United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington D.C. · United States · Founded 1993
Quick answer
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., United States — opened in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:20 PM (extended hours in peak season). Admission: free (timed-entry passes required for the permanent exhibition; book well in advance during peak season). Allow 2–3 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:20 PM (extended hours in peak season) |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free (timed-entry passes required for the permanent exhibition; book well in advance during peak season) |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings with advance timed pass. |
| Getting there | Metro: Smithsonian Metro — 5-minute walk on the National Mall |
| Address | 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C. 20024, USA |
| Official website | ushmm.org |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum known for?
Opened in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history.
It sits steps from the National Mall and draws over 1.5 million visitors a year — among the most visited memorial museums in the world.
The Permanent Exhibition covers three floors chronologically from 1933 to 1945, using artefacts, film, and testimony to tell the story of the Nazi genocide of European Jews.
Free timed-entry passes are required for the permanent exhibition and fill up weeks in advance during peak season.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · First-timers
How long do you need at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Shoes of Victims
📍 Permanent Exhibition, Floor 3
A display of shoes confiscated from victims at killing centres — a devastating physical measure of individual lives destroyed.
- 2
Railcar
📍 Permanent Exhibition, Floor 2
An original cattle car used to transport Jews to concentration camps — visitors pass through the car as part of the chronological narrative.
- 3
Hall of Remembrance
📍 Ground floor, separate entrance
A skylit hexagonal space for reflection and prayer — an eternal flame burns beneath an inscription from the Talmud: 'What have you done?'
- 4
Daniel's Story
📍 Ground floor
An age-appropriate exhibition for children telling the story of a fictional boy in 1930s Germany — designed for visitors aged 8 and up.
What are the must-see works at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
4 highlights that define the collection: Shoes of Victims, Railcar, Hall of Remembrance and more.
Shoes of Victims
Personal belongings · 1940s
📍 Permanent Exhibition, Floor 3
A display of shoes confiscated from victims at killing centres — a devastating physical measure of individual lives destroyed. One of the exhibition's most powerful moments.
Railcar
Deutsche Reichsbahn · 1940s
📍 Permanent Exhibition, Floor 2
An original cattle car used to transport Jews to concentration camps — visitors pass through the car as part of the chronological narrative.
Hall of Remembrance
Architectural memorial · 1993
📍 Ground floor, separate entrance
A skylit hexagonal space for reflection and prayer — an eternal flame burns beneath an inscription from the Talmud: 'What have you done?'
Daniel's Story
Exhibition design · 1993
📍 Ground floor
An age-appropriate exhibition for children telling the story of a fictional boy in 1930s Germany — designed for visitors aged 8 and up.
Collections and highlights
- • Permanent Exhibition — Holocaust chronology 1933–1945
- • Hall of Remembrance
- • Daniel's Story for young visitors
- • Survivor testimony and film archive
- • Temporary exhibitions on genocide and tolerance
- • Wexner Learning Center
Tips for visiting United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings with advance timed pass. Avoid spring break if possible.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Passes fill weeks ahead in peak season. The permanent exhibition has a one-way flow that manages crowds.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free timed-entry passes required at ushmm.org. Book as early as possible for spring and summer.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
No food inside the museum. Cafés and food trucks on the National Mall.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. Wheelchairs available. Daniel's Story is designed for all ages.
How do you get to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
- metro Smithsonian Metro — 5-minute walk on the National Mall
- bus Metrobus along 14th Street and Independence Avenue
- walk On 14th Street SW, south of the Mall between the Washington Monument and Tidal Basin
Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C. 20024, USA
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: frequently asked questions
Do I need to book tickets?
Yes — free timed-entry passes for the permanent exhibition fill up weeks in advance during spring and summer. Book online as early as possible.
Is it suitable for young children?
The permanent exhibition is designed for ages 11 and above due to its graphic historical content. 'Daniel's Story' on the ground floor is designed for younger children.
How long should I spend at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Our 4-stop route — Shoes of Victims, Railcar, Hall of Remembrance and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum best known for?
Opened in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is America's national institution for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. It sits steps from the National Mall and draws over 1.5 million visitors a year — among the most visited memorial museums in the world. Key highlights include The Permanent Exhibition: The Holocaust — three floors covering 1933–1945, Hall of Remembrance — a skylit memorial hexagon for reflection, Wexner Learning Center — interactive educational resources.
How do I get tickets for United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Free (timed-entry passes required for the permanent exhibition; book well in advance during peak season). Book a free timed ticket on the official website to guarantee entry at busy times. Official site: https://www.ushmm.org/
How long should I allow?
The permanent exhibition takes 2–3 hours minimum. The one-way chronological path cannot be rushed without missing essential context.
Is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum open on Mondays?
Yes — United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:20 PM (extended hours in peak season). Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's opening hours?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:20 PM (extended hours in peak season). Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum free to visit?
Yes — free (timed-entry passes required for the permanent exhibition; book well in advance during peak season).
