United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
District of Columbia
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is the official U.S. institution dedicated to documenting, studying, and interpreting the Holocaust. Opened in 1993 near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., it serves as a memorial to the six million Jews and millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. The museum presents permanent and rotating exhibitions featuring artifacts, photographs, archival footage, and survivor testimonies that provide a powerful, immersive experience. Its Hall of Remembrance offers a solemn space for reflection with an eternal flame and candle lighting. The museum also promotes education through programs, fellowships, and extensive archival collections containing millions of documents and testimonies. It aims to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity and democracy worldwide. The building, designed by architect James Ingo Freed, is located adjacent to the Washington Monument and is part of the Smithsonian cluster. The museum has welcomed millions of visitors globally, including schoolchildren and heads of state, reflecting its international significance.
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Tipp: Visit the museum on weekdays to avoid crowds and consider reserving timed passes in advance as entry is free but timed. The museum is closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Plan for several hours to fully experience the exhibitions and educational programs. Audio guides and special events are often available. Visitors should allow time for the emotionally intense content and reflect in the Hall of Remembrance. The museum offers discounts and free admission for all visitors, but booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons and commemorative events.
Interessante Fakten
- •The museum's collections include over 12,750 artifacts and 49 million pages of archival documents.
- •It has documented 42,500 ghettos and concentration camps established by Nazis across Europe.
- •Since 1993, nearly 40 million visitors have come, including over 10 million schoolchildren and 120 heads of state.
- •The first visitor to the museum was the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.
- •The museum's website had 33.9 million visits in 2024 from 243 countries and territories, with 57% of visits from outside the U.S.
Geschichte
The USHMM was established following a 1978 presidential commission chaired by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, which recommended a national museum and memorial.
After Congressional approval in 1980, land near the Washington Monument was allocated for its construction.
Architect James Ingo Freed designed the building, with construction funded largely by private donations.
The cornerstone was laid in 1988, and the museum was dedicated in 1993 by President Bill Clinton and other dignitaries.
Since opening, it has become a major center for Holocaust remembrance and education.
The museum has also faced tragic events, including a fatal shooting in 2009 of a museum police officer, who is now honored with a memorial on site.
Ortsführer
Hall of Remembrance1993
The official memorial space within the museum dedicated to victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Visitors can light candles and view the eternal flame in a solemn hexagonal hall designed for reflection.
Permanent Exhibition1993
A comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs, archival footage, and survivor testimonies. It covers the rise of Nazism, persecution, genocide, and aftermath, providing a deeply educational and emotional experience.
Kontakt
Telefon: (202) 488-0400
