we were under the impression that those tickets are offered for crowd control but the place is way to crowded! Shoulder to shoulder people hard to look at displays and read anything. We just shuffled through the best we could but missed most things. Very hot in there too. Most displays are pictures and reading not a lot of artifacts. I’m sure it’s a well done museum but a very bad experience.

I went into the Museum thinking that I knew a lot about the Holocaust, and I left realizing I knew very little. The information is presented chronologically, starting with the pre-World War 2 situation in Europe and Germany. The shoes were difficult to comprehend, the depravity of the conditions and treatment was astonishing, but the one exhibit I can't forget is the pictures from Eishishok... nine hundred years of Jewish life and culture ended in 2 days. It is, at the very least, a somber experience.

I was initially hesitant to visit this museum just because of the somberness of a topic like this on vacation. But I am glad we did. My 12 year old was also with us. I think the museum did a great job of providing pictures and details in an appropriate manner for most ages. If there were graphic/disturbing videos - they were shielded and labelled as such as to leave to your discretion. Even if you know some of the history of the events - this made it all too real with actual accounts and pictures of real people. They also had many actual artifacts from the time. I highly recommend visiting the museum.

The museum is very well done, haunting, hard to take at times, necessary to remember the horrors. Its exhibits grab you in places you don't realize. My slight criticism is that I didn't see anything about the Munich Putsch, or Beer Hall Putsch, that Hitler led in 1923 when he tried to violently overthrow the German government. People died in that coup attempt, and its main instigators like Hitler were not really held accountable. Hitler was allowed to run for political office after only nine months in prison. He should have been imprisoned longer and been barred from running for a political office due to leading a violent coup attempt.

An absolute must see. Every American should be aware of the atrocities that happened under Adolf Hitler to be aware of the ones that continue to this day that so often we overlook and ignore. That America was silent for so long is appalling and a great embarrassment…but we still do that today.

This museum does a good job of opening your eyes to the horrors of the holocaust, it does rely heavily on printed display and video footage so does not make it feel as real as a trip to Anne Frank's House or Auschwitz would.

Wasn’t sure we had time for this but so glad we went. Obviously the event was tragic, however I’m really glad we went. The museum is well set up and we spent quite a bit of time going thru the exhibits. The design of the museum is very well done. Even the bookstore is great. Such friendly staff-I got a lot of great book ideas and picked up the best dc magnet. My teens took a lot away from this stop and I (as a 50+ person) learned many things I didn’t know. One of my favorite things was a wall that listed individuals by country that helped out Jewish families.

I visited in Sept 2025 after having toured it around 30 years ago. The museum has not aged and all premises and exhibits were in excellent condition. I had different company on this trip and we prepped for the engrossing experience by watching several documentaries before coming. While many tend to be somewhat familiar with the horrors of the extermination activities, the complicated process which spanned years detailed the relentless Nazi rise to power. Achieving a better understanding the economic, cultural and governmental factors that gave rise to the Nazis should be a wake-up to nations around the world. We stayed about 4+ hours and still didn't get to absorb as much as desired. Watching the videos where available throughout will help with the big picture understanding before getting more immersed in the details. This is very sobering but exceptionally well done.

A very through and detailed telling of the Holocaust, with huge attention to detail the wall of pictures is so heart breaking.

I spent four hours there and went from heartbroken to rejoicing in the human spirit and survival to depression

Expect to leave saddened but I would recommend a visit as it tells the story in great detail and with a very human touch

This was my second time at the Museum, this time I did it to take my family, this an important part of history and cannot happen again.
This shows what happen, very clearly how the events went on and took place and ended up in a very sad part of history.
No one should have that much power to do such harm to anyone and particularly the Jews.
This atrocious events need to be known, my family was educated with more facts on what took place, I am very happy to have taken them and understand better the history of all events.

In a city of amazing museums, the Holocaust Museum is the best. Every American should make it their goal to visit and learn about the heinous acts of the Nazi regime on an innocent people...we must learn our history so that we don't repeat it.

Lots of good information and displays. Every teen and adult should experience this museum. To learn what people went through during World War Two and some people are still going through.

personally or in my opinion, one of the finest museums in all of dc. definitely worth a visit. heartbreaking but everyone must see !

What an amazing and sobering experience. Never forget; the potential is right around the corner. Thank God for our constitution and Bill of Rights. Remember, it’s the Left that wants to mandate your words and thoughts and votes and access to guns… The inclusion peeps don’t like disagreement; neither did Hitler

Informative and educational, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum documents one of the most horrific events ever.

Walking through here with a somber atmosphere, the displays only touched on the severity of what really happened. Leaving here with a better understanding of how the lives of people involved were.

You cannot describe a visit to this excellent memorial/museum as fun, but you can definitely describe it as important. Some of it is very hard to take. Younger children could have a tough time. It does a very good job of setting the history of Hitler’s rise to power and how it morphed into the evil “final solution.” It also makes sure to point out that didn’t extend just to Jews, but to Gypsies and homosexuals as well. It’s sobering, educational, and serves its purpose to help make sure this atrocity isn’t forgotten and, hopefully, will help prevent it from happening again.

They give a limited number of tickets a few months in advance. Then they say every morning at 7AM they release some for same day. Good luck with that. If you really want to go here, you may have to pay a tour company for the opportunity. I do not believe the everyday Joe has a chance at getting a ticket. Go to their website, you will see. Just pay the tour operators, your only chance really.

This is one of the finest although saddest museums in the world.

Designed brilliantly with suggestions of the spotlights securing incarceration, heating elements for cremation, stark walls, bare metal flooring, and heavy gates and bars, a visit here whether in the ticketed museum or other sections is unforgettable.

With a tremendous amount of people who practice antihistory and deny that these black, tragic chapters of Judaic and world history as manufactured , lest we forget, this life changing museum is a mandatory visit.

It feels wrong to say that this museum is fantastic, but it is. While it would of course be better if there was no need for this museum to exist, it does to educate people on the atrocities of the Holocaust and show them real, unfiltered footage and evidence that they otherwise probably wouldn't see.

I studied WWII at school and thought I had a good understanding of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, but I learnt so much more at this museum, particularly around the extent of the devastation and the relative lack of support from the rest of the world.

It was a little busier than other museums we visited, even those without timed-entry tickets, sometimes making it difficult to read some of the signs, but it was still manageable.

We visited in Saturday mid day. It’s unfortunate that there seems to be no limit to the number of visitors even though timed entry. The exhibits are moving but print so small you can read unless you’re right up front. Earphone audio would fix this problem or at the very least museum docent to push the crowd along. Lots of school groups and tours - sadly we encountered a group of disrespectful teens with no chaperone in sight. History worth seeing but go early!

Part of my recent Holocaust Educators Conference at Towson University included a visit to the Holocaust Museum. While I've been to the corresponding museum in Berlin, this was my first visit to the American memorial, even though I live around 1.5 hours from the museum.

We only had two and half hours to visit, but I could easily have spent most of the day here. I spent most of my time on the main exhibits on the fourth, third and second floors. These floors trace the timeline from Hitler's ascension to power, thru the establishment of the Nuremberg laws, concentration (and later extermination) camps, the Final Solution, and the aftermath once liberation was achieved. The exhibits were pretty extensive and provided a lot of information. While I was already aware of most of this history, my knowledge of how DPs (Displaced Persons) were treated was fairly new to me.

I did get a chance to briefly walk through the Americans and the Holocaust exhibit, which had many pictures and newspaper front pages of how the US saw the emerging Holocaust during the war.

The visit was very enlightening and is something everyone should see.

A very well thought out experience. Putting in place initially how the war occurred and the impact not only on the Jewish community, but on those deemed undesirable and impure. There is no way to describe this kind of exhibition as good, but the manner of its delivery was excellent. Videos, exhibits and time to contemplate, which was needed.

We spent four hours and could have spent eight hours to see all the exhibit halls. Very informative. You start on the top floor and walk in a spiral down the lower floors. The Museum is very nicely laid out over the events of time.

It is certainly a shocking, emotional and constructive experience. It allowed me to see some stories that were very crude. The images are moving. WE MUST NOT FORGET. Hatred of another human being will only make us less human.

Very disappointed in the online ticketing system. Do they assign too many tickets to tour operators?
I had the same experience as many others, finding out that tickets were unavailable 3 months in advance, so trying every day with their "same-day system" at 7:00am, which never worked. They should not even hold out hope of those, it was such a waste of time.
My son lives near DC, said he and his wife went to the door (back in the fall of 2021) and asked if they still had any and got some for a couple hours later. Unfortunately, that didn't work for me as my only chance to be there was during my spring break (west coast teacher) and there were just too many people competing.
I will try again next year, hoping they have improved this.

Museum that is important to visit. Two short films in basement were very educational. Staff friendly and helpful. Museum was pretty crowded, so, plan accordingly, perhaps arrive soon after opening.

From the rise of Hitler to the liberation of concentration camps, you will not be disappointed. Heartbreaking and breathtaking are the 2 words that best describe my experience. Every moment was awe inspiring. This is an experience you don't want to rush through so plan to spend your whole day here. I learned so much more then I ever knew.

Aside from the difficulty in obtaining tickets, this museum was truly one of the highlights of our week in DC. Beautifully organized and presented. Commanded a reverence and solemnity.

This museum was a very emotional experience. I think everyone should see it at least once in their life. I did wish there were more artifacts, there are mostly photos and videos. But that wouldn’t stop me from visiting again.

I was really disappointed with the museum. My grandfather fled the Holocaust in 1937, and I was hoping that the museum would have more resources for people to reflect, grieve, process etc. After I went through part of the exhibit, I went to an area created for that, but it was full of a lot of high school students and just felt kind of awkward. In contrast, I went to the The National Museum of African American History and Culture the day before and I got so much spiritual healing from the waterfall room. In general that museum was an extremely better experience, where to learned more and felt much more stirred up by it than the Holocaust museum.

I wish there had been a place to actually talk to people who work at the museum about my experience, their reason for being there. The exhibition is totally silent, and it was extremely crowded so while they said it takes 1-1.5 hours to go through, I spent 1.5 hours going through maybe 2/3 of the museum. I didn't like that the museum seemed to be on the defense (something like "undeniable" as it's sign on the outside). It wasn't interactive at all. It was 100% history and nothing calling people forward to imagine what it was like, using metaphors. I would have really liked something celebrating Judaism in it, or talking about how to move forward or anything like that. I knew most of the history from having taken a history of the Holocaust class, what I wanted was something to help commemorate and allow me to reflect on the experience. I think what I actually wanted was the museum of tolerance in LA, which I'd heard a lot about before. I think it's good that there is information being provided, I just wish the experience was different.

This is definitely a museum that I would recommend. Very organised, informational and it had so many details and stories that I never heard about regarding the holocaust.. i would say, make sure to come with enough time so that you’re able to read as much as you can. It wasn’t too crowded either and it could just be the time of year.

A must see when in DC. Yes it’s powerful, emotional and overwhelming but the information and presentation is excellent and everyone really should visit. Get a ticket a head of time, go at opening and expect crowds. To read all the placards and see the videos you’ll need a day. I was able to spend about 3 hours in the museum and that was enough for a day.

The museum was very educational. Seeing articles from this horrific time was heartbreaking, yet a reminder to never forget the atrocities that were committed against innocent human beings. Also a reminder of the worst of humanity.

A silent but deadly experience; a museum I first saw as an 8th grader...but as an 8 year old child, I visited a concentration camp in Europe. This is a memorial for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Great Nation; their sons/daughters, their mothers/fathers, their grandparents, their FAMILY = to stand for what they believed was RIGHT/GOOD and JUST. MAD mad respect to any person who gives the ultimate sacrifice = LOVE and LIFE.

This museum is deeply affective and thought provoking. The visitors move about in near silence while reading, watching film footage, and taking in the artifacts. Plan on at least 2 to 2 and a half hours at minimum, 3 hours to do it justice.

Very moving
Very well put together
Certainly I would recommend for anyone visiting Washington to take the time to visit. Went with our teenage daughter who also found it thought provoking and incredibly moving
No answers here just questions

Quite a somber experience. Very respectful. I studied this topic a lot at school and still learnt things I never knew.

Took us around 1-1.5 hours. Probably 2 if you read every word and watch every film start to finish.

Would definitely recommend.

We wanted to visit this Museum. Thought provoking as you wander around. Listening and reading about the harrowing tales.

Could only get tickets for later in the day and could have used more time. 2 hours not enough time for me. Kids were impatient and went ahead on their own. This is about 3 blocks from a metro station.

This is complete museum, and not nearly as emotionally draining as the famous one in Israel, however, the horror of the Holocaust is displayed in many ways.
It is worth going out of your way to see.

The material of this museum should be treated with reverence and the exhibition is very good… however.

It appears they allow 125 people every 15 minutes which means there’s a crush of patrons immediately after the elevator. Many exhibitions are in narrow halls and displays/placards are put at narrow areas, corners, and other places where foot traffic should flow. Instead, you stand and wait while getting jostled, bumped, or other patrons walk in front of you. We spent over 3 hours and probably only saw half of the museum due to the throngs of people. Very poor experience and it really hindered the impact this museum could/should have.

Hire an engineer to fix the layout and/or limit entry to fewer people.

I surprised my husband with a 4-day trip to DC for his 65th birthday. I had been there before and told him we needed to save the Holocaust Museum for our last day because it is so poignant and unforgettable. We arrived just as the museum opened at 10 am and we’re told we could not get in until 3 pm. Our flight home was at 2:00 pm! So sad to say but I could not get him into the museum. Please make sure you reserve your ticket many days before you plan on attending due to limited attendance due to COVID.

Very well done. Very sobering. I have read a lot about the Holocaust and World War II, but this brought it to a whole new level.

My husband and older kids were able to see this on the last full day of our trip. It was REALLY hard to get tickets, but we finally got them the last day online. My 16-year old was very touched by it. The 12-year old enjoyed it, but she prefers to read about WWII (historic fiction). The most family-friendly exhibit is being remodeled right from what I understand, or we would have brought our younger kids. I've been a couple times years ago.

Holocaust memorials around the world are now reminders of humanity's tarnished history. A jolting reminder of unfortunate events.
We must visit and learn how we can stop these events in future.

Ibeing there was an eye-opening experience. It was both enlightening and sad. I'd definitely go again not to forget what we, humans, are capable of by using our talents, energy and skills for destruction.

This is a must see museum for every American, especially teens and young adult, of the danger of indifference. It not only condemns those who perpetrated these crimes against humanity, but pricks the conscience of nations, religious organizations and everyday citizens who sat back while six million people were brutally murdered in German death camps. I found the displays and presentations to be excellent. I went early—at 10:30–and did not find crowds of people. There was a hush and reverence as people moved through the exhibit that traced the history methodically from the rise of Nazism through the end of WWII. My only criticism was trying to read some of the smaller captions in the muted light. At 40 I might have been able to do it, but at 70 it was a struggle. I was disappointed that the “shoe exhibit” was missing. I had seen that in other Holocaust museums and it was very haunting. Over all, five plus stars and a must see for everyone visiting DC.

This was a very sobering and informative museum. Very crowded at the time we went (10:15). So be prepared for that! There is so much info and with so many people it’s impossible to read it all. It’s something U would highly suggest for anyone visiting DC.

This was a strong, meaningful experience. Although I know a lot about the holocaust, the masterful design of the space and thoughtful curation created an immersive experience which was emotional and spiritual beyond informative.

A very nicely laid out museum with so much information! I had my mom and young daughter with so I didn’t spend as long as I probably could have, however the one thing I did notice and appreciate is that the more graphic movies were placed behind walls so my 4 year old could pass over them but were still available for everyone else!

Be sure to go online a couple of days before you visit. I was not able to get in and i was only needing 2 tickets.

This was an extremely interesting museum. It was one of the best that we visited. Really makes you think about what it was like back then...............

It was my second visit, so I expected to spend a couple of hours and head to the National Portrait Gallery, but I guess the more you read about the horrors of the Holocaust, the more you want to see the atrocities with your own eyes, the more you want to listen to the survivors, the more you want to learn from the documents and artifacts from that terrible time. So I spent five hours… I think I know quite a bit about the Holocaust after reading countless books, visiting Auschwitz, Dachau, Yad Vashem, the Shoah Memorial in Paris, the Jewish Ghetto and Museum in Rome, Museum of Jewish History in NYC, Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam, but United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the place where you really see the whole picture of the most horrific event in the history of the mankind.

The visit starts on the fourth floor presenting the story of Nazism coming to power, the tragedy of the Kristallnacht (the photos of one of the most beautiful synagogues in Germany, Essen Synagogue, before and after the pogrom and its desecrated door are especially poignant), the surrender of Austria, the Netherlands, France, the occupation of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and eventually the invasion of Russia. Surprisingly, there were groups of really young kids, maybe 8-10 years old on this floor - their teachers taught them a great lesson of the importance of making everything possible to prevent dictatorships and absolute power. The kids were very attentive and well behaved… I felt so good looking at their happy faces of the generation for which the Holocaust is remote tragic history. I hope they will remember those who perished in the ovens of concentration camps…

The third floor is dedicated to the “Final Solution”… There were no kids on this floor…rightfully so. The atrocities of all concentration camps, hundreds of them, are presented without hiding anything… The photos and the artifacts (the shoes, the train car, the bunks, etc.) tell the story that will bring a stone to tears.

The second floor is the story of the Death March and the liberation. The photos and the documentaries are devastating… The Nuremberg Trial recordings are well known but a normal person still cannot and should not understand the “Not Guilty” pledge barked out by the defendants. The recordings of the Israel trial of Adolf Eichmann are also there… the monster didn’t change, didn’t repent, denied everything and blamed his superiors. What a familiar tune! How rightfully the Israeli court condemned him to death…and it happened in the country where death penalty doesn’t exist.

One of the most impressive displays are the stories and the names of the Righteous from all occupied countries. I read many books about these people who risked their own lives and the lives of their families every single day to save a Jew. There is no better example of courage, decency and compassion in the whole world.

The stories of the life and death in the Eastern European Ghettos, the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto, the resistance of young Jewish fighters in the Vilna and Lodz ghettos… so much suffering and unparalleled courage…

And no words to describe the emotions in the Remembrance Hall…

I spent five hours in the museum and left totally shocked and devastated. To calm down I just went for a walk… that’s all that could be done…

I had the honor of meeting a survivor of the Holocaust and this museum captures what led up to the horrors which occured before and during the Holocaust.

This was our final visit to a Holocaust Memorial and Museum having visited the Topography of Terror in Berlin, The Shoah Memorial in Paris, the Verzetsmuseum in Amsterdam and Auschwitz/ Birkenau in Poland.

The museum is a fitting tribute to those who died in this atrocity. It retells the story of Hitler, how he came to power and how he went onto lead a nation in one of history’s worst genocides. It is harrowing at times.

The stories of those who survived, told on film, is unique and leaves visitors with a final picture of where extreme prejudice ends!

This was a very impactful museum, I could of easily spent hours and hours from start to finish if I didn’t have a tight schedule.

Full of interesting information and history, parts can be quite emotional, 100% worth visiting if you get the chance to.

Considering it’s free as well is a bonus.

The museum itself is outstanding and a must for anyone who wants to learn about this dark period in world history. BUT, security could be from Berlin circa 1934. Standing in line, with my hands by my side, an aggressive security agent demanded "Do you have any carry bags?" My hands were empty, so I replied "Do you see any bags?" He grew incensed and got in my face and demanded: "What did you say?" I repeated my statement that he could clearly see I wasn't carrying anything. He barked, "You could have a bag hidden under your coat!" Of course, I could have a lot of things hidden, but before you enter you have to go through x-ray security that's tougher than an airport--and ruder as well. After this exchange, he loudly demanded that I show him my iphone. He demanded it! I complied and he said OK. I imagine he thought I was recording his tirade. I've read many reviews like this. Management is well aware of the problem and chooses to do nothing. I've been to many such museums and will not return to this one. No donations either.

The Holocaust Museum is a must visit place. It's here that I met life face to face. You need guts to see the visuals here.

Rude staff. Told had to stand in the rain when I got there early for my appointed time, could not even be close to wall of museum. Told had to stand apart from my daughter when looking at exhibits, even after telling the guard that I was with my daughter, other couples or families were not even approached. If they did not want people there they should have been shut. Stay away from here

Well documented American perspective in the basement exhibit. Daniel’s story is really nice for kids, but as adults it was a bit simple. The Rohingya genocide exhibit was eye opening and interesting. Hadn’t heard or don’t remember much of this coveted in the US news. Good, but not great. Coming back tomorrow for the Permanent exhibition. The main basement attraction was overfilled and moves very slowly, filled with a lot of kids on field trips who are mostly appearing not to be reading but taking up space, which was annoying for someone who wanted to read and progress through faster.

When visiting the museum, leave yourself plenty of time to spare. There is much to see and absorb in the main exhibit; it is a sobering experience that deserves the utmost attention. The staff went above and beyond for us and provided a professional and dignified atmosphere. Some reviews here state that this is the only museum doing this method of admission, but this is not true - multiple high-traffic museums are doing timed entry as well. The advance tickets go fast and the same-day tickets go faster and hopefully, this will not be the case in the near future!

I went to the museum with two grands, ages 10 and 9. We had discussed the Holocaust with them to prepare them for the exhibits. Daniel’s story exhibit was closed and that was disappointing as it is about a boy their age. It was a learning experience that I hope was valuable for the children. I would not recommend the museum for most children under the age of 10, but a definite museum to visit for adults.

You have to take in every moment in this museum. The way it’s been curated is deeply emotional and the story has been told in a sensitive, yet impactful way.

Over the years, I have visited a lot of Holocaust museums as I never want to forget, but this one will stay with me forever.

A very moving experience not to be missed. The museums presentation of a very sensitive subject was excellent. Whilst horrific, it’s a good reminder that this part of history should never be repeated.

This is not a place for someone that won't understand the idea present. The museum gives detail into how the Holocaust started and how it went on through the war. The museum was too mush for my younger son. would highly advise getting the tickets and being ready to visit and such.

This was an experience I will never forget. So much history in this place and it’s a great place to visit if you are in D.C..

Starting with Hitler’s rise to power through post WW2, you are taken through the gradual and horrific growth of antisemitism in Germany, and the rest of the world. Some of the more gruesome videos are sheltered away from younger guests. If you choose to bring children, be sure to preview the “story” and guard what they can see. At age 80, I had to turn away in tears, seeing how “humans” can be so cruel. In 2024 the museum provides some chilling warnings about current events and how they, too, could evolve away from the “better angels.”

Never got to visit. The Museum website says same day tickets are released at 7 AM each day. My fiancée and I tried 3 days in a row, diligently getting up early to be on the website at 7, and each time we ran into problems: The website giving CAPTCHAs that didn’t work, or delaying us enough that each time slot was gone by the time the CAPTCHA refreshed; saying a slot was available and then when I clicked to reserve the slot, saying no tickets were available for the chosen time slot. Tickets were released at 7 and gone by 7:05- even on a weekday!

Didn’t realize we’d need to reserve months and months and months in advance just to come see this, and looking at other reviews I’m not sure even that would’ve helped. Very disappointed.

This museum is truly life changing— the exhibitions are beautifully curated and easy to follow. Everything is chronologically ordered and the museum offers amazing immersive experiences.

A repeat visit at the request of my youngest. Still an informative and very well detailed museum. Go early to get your free passes to see the live exhibit that you are now allowed to photograph. Also there are survivors available on a limited time throughout the day that you can interact with that we did not have time in our schedule to take advantage of. Goes great with the age group who just finished studying about WWII in school as this was the case in my household. They also still have "Daniel's Story" which is an exhibit to explain through a child's perspective of what he experienced during the time of the Nazi takeover.

This museum brings to life both the incredible capacity for evil and the capacity for resilience that humans can have. The sequence of exhibits takes you through a range of emotions and leads you to understand that we live in perilous times. I am forever altered by the experience.

Such an incredible museum. They are doing an amazing job of making sure this horrific part of history isn’t erased and that the victims are never forgotten. The experience is surreal but heavy. I highly recommended making time for this when I’m DC. Tip: order tickets in advance

The experience is a very humbling one. It does a really good job of going into detail about things you didn’t even know you were curious about. It’s hard to finish the exhibit with a dry eye.

This is not a fun museum to visit, however, I would recommend it very highly. It certainly gives one an appreciation of the freedoms we enjoy in the USA.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tried to book on the day many times and website either crashes or once you secure your tickets, your tickets are gone by the time you compete check out. Have heard great things about this museum but unable to get tickets due to their bad website. Tried to contact the museum using the email mentioned below (in other reviews) but the message bounced back. Really badly organised.

What an absolutely somber and unbelievable stop. A reminder of an ugly past to keep it from happening again...

Everyone visiting DC should make this stop...

This museum really put what I had read about the Holocaust into perspective by having literal footage of Hitler and his rise to power, the concentration camps and ghettos, etc. There are a few artifacts from the towns and camps there (but not a lot). One thing that I thought was very humbling was walking through the box car to get to the next area of the museum and having to imagine what it would be like being stuck in that car awaiting your death. This museum is the only one in DC where everyone is just naturally quiet and respectful.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is a memorial to a horrible history - and it is a must-see memorial as we all need to understand how cruel humans can be. We had our grandchildren with us and they were horrified at the pictures and artifacts that had belonged to children who did not survive and were their approximate ages. We were traveling with the grandchildren for two weeks and this was the most significant experience of their travels.

I tried many times to get on the website at 7am to obtain tickets. Always a fail. We showed up around 8:30am on a Saturday morning and no one was around. There was a gentleman entering the building who worked there and I asked when we should stand in line to get tickets as the streets of DC were deserted. He was kind enough to go inside and bring out tickets for our party. We were told the line usually starts to form around 9:30am. HTH.

Astounding memorial museum. Very moving experience. It does get very busy so be prepared for crowded areas. Most visitors were respectful. Not sure that this museum is really suitable for babies in pushchairs. My personal view is that it is suitable for children 10-11 years +.

Overall it was worth our time, we added to what we knew about the holocaust today. Come prepared to read and stand a lot, the theaters were closed due to Covid. They are following CDC guidelines and that’s comforting. We knew we were in for the gruesome and unforgivable tale of horror the Nazis rained on humanity. None more than Jews endured. We left sad and angry, nothing like this can ever happen again. Never again!

A very sober experience. If your time is short or you are unable to get a free ticket, the three short films will give you an overall feel for what the museum is about. Highly recommended for everyone.

There is no mistaking the impact the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has on the mind, body, and soul. From being assigned a number, to seeing the shoes of those who died, it is one that really resonates. However, I did expect the museum to have more artifacts, which they might have added more from the last time I went (in June 2018) but nonetheless, highly recommend.

We visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum as a family with older children (ages 11+), and it was one of the most meaningful stops on our trip to Washington, D.C. The museum is thoughtfully organized and incredibly powerful—it tells the story of the Holocaust with sensitivity and clarity, using real stories, photographs, and artifacts that are both educational and emotionally impactful.

We began with Daniel’s Story, a special exhibit designed for younger visitors that follows the life of a fictional Jewish boy during the Holocaust. It was accessible and age-appropriate while still conveying the seriousness of the topic. Our children really connected with it.

The main exhibition is more intense and best suited for teens and adults. It's deeply moving, especially the rooms filled with personal items and survivor testimonies. It sparked a lot of meaningful conversation afterward and helped our kids better understand the importance of empathy, tolerance, and standing up against injustice.

Family Tips:

Reserve your timed-entry tickets in advance—it's free but very popular.

Start with Daniel’s Story if you have children under 13.

Take breaks if needed—the museum can be emotionally heavy.

Visit the Hall of Remembrance at the end for quiet reflection.

This isn’t just a museum—it’s a life lesson in compassion and human rights. We highly recommend it to families who want to help their children learn about history in a way that truly matters.

This was a definite required stop while we were on our trip. Truly a heartbreaking experience to see. There are so many learning experiences in a single room. My youngest son (12) had so many questions and was so engaged in learning

The museum was crowded and often difficult to read the information and spend time in locations of interest. The info was well documented with words, photos, and short videos.

We were excited to experience this museum until we got out of the elevator at the top and it was literally shoulder to shoulder with people. We didn’t move for at least 10 minutes and you couldn’t even read anything. Plus there was at least 2-3 school groups who really had no interest in seeing anything at all but just taking up space. We were expecting at least more artifacts, but it is all reading. Overall it was hot, crowded and I could have learned more watching documentaries. Not sure why all the good reviews.

This is a very somber museum. It's laid out nicely with some great exhibits. My one complaint is that they let WAY too many people in at one time. This is the busiest museum in DC that we have gone to. It's required to have timed tickets, but they let so many people in you can't hardly move around and definitely can't watch/read anything. For that reason, I deducted a star from my review. If there were less people then it would have been more enjoyable. It's still a great museum though and very informative.

Very informational and interesting, it is obviously sad to walk through but worth it as you learn so much and see so much. It is very interactive

This was a really great museum but we have to give it 4 stars because there were just too many people and that it made it impossible to read all the information displayed at the permanent exhibit. Other than that it really is a 5 star experience that everyone must go and learn about. It’s so moving and important to remember the past so that we don’t repeat it in the future.

A very emotionally moving experience. So very sad to see the horrific torture of innocent people. A part of history everyone should see to remind us that Evil lives around us

This had some haunting items from the war (tons of shoes that survived the concentration camps), but IMO the overall experience was just average. Dark, narrow hallways with poor lighting made it a crowded experience. Poor lighting and too many posterboards with unreadable type left a lot to be desired. Also, everyone is funneled to the top floor initially which gets the whole thing off on the overly crowded, hard to see anything experience.

Bottom line, probably worth doing but keep expectations in check. Could be and should be a lot better, presentation-wise.

This extraordinary museum should be on everyone's "must-see" list when in DC. At a time when Holocaust denial is increasing and Holocaust survivors are dying off, institutions such as this play a vital role in documenting and teaching about those events and their victims, as well as serving as a warning of how easily even seemingly modern societies can devolve into racism and extremism. The historical and cultural exhibits all are excellently curated, and understandable by anyone, even very young people. Especially for visitors not previously knowledgeable about the Holocaust, the experience is breathtaking and unforgettable. Currently, due to COVID restrictions, ticketing is somewhat restricted, but we were able to get tickets online for the entire family just a week in advance. The entire facility is handicapped accessible, and getting there is easy with a Metro train stop just a block away.

The Holocaust Museum pulls no punches. Expect a very explicit and somber visit which will necessitate much thought about human nature and where we go from here as a race and species. I would recommend some preparation for this visit and I would exercise caution in taking young children.

A very moving and impactful experience. Good interpretation and lots of interesting exhibits. Currently a special exhibition on Myanmar Is taking place.

Visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was one of the most powerful and emotional experiences I’ve ever had. The exhibits are incredibly well-curated, guiding visitors through the harrowing history of the Holocaust with personal stories, artifacts, and powerful visuals. The Hall of Remembrance is particularly moving, offering a space for quiet reflection.

The museum does an excellent job of educating without overwhelming, though the subject matter is, of course, deeply emotional. It’s an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the depths of human history and the importance of remembrance. Admission is free, but tickets are required during peak times, so planning ahead is recommended.

This is not just a museum—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Washington, D.C. It is a sobering but necessary reminder of history and the resilience of the human spirit.

I really would love to know more about the Holocaust, but there is too little in history that reminds the past vs whats happening now in the present.

I enjoyed the opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor for the one on one series. I was a bit sad about the shoe exhibit to be undergoing restoration, but I do understand the need. I liked the room where you could hear the audio recording of the stories from the survivors. It was pretty somber. If you go please remember museum etiquette. Don't walk up and stand in front of an exhibit when someone else is reading. If you're physically able to, try to stand back and look so more people can view the attraction.

You must go see this museum! You will be amazed and humbled throughout. There wasn’t one person in our family that didn’t get choked up at one point.

Went here with 8 teenagers and a few other adults and am so impressed with how immersive, engaging, emotional and beautiful this museum is with the amazing displays and multi-media media presentations. Starting on the 4th floor and working down to the first floor and lobby, you can easily lose track of time and can get swept into so many emotions as you personalize this whole experience. There were workers going around answering questions and giving further information. David's Story off the lobby is an excellent depiction of the Holocaust from a child's point of view. This museum continues to update and renovate to ensure the most engaging and accurate experience for all visitors. During certain months there are no tickets needed but tickets are needed during other months so check the website for details, descriptions, learning and educational materials for youth and directions. This museum is well remembered and really made an impact on the youth brought.

I have to give my honest opinion about what I actually experienced, not what the potential experience is. They are very different.

I have no doubt this is a powerful experience under the right circumstances, but these were far from it. It was simply too crowded, as in way too crowded. It was not possible to get near the actual exhibits and with so many of them having sound it was hard to put anything in context as we moved along. It got a little less crowded as we moved downward but not much. The shoes exhibit was also not on display and the theater on the top floor was not open.

There's no doubt this can be a powerful experience, but this wasn't it. Judging by how quickly the other people who went it about the same time I did they weren't getting the experience, either.

Way to crowded, we got the same day tickets for 2pm. The place was so crowded that it was shoulder to shoulder. The guards made me put my cane through a metal detector? I was like what the bleep. Staff uncaring. They need to have staff dealing with all the unruly school kids who were totally disrespectful of the exhibit. We were told not to take pictures but plenty of folks were. I could feel the dead I guess all the artifacts had attachments, the rail car smelled like death as well as the gas chamber room that had actual canisters. The shoe room totally freaked me out. I swear I saw dead people, as well as hearing them. The entire visit was ruined by the crowd of school kids and there must have been 8 groups of kids in there at one time. Not well run. I loved the displays but not the school kids who would just knock you over and yes that happened me being disabled and walking with a cane knocked over by some stupid teen who was to busy to not be watching what he was doing and not even I am sorry or a hand up. I was helped up buy 3 older guys, one who actually said something stern to the chaperone of the kids. All in all this place was pack and they need better security inside the building to deal with crowds.

This museum does an incredible job of explaining the social conditions that enabled the Holocaust to be committed. It was a deeply moving experience and an absolute must-visit if you're in the DC area. Truly one of the most thorough and well-curated museums I've visited.

Very powerful displays. Well done. The photographs and “movies” really tell the story of what happened. I feel everyone needs to see this museum and see the history and the genocide that took place

This place is MASSIVE! There is so much to see and listen to the videos of survivors. The museum did a phenomenal job of the interactive part in certain section giving you a small feel of their hardship… not that it will ever compare. Give your self plenty of time and get a map form the information desk as the signs are not the greatest.

This is a must do during any visit in DC. I highly recommend it for any person who wants to learn about this horrific time in our history.

A very sad ❤️‍🩹 place.. a lot of impressions and sadness, it’s possible to recognize what has already been forgotten and not forgotten.!! Tears and joy for the survivors of this terrible time 😥🙏 thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️‍🩹

The museum itself is wonderful, but the experience was not good due to the crowds allowed in. The first room of the tour was packed full of people waiting just to be able to see/read parts of the exhibit, and it was HOT. Some didn’t wait in line and just went around others but then would push in when they wanted to read something, slowing things down for everyone else who actually did wait. People were 6-8 deep in front of every single glass, and I think we moved 20 feet in half an hour. We read everything and still spent most of our time just standing and waiting to move.

After the first few rooms, it got a bit better but not much. They just allow in way too many people at once, and it’s a constant flood. You can’t go slower or speed up to get out of the crowds like you often can with other timed entrance tours. We were really looking forward to this, but we’re disappointed by the experience. I definitely would not try to visit again on a day when all of the tickets are taken because they’re just allowing in too many at a time. Especially with the number of people who were coughing and obviously sick in the crowd, it was not a positive experience. Too bad because the museum would be great otherwise.

Very disappointed in online ticketing. When I first checked in January, tickets for March were already gone. Then tried the day-of and every time I clicked on a time that two tickets were available, I then got a message that they were all gone. Very disappointed that the system works this way as I had no issues with reserving tickets online for other museums on this trip which release tickets 30 days in advance or have other similar processes. I have visited before and really wanted to share this experience with my niece. I completely understand advance ticketing and restricting numbers as this is not the kind of museum to crowd into, but it seems like the process is not working well.

This is a brilliant place to visit. The sad truth of what happened is well documented. It is hard to imagine the scale of the crimes that occurred.
A must visit museum

A very interesting and confronting reminder of WW2
The layout of the mueseum works really well and doesn’t shy away from the history.
I would like more honest criticism on how the US just watched, happy to criticise Europe however.
Can and should spend 4 hours here a

Not as elaborate as Yad Vashem but an important destination to become informed on what transpired 80 years ago.

There is nothing "good" about this. The holocaust is horrible, therefore, it makes the info hard to take sometimes. I do think that there are ways things need to be worked around. Especially the beginning was so bottlenecked and crowded. I almost couldn't stay. It's obvious why scheduled times are needed. I do wish they had things recorded that we could listen to instead of having to read everything because it was extremely difficult due to crowds AND content to read every single thing they had throughout. Narration would make a huge impact for sure. But it was gut-wrenching as expected and I am glad we went. Be prepared to read A LOT!

Booked tickets (to ensure time slot for us - done online as needed) and turned up early. Staff were understanding and happy to allow us entry despite being 1 hour early. Museum itself contains a huge amount of stuff to look over/read/listen to although it's difficult to hold it together given the subject matter. All done to ensure the information is imparted without overdoing it given the age groups (must be really difficult putting these things together to try to convey the subject of the Holocaust accurately without upsetting/distressing the audience too much). They have managed it here.
A must for everyone.

Take your time to see all this museum has to offer. The experience of walking thru the cable car sent chills thru me. Daniel’s diary was emotional. Please take the time to see this museum.

The Holocaust museum is quite an experience.Very difficult to see but also necessary.
In 1970 we were at Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam.This is a history that needs to be told.This museum is very well done and more complex than the Anne Frank house.Both are excellent.
Now it is more timely for the younger generation.

Information section is completely wrong. You need a ticket just to get in the building and there's very few for walk ups. Check the Museums actual page first.

Do not go after lunch (1:00 - 1:45). They crowded so many people in there which made it uncomfortable and impossible to enjoy the Museum. I am a short person and I could not read the signs. It had to be a fire safety issue too. I was so looking forward to this experience and I was so disappointed. It is a somber place and the emotions can only be felt in the quiet and the ability to move about your own pace.

The information and messages the museum has are very informative, however the setup could be better and more organized about where to go and what all exhibits are available other than the permanent ticketed exhibit. The line to get in was very long and it doesn’t matter what time your tickets are for to get into the building. The line was very slow moving and the security screeners were very short and unhelpful. Several of the bathrooms throughout the permanent exhibit were also closed so you had to wait until you were done to go.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a profound and moving experience. Its powerful exhibits and personal stories honor the victims of the Holocaust while educating visitors about the dangers of hatred and indifference. A must-visit for anyone seeking to understand this tragic chapter in history. Prepare to be impacted.

Going to Washington? This is a must see museum. You can't help but be moved by the story, that this could actually have taken place. The artifacts will leave you breathless. Everyone should have to go through this place to ensure this part of history could never repeat.

Went in 2022. Very educational and good for cultural literacy. Don’t be put off, this is a great visit. Plenty of security.

This is a very moving and powerful museum. It is a must to go see while in DC. Everyone should visit African Museum and then come to this one. Bring tissues. You have to make a reservation first. It does get crowded.

This is a must see for anyone. The pictures and displays are heart-breaking. The rise of Fascism in Germany is well documented, including the submission of the German people to the hateful Nazi regime. It should inoculate anyone against the dangers of Fascism wherever and however it manifests itself. We had seen "Zone of Interest" the night before and the two together were overwhelming.

Dummy me, I didn't get a ticket and walked over a mile. Be sure to have a ticket before you go to save yourself the walk.

Educational and heartbreaking to see these photos, and films, or listen to the voices of survivors. Everyone should take time to visit.

The Holocaust Museum is the BEST, in my opinion museum in Washington, DC. I highly recommend visiting. I have never been more personally moved in my entire life.

Visiting DC with my 16 year old son who had one request, to visit the USHMM. I tried reservations in advance with no luck. Got up at 6:30 to try for the same day tickets was able to place 2 tickets in the cart several times, only to be told they were not available. The system is most definitely hacked by bots. There is no other explanation that would cause all time slots to be gone in a matter of 6mins. I am so very disappointed that the museum has not found a better way. It’s not easy to get teens motivated by history and to drive here and leave without they experience is very sad.

I've read alot about the Holocaust but this really made it real. I didn't take any pictures because this is a place you need to see and experience yourself.

A beautiful museum filled with sadness. The story is well-told but there is a lot of reading and watching to do. If you know the history, just take a walk through as we did. You could spend an hour or 3 hours...your chose.

It is both heartbreaking and interesting to go through. To learn so much more about how the Nazi government treated not just Jews but anyone they felt beneath them.

I was looking forward to showing my 15 year old son the museum. As we wound through the exhibits it dawned on me that it has been toned down a lot since the last time I visited in the early 2000s. the whole first part is about how Hitler came into power, the second part is about how the Jews were put in the ghettos. there is only a relatively small part on the actual camps. and the last part is how the allies found the camps. there where exhibits missing that I felt lend gravity to the situation, for example the room full of mens, womens and childrens shoes that they were made to take off before they entered the gas chambers, was missing. the bails of human hair that was shorn from the victims was missing too. when I went the first time there was a lot more information on the many people the Nazis discriminated against, for example the disfigured, the mentally ill, religions that did not support them etc. I am one of Jehovah's Witness and the first time I went there was a whole exhibit on them, the second time I went they had removed the exhibit and spread it throughout the museum this last time I went, there was 2 paragraphs that mention the Witnesses that I could find in the whole museum, there was more info in the gift shop about them. But other than that, it is a somber look at what people are willing to do to each other especially when you hold power over them. and how people are willing to look the other way if they feel it will benefit them. and also how history repeats itself.

This is an experience no one should miss—no matter your ancestral background or interest in history. It is extremely emotional and everyone was incredibly quiet and respectful. It was our second visit, so we were only there 2.5 hours. There is so much information! Be prepared though. No matter what you think you already know, it’s horrifying.

4/5 only because there is so much reading in low light and resulting in queues to read them.

This is a place to see, know and remember the past.
It’s a must specially for children, so they can understand evil and learn about what’s good and what’s bad.
It made me cry... terrible remembrance from the past.
The Holocaust can’t happen again, not only jews,to anybody.

We visited the Holocaust Museum today and it was a fantastic visit. I was a bit worried because my daughter is prone to getting very upset but the subject matter was handled very sensitively. Any videos which ar4e a difficult watch are behind a wall so one has to make an active decision is one wants to watch them. A very important museum to visit - important for my children to understand what happened and why and how we can prevent such terrible atrocities happening again.

This museum does an excellent job teaching about the Holocaust and the surrounding events. We spent nearly 2 hours and did not even get to the special exhibits. We got our free ticket online the morning of our visit at 7am. The only way to visit the museum is to take the elevator to the 4th floor and then work your way down.

I found this museum to give such an impactful experience. Great exhibits and fact packed content, with an easy to follow timeline of events. This is a must see, for anyone in my opinion.
The only downside was the very unfriendly and blunt security staff. Given they are visitors first experience of the museum, it would have been nice to receive a better welcome. We were made to feel a little uncomfortable before going in, but the rest of the staff were absolutely lovely.

A fascinating and very moving visit. Exhibition retracing both the big History and each of the “small” stories of different places but also of victims emerging from anonymity.

This is one of the most horrific experiences that must be viewed. This museum is critical to teach future generations so that something so horrible can never happen again. Plan on at least four hours minimum to get through this museum once inside.

I’m gonna be one of the rare ones with a bad review - and not just because they pack people through and it’s difficult to maneuver and read (was there 4 hours). Can also attest to the students running around with clipboards of homework being rude, with zero chaperone/teacher.

This is more of a memorial photo/video gallery than a museum. There are very VERY few artifacts. As an archaeologist, I believe tangible pieces of history are what pull people in and can be incredible and powerful teaching moments. The vast majority of the exhibit is reading, photos, and videos. I feel like a lot of it was things I could sit in my office and find on the internet. Not many of these artifacts. And even then, 98% of the pieces behind glass say “photo reproduction” “casting of” and “facsimile” - those are fancy words to legally tell you they are…fake, replicas, reproductions, metal castings of the originals painted to look weathered :(

I absolutely believe they still drive their points home, and have benefit to teaching history - but I expected a lot more from the major Smithsonian.

The 2% of real authentic artifacts were absolutely profound, and I spent so much time in reflection at those items!! I just wish there was so much more available for display.

This was a very sober and powerful place. It left images in your mind that you won't soon forget. I wouldn't advise it for very young children due to the graphic nature of some exhibits. However, in the current climate of intolerenace in the world everyone should see this place.
Avoid the cafe. Food is overpriced and the selection was not great.

A place that holds the horror of the past. It’s beautifully laid out even though it contains horrific times of what people had gone through and suffered under other people. It’s a must see. If you’re visiting DC you need to go visit the Holocaust Museum. Be prepared to have your eyes and hearts and minds filled with exhibits and images that will question how can a human hate another human even children so much that they are willing to perform monstrous and heinous acts upon them just because they are different and in the name of God. It’s scary then and scary now.

Gives you the full understanding of the holocaust and World War II. Heartbreaking, but necessary to see and understand. Also had an exhibit on the Miramar genocide, which was very shocking.

"Hi to all my faithful readers." I would like to start my newest trip to Washington DC with you. Share my wife and my loves, dislikes, sorrows, and tears we shed many times as we traveled one of the most incredible cities in the world. We had wanted to go to Washington for some time. I believe people don't realize the grandeur that exists right here in this beautiful country known as America. Probably Washington has all a person could want as far as grandeur, history, political ideals, museums, i could go on and on. But here at the Holocaust Museum we found something that will live with us forever. We saw everything I assure you. But nothing like this incredible museum. Within it lies the truth of human hate for another race for no other reason but just to hate! The hallowed steps will walk you through the lives of the Jewish race preyed upon but Nazi Germany. As we walked through this museum we saw things that brought tears even to my eyes. Pictures of babies, women, children, families, people of all ages who were slain in gas chambers and many kinds of terrible deaths. To horrifying to even say here. But I needed to see the truth so I went on...I walked on to see thousands of old shoes. I mean thousands of all sizes in a section reading what they were my heart skipped a beat. I actually sat down and cried! For they were the shoes of those killed in the gas chambers at Auschwitz and Shoah. I looked again in disbelief but it was real.
As you walk further there are many movies depicting the stories of the plight of the Jewish race and the absolute hate the Nazis had for them! Now i want to say something here before I go on. German people are a wonderful people. I was in the country and they treated me as king. They are a loving people with great family values. They are ashamed of the past and what happened during the 2nd World War! There is nothing hateful about German people. The Nazis do not encompass the ideals of Germany!
Now to go on. There is a stairway showing pictures of those killed during this climactic time. You will look and see children of all ages, babies, women, young boys, men, I mean everyday people murdered without conscious or caring. I could go on and on my friend but to finalize what brought me to a standstill was standing within a gas chamber!!! Yes there is one there that was actually used to kill many of the beautiful people. All i could do was shake my head in disbelief. There is a great deal more to see friends. I will say this I left there a different man that day. My minds eye couldn't get out of its thoughts the reality i had seen.
I have been all over the world. Seen many things. Sang all over met so many wonderful people and enjoyed them all! I have treasured my life to people because we are all of worth! We all have something to give back to the world. I will continue to give back even if it is writing to you here. But most of all my friends never forget we have so much to give one another! God be with you all! And being Italian I leave you with my usual Goodbye...
pace e amore..Carl

I was hoping for an exhibit dealing with the logistics of cremating over a million people in a couple dozen crematoria but I left sorely disappointed.

by far one of the best museums, if not the best, in Washington DC. I've been a few times now, and each time I've read every single sign because the information is detailed and interesting. the flow of the museum is great and allows you to follow along with ease. Would not recommend bringing small children because you will want to spend at least 3 hours here and some of the imagery is harrowing even for adults. I highly recommend this museum

We did not have time to explore the entire memorial/museum but were able to go through the tribute to David the child survivor. That was very impactful and gave us a good glimpse into the life of a child living through the Holocaust.

We went here for the day and literally spent the whole day here. Tickets are very hard to come by, although there are a number of free timed tickets available on the day if you log onto their website from about 7am, when they go on offer. If you get them online you will be charged a $1 fee but you can send the tickets straight to your phone for easier access. The building has a rust effect on the outside and situated right across from the Washington Monument. We arrived here after breakfast when we walked about half a mile from the coffee shop, past the White House.

After the compulsory security searches, you pick up and ID card and take the lift to the to floor, working your way down to the bottom. It starts with the birth of Nazi ideology and visitors for their way through the Holocaust and onwards. The invasion of Russia, the pogroms, the final solution and Auschwitz are all well documented. There's even a section where survivors from Auschwitz talk about their experiences. Finally, there's a large portrait gallery, which id especially moving.

There's also a section about those who survived and cinema film of the aftermath. The young one found this part particularly painful. After leaving this area we walked into another exhibition looking at the recent situation in Myanmar with the Rohingya people. On the ground floor there is a large bookshop and in the basement there is a further exhibition examining the role of the USA in WW2 both at home and abroad, and how it dealt with Nazi propaganda.

It was nearly closing time by the time we emerged into the sunlight. It's strange how some museums just grip you and you don't realise how much time passes while you're engrossed with the material in front of you. If we could have spent more time here, we would have. I could have taken lots of photo's but only chose one, which in my views is very poignant. Overall, it's an absolute must for anyone interested in the subject matter and the role of the USA in helping to overcome it.

At first I was surprised there wasn't an audio tour provided, but as I went thru the museum, I understand. It's laid out really well. There are some reading boards that were hidden to protect some from the contents which was very thoughtful, but there were other reading boards that were too small or hidden and difficult to read if it was crowded. They recommend 2hours, but we took 3 and didn't read everything. I felt the presentation was well done and respectable.

Extremely crowded, no way to enjoy. We even tried asking the gentleman at the info desk when the best time to visit was and he was a bit dismissive. There were throngs of students that made it impossible to move . I even tried to take my kids to Daniel’s exhibit and they couldn’t even watch the video because the teens kept coming in and blocking the screen. We left & I went home and showed them learning videos of the museum instead. So sad that we couldn’t enjoy the museum & the staff wasn’t helpful in recommending a better time to come back.

Agree with another review to reserve tickets to the Holocaust Museum the system is not good at all. We set our alarm for 6:30 am 3 of us different cell phones 7 am there were slots already mark as taken, on one of them made it past the selection of the tickets and time then started thinking??? and sorry unvailable we tried for the past 10 minutes and nothing. It’s frustating why have them and when you check they are taking slots with 17,14 right at the starting time. Is it a glitch? Then we walk by it ask a security officer if for first responder they were still giving tickets said yes we parked pay for 3 hours it was raining for nothing; get there and they told us no. 03-16-2022

While all Mall museums are open with masks, this one turned us away. The description on TripAdvisor is wrong, tickets ARE required, and they are gone weeks in advance. They tell you to log in at 7am to get a timed pass for the day, but either the number of slots is tiny or it's a lie, just got up early for nothing.

This is insulting. I was one of the many small donors who contributed to building this place. Can't even show it to my daughter.