Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
4.8
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The mission of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is expressed in its founding principle: “Remember the Past, Transform the Future.” The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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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
4.8
273 reviews
Excellent
235
Very good
32
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Dr_Xaos
Palatine, IL1,308 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Visited this location with my teenage daughter on a weekday afternoon during her winter break from school. Museum had a special deal for free admission for students, so we took advantage of the discount. However, even if we didn't, prices are reasonable considering just how much this museum offers.
The permanent exhibit on the main floor is both extensive and impressive. They provide a comprehensive review of the holocaust, which starts with the a brief review of Jewish history before getting into the details of the build up to the holocaust. Most of the museum walkthrough does a really great job of moving things forward in a logical and mostly chronological fashion, so that one can see how things progressed and why. Ultimately ends with post-WWII view and how the holocaust affected things afterward. We spent a couple hours touring the main exhibit, and we could have definitely spent another hour or two to more thoroughly view and review all of the artifacts and details that they present.
We also spent another couple of hour viewing other aspects of the museum (beyond the main exhibit). We attended their interactive hologram presentation with a holocaust survivor, Fritzie Fritzshall. Presentation and interaction was both informative and very moving. We also briefly walked through some of the more temporary exhibits and took a few moments in the Hall of Reflections to truly appreciate everything we'd seen.
The permanent exhibit on the main floor is both extensive and impressive. They provide a comprehensive review of the holocaust, which starts with the a brief review of Jewish history before getting into the details of the build up to the holocaust. Most of the museum walkthrough does a really great job of moving things forward in a logical and mostly chronological fashion, so that one can see how things progressed and why. Ultimately ends with post-WWII view and how the holocaust affected things afterward. We spent a couple hours touring the main exhibit, and we could have definitely spent another hour or two to more thoroughly view and review all of the artifacts and details that they present.
We also spent another couple of hour viewing other aspects of the museum (beyond the main exhibit). We attended their interactive hologram presentation with a holocaust survivor, Fritzie Fritzshall. Presentation and interaction was both informative and very moving. We also briefly walked through some of the more temporary exhibits and took a few moments in the Hall of Reflections to truly appreciate everything we'd seen.
Written January 6, 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.
Thanks for the glowing review, the details of the exhibitions, and how they connected with you and your daughter. Fritzie is always moving and appreciated. It's wonderful that we had the chance to capture her story while she was active with our Museum.
Written February 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andi
United States29 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I highly recommend visiting this museum if you are in the area!
I visited on a Saturday and ended up spending 7hrs reading the material, watching the videos and testimonies, and viewing the artifacts. I didn’t make it all the way through the museum and will definitely have to come back for another visit!
Thank you for preserving these artifacts and testimonies of this time in history.
I visited on a Saturday and ended up spending 7hrs reading the material, watching the videos and testimonies, and viewing the artifacts. I didn’t make it all the way through the museum and will definitely have to come back for another visit!
Thank you for preserving these artifacts and testimonies of this time in history.
Written November 19, 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.
Jeremy C
Atlanta, GA958 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The permanent exhibit is very well done and should be a required field trip for all local high schools. It is well laid out, moving and very very sad. The virtual reality show is also very well done and worth seeing. Finally, the temporary exhibit on delis is enjoyable.
Written November 6, 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.
Raficus
Chicago, IL86 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
I like history a lot, so when I went there I hoped to deeper my knowledge about Second World War and the holocaust. Unfortunately, the guide was so uneducated; I could not believe that I am in the museum... I don't need to be told that the holocaust was terrible, I know that already. I hoped to hear explanation why holocaust was horrible. Therefore, in my personal opinion, the tour for me and other eight adults in age +50 was actually for kids in age max 13. I think if someone is 14 or 15 he/she deserve better explanation and more sophisticated tour than we received. Meanwhile, I found out that maps of Europe are not precise and very chaotic. In one country, some cities are in English and other in Polish. One river was in English (Vistula) and other in Polish. It would be nice to be consistent with one language.
The most shocking for me was unjust anti Church propaganda from the mouth of our guide! Once in a while, she said some lies about the priests and Church leaders, that they never said anything against NAZI party, which of course is not true. In various history books you will find enough evidences, that the Church was clearly against National Socialist German Workers' Party. By the way, can you imagine that our guide was so ignorant, that she did not know that NAZI party was a socialist party? Unbelievable... Moreover, she did not mention anything about Polish people who were dying side by side together with Jews. It's a shame... I recommend to read an excellent book "The Forgotten Holocaust" written by Lukas.
Another thing, there was completely nothing about Birkenau Concentration Camp. After the tour I found out the this guide visited Auschwitz, so she knew that the distance by bus between Auschwitz Concentration camp and Birkenau Concentration Camp is about 10 minutes. So, I don't understand why she and the whole museum hide this information. Since there is nothing about Birkenau, I think that is very unjust toward hundreds of thousands Jews who died in Birkeau. In fact, Birkenau Camp was "a death factory for Jews". Auschwitz was made for Polish political prisoners, mainly Catholics, in which Jews were present as well. I know that the Auschwitz Concentration Camp was called Auschwitz I, and Birkenau Camp as Auschwitz II. I know also that the administration was the same but they were two different Camps build in two different years, one in 1940 and another 1941.
I hope that the Illinois Holocaust Museum will correct these things. If the museum wants to be treated seriously they have to stick to the historical facts. These poor people who suffered real agony, these degraded human beings with the dignity taken by the "Aryan master race", who were bestially killed in inhuman conditions deserved the truth. We deserved the truth as well.
The most shocking for me was unjust anti Church propaganda from the mouth of our guide! Once in a while, she said some lies about the priests and Church leaders, that they never said anything against NAZI party, which of course is not true. In various history books you will find enough evidences, that the Church was clearly against National Socialist German Workers' Party. By the way, can you imagine that our guide was so ignorant, that she did not know that NAZI party was a socialist party? Unbelievable... Moreover, she did not mention anything about Polish people who were dying side by side together with Jews. It's a shame... I recommend to read an excellent book "The Forgotten Holocaust" written by Lukas.
Another thing, there was completely nothing about Birkenau Concentration Camp. After the tour I found out the this guide visited Auschwitz, so she knew that the distance by bus between Auschwitz Concentration camp and Birkenau Concentration Camp is about 10 minutes. So, I don't understand why she and the whole museum hide this information. Since there is nothing about Birkenau, I think that is very unjust toward hundreds of thousands Jews who died in Birkeau. In fact, Birkenau Camp was "a death factory for Jews". Auschwitz was made for Polish political prisoners, mainly Catholics, in which Jews were present as well. I know that the Auschwitz Concentration Camp was called Auschwitz I, and Birkenau Camp as Auschwitz II. I know also that the administration was the same but they were two different Camps build in two different years, one in 1940 and another 1941.
I hope that the Illinois Holocaust Museum will correct these things. If the museum wants to be treated seriously they have to stick to the historical facts. These poor people who suffered real agony, these degraded human beings with the dignity taken by the "Aryan master race", who were bestially killed in inhuman conditions deserved the truth. We deserved the truth as well.
Written February 4, 2015
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.
ECfromTA
Champaign, IL219 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I was fortunate to experience the new VR experience in the museum. You get a tour of Meidanec and a personal story of one of the survivors. The quality is amazing. You really feel like you are walking in the death camp.
The museum staff is caring and helpful. It is well worth a visit.
The museum staff is caring and helpful. It is well worth a visit.
Written December 7, 2018
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! We are glad you got the experience The Last Goodbye. It is only open through January 27 so tell your friends and family they can't miss it!
We appreciate your feedback and welcome you back soon.
Written December 10, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucas P
Madison, WI98 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
I came here with high hopes of seeing some pretty cool artifacts. I will say that there is not much "Jewish" artifacts. However, there was so much nazi memorabilia. I did not come here to see that.. The staff were not very friendly when I walked into the gift shop I was not even greeted, As the woman working the counter was too busy talking with a co-worker. So I did not want to buy anything. I would not bother going again..
Written April 27, 2015
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.
Linlake
Chicago, IL61 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
The Holocaust Museum should not be missed. I lost family in the Holocaust, and although I am already educated about the events, I was compelled to visit to bear witness to this tragic history and honor my family. The exhibits take you through a chronological sequence beginning with a history of Jews through current times. The structure is well organized and documented with video footage and personal testimonials from survivors describing their own experiences. Be warned, that the exhibit is quite graphic and should be avoided with young children. I should also mention that minors of appropriate age should be prepared, mentally and emotionally, before visiting. I found the experience moving and powerful. My only regret is that I visited during the morning hours and there were so many school group field trips that I found focusing on the exhibits to be difficult more often than not. Perhaps visit during the afternoon (after 2) to avoid this. I spent 2 1/2 hours there - and had it not been for the field trips, I would have spent more time.
Written March 19, 2015
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.
Jeremiah T
Nekoosa, United States4 contributions
Sep 2014 • Business
I decided to check out the Holocaust Museum because I stayed at the Hampton Inn. It is very close to the museum. I think the $12 admission is a little too much for what you get to see. The old cattle car that was used to transport humans seemed to be the focal point and was interesting to see. Was fairly unimpressed by the rest. Most of the museum is video clips of interviews with survivors. I was surprised that there was very little mention of Dachau. Seemed heavily weighted toward Auschwitz and Bergen. There are some video clips of actual executions that was very disturbing, so be prepared for that! I took one picture while there and a guard quickly came out and scolded me. DID NOT like the fact that I was being watched the entire time I was there! The information I got when I entered indicated that there were some parts of the museum where pictures were allowed. I didn't think that one picture would have been a problem.
Written October 13, 2014
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.
KimmyKit
Excelsior, MN62 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
I’ll admit that I was hesitant to visit with younger kids, but the entire second floor is kid-friendly with interesting and interactive activities for the 5 or 6+ group. They’ve done a wonderful job focusing on educating kids about kindness and humanity. They have the survivor video stories in a small viewing room and they are extremely well-edited for viewers of any age. Other museums could learn from how this museum has accommodated children. An amazing experience.
Written November 16, 2019
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.
Joe C
Chicago, Illinois, United States2 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Sunday, September 13, we arrived with the tickets we paid for online only to find the parking lot empty and the whole place buttoned up tighter than a drum - right by a sign saying DAILY HOURS and showing a 5:00 closing time. No signs saying why they were closed at 3:00 in the afternoon on a hon-holiday.
Written September 16, 2015
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 your interest in the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and let me sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced. September is High Holiday season for many in our local Jewish community, and the Museum closed at 2:00 pm on September 13 to allow our staff and volunteers to celebrate the Rosh HaShanah holiday. Our open hours and holiday closings are listed on our website here: https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/pages/visit/hours/
Taking your feedback into consideration, we will make a concerted effort to improve our signage and communications related to all of our holiday closings.
We would like to offer complimentary admission for you and your family to return to the Museum. Please contact me at anne.cullen@ilhmec.org or 847.967.4871.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.
Written September 17, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You have got to be kidding me right? Vaccine passports to enter, why don't we have the unvaccinated just wear a Star of David so we can be really sure of who THEY are because it worked out so well the first time around? I never thought I'd see this country come up with a new way to discriminate against people but good job people you found it.
Written January 3, 2022
It sounds like you enjoyed the museum - why did you score it a 1 instead of a 5?
Written October 17, 2019
I must have hit 1 (if lowest score) it was by error.
Written October 18, 2019
$12 for adults. $8 for seniors and students and children are $6. Sometimes you can get a deal on Groupon.
Written November 3, 2016
Stephanie2274
Elgin, Illinois
Hi - I would like to visit this Museum this weekend; but I will have my toddler with me. Does anyone know if the museum frowns upon bringing well behaved (really) toddler in a stroller to the museum?
Thank you -
Written September 12, 2015
Anne C
Skokie, Illinois
Dear Stephanie,
Of course please bring your loved ones to the Museum. We welcome everyone.
-Anne, Illinois Holocaust Museum
Written September 12, 2015
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