United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. The Museum is open seven days a week. It is closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Museum building and can be reserved on our website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
  • Smithsonian • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Lianne S
    10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see educational experience
    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.
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. If you would like to submit any feedback, please email VisitorsMail@ushmm.org.
    Written 11 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 April 2023
  • uscfan1325
    Florence, South Carolina239 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Moving Experience
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written 25 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 April 2023
  • duckgrl
    Kirkland, Washington70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t miss -sad but important
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written 1 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 April 2023
  • Kevin
    Mountain View, California89 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very moving and powerful
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written 13 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2022
    Written 12 May 2023
  • JBToronto
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an eye opener!
    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.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 22 May 2023
  • AdventureMN95
    Minneapolis, Minnesota127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Respecting the past
    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.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 May 2023
  • AnonTraveler
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pack your patience.
    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.
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us. If you would like to submit any feedback, please email VisitorsMail@ushmm.org.
    Written 6 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 3 June 2023
  • 907blaked
    Tampa, Florida1,449 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very well done museum close to Washington Monument
    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.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 June 2023
  • Shannon C
    Lafayette, Louisiana79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thought Provoking and Important
    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.
    hank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 June 2023
  • jennifera399
    174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Humble, Informative, and Memorable
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written 11 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 July 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles11,336 reviews
Excellent
8,978
Very good
1,659
Average
491
Poor
130
Terrible
80

Boyd J
Maleny, Australia1,688 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stacey
Hampshire, UK20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
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.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David H
Alexandria, LA62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
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.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mmarro2001
Sunrise, FL308 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Business
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.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
Written 13 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kevin B
Mount Juliet, TN2,325 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
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.
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
Written 25 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MadamDefargeGW
Silver Spring, MD73 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krishnajina
Greenview, CA149 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Family
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
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sallyann4961
Hadleigh, UK39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
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 +.
Written 8 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
Written 9 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan K
Knoxville, TN5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
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.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. If you would like to submit any additional feedback, please email VisitorsMail@ushmm.org.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

louis s
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Family
Went in 2022. Very educational and good for cultural literacy. Don’t be put off, this is a great visit. Plenty of security.
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington DC

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