Advertisement
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Plan your visit

The area

Address
Neighborhood: Cleveland Park
How to get there
  • Smithsonian • 5 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • Heather P
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    More Relevant Than Ever
    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!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 9, 2023
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, New Mexico1,474 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't let the dark subject matter dissuade you from visiting this museum.
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written November 25, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 21, 2023
  • Alice A
    Freeport, New York42 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everyone should see this
    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.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 3, 2023
  • S6792XGmichaelc
    Hixson, Tennessee205 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see if in DC
    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
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written December 26, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 16, 2023
  • sallyann4961
    Hadleigh, United Kingdom35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredible experience.
    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 +.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written January 9, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 8, 2024
  • Kevin B
    Mount Juliet, Tennessee4,178 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thought-provoking and well-organized museum
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written January 25, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 22, 2024
  • David H
    Alexandria, Louisiana91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Astonishing museum. Inoculation against Fascism.
    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.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 12, 2024
  • Stacey
    Hampshire, United Kingdom35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see for everyone
    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.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • Boyd J
    Maleny, Australia1,759 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Copnfronting, Yet Compelling
    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.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • dlenane78
    Rochester, New Hampshire615 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Somber experience
    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.
    Thank you so much for sharing. We’re glad you had a meaningful visit.
    Written April 30, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles11,377 reviews
Excellent
9,012
Very good
1,664
Average
491
Poor
131
Terrible
81

Christy A
Davenport, IA105 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
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.
Written September 20, 2021
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.

Jaros J
22 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
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.
Written June 19, 2022
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.

Brandon Godward
Minneapolis, MN175 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
For me this was easily the most impactful of the Smithsonian Museums. If you only have a short time in DC this should be the first museum you visit. It's a difficult thing to describe in words. It's emotional, terrifying, unbelievable, shocking, devastating.

I've been to the Dachau concentration camp near Munich, Germany. This museum does a great job of transporting the visitors into that terrible environment. Pulling the visitor into the true story's being told. It is extremely well designed.

This Museum may be a difficult experience and too grim for small children, their is lots of reading involved in the experience, but I would recommend every adult experience this museum. It took us about 2-3 hrs to walk through. Their were Holocaust survivors their the day we visited, which was amazing to see. Opens at 10am. Free to the public.
Written February 28, 2020
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.

jane a
London, UK510 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
This museum moved me enormously and everyone else if the silence is evidence of that.
It is hard to do justice to the horror of the holocaust but I believe as future generations should never forget, that this museum will ensure that does not happen.
As you enter you are given an ID card of a real victim, which immediately brings it home that these were individual people not just part of huge numbers.
The museum covers why the rise of hitler occurred including the mistakes made in allowing him to come to power, having said that no one outside of his circle could imagine the horrors that were about to unfold. It does not shy from the horrors.
I recommend this museum as a must see, there is a children’s exhibition which I did not see.
Coincidentally I watched a film on my flight back that had been made by the museum “Into the arms of strangers” which was also incredibly moving but shows the work they do behind the scenes.
Written February 29, 2020
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.

MackBuffalo
Buffalo, NY289 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Friends
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.
Written March 23, 2020
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.

Michael L
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
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.
Written May 31, 2022
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.

Renee K
New York City, NY37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
When we arrived the line wound around the block. Don't let that deter you, though as it moves extremely quickly. The museum is definitely crowded and it seems as first as if too many people were allowed entry at one time. However, someone told me that this is deliberate in order to give one the feeling that people may have felt during transports. Whether this is true or not, I do not know. There is a lot of information both historical and personal and it makes the history so much more accessible. Some of the exhibitions are heartbreaking. The museum was very moving.
Written February 24, 2020
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.

Rock C
Denver, CO77 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I am so pleased that we went to the Holocaust Museum. We spoke with a survivor in the main lobby and were so moved by his stories of the tragedy his family experienced. The rest of the museum was a really moving and, at time, a sobering, sad, and moving tour through the history of evil events in world history. It gives such a great perspective of the Jewish people in Europe and what happened to them as a people. I was also very impressed with the floor dedicated to the US history at the time. Made me think about these events as it relates to our country.
Written March 5, 2020
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.

Boris E
Staunton, VA962 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Powerful experience from beginning to end. Before beginning the new year, we were fortunate to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum during our short-term stay in Washington D.C. and so glad that we had the chance to experience it. I have been in other Holocaust Memorial Museums all over the country, but this is top notch. It does not compare to other museums, since it gives you a comprehensive story with enough information to keep you connected to this horrible time in history throughout the entire visit. I left the museum with a broken heart, but at the same time with a great understanding that these events should never be repeated. We all should be valued for our unique features and be treated equally across the board. It is my opinion, but this museum should be made mandatory to visit at least once in a lifetime.
Written January 4, 2020
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.

Kim L
Austin, TX163 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The Holocaust Museum is amazing. It should be a required visit for every American. The chronological flow of the history of the Holocaust made it easy to follow, even for the students who I accompanied. I appreciated that the more sensitive content was hidden behind a half wall so that visitors could choose what was appropriate for them and children were unable to see the more difficult content.
I also liked that each visitor was able to choose a male or female person who was affected by the Holocaust and follow their journey. It was a personal touch that made it even more poignant. I will visit again when I return to DC.
Written January 28, 2020
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.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 10,128
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington DC

All Washington DC HotelsWashington DC Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Washington DC
All things to do in Washington DC
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars