United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Basics

The museum’s main permanent exhibition,The Holocaust, spreads across three floors and is designed to be self-guided. From March through August, timed tickets are required for this moving exhibition. Obtain tickets online in advance or on the day, or in person on the day. The museum begins giving out same-day tickets at 9:45am for timed entry slots throughout the day. From September through February, no ticket is required.

The museum also has a special exhibition titledRemember the Children: Daniel’s Story, which is specifically aimed at families with children over 8 years old. Tickets are not required to enter this or any of the museum’s other exhibitions, nor are they required for the Hall of Remembrance, the library, or the Survivors and Victims Resource Center, where visitors can research their family history.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum’s main exhibition is not recommended for children under 11 years old.

• Bring a sweater, as some of the exhibition rooms are kept cool to help preserve the artifacts on display.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is situated on Raoul Wallenberg Place on Washington DC’s National Mall, just south of Independence Avenue. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Smithsonian metro station.

When to Get There

The museum is open every day except for Yom Kippur and Christmas. It is busiest from March through August (as is all of DC). During this time, security-line waits can be 15 minutes or even longer. The museum is quietest on early weekend mornings and late weekday afternoons.

Museum-Hopping Along the National Mall

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of many Smithsonian and other museums situated along the National Mall. If you want to continue museum-hopping, consider visiting the National Gallery of Art, whose collection includes works by da Vinci, Degas, and Calder; the National Air and Space Museum, which features flight simulators and noteworthy aircraft; the National Museum of Natural History, home to the fabled Hope Diamond; or the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which provides a comprehensive overview of the African American experience.

How far in advance should I buy United States Holocaust Memorial Museum tickets?

You should reserve your museum tickets as early in advance as possible to ensure you can visit on your preferred day. Ticket reservations open a few months in advance. A limited number of same-day tickets are available starting at 7am. Tickets, which are free, are only required for permanent exhibits.

What is the best time of day to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

To avoid the biggest crowds, visit the museum as early in the day as possible (it opens at 10am) or toward the end of the day (it closes at 5:30pm). This museum is popular with school groups, so visiting before they arrive or after they leave may be preferred.

How much does it cost to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

It’s free to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum but prebooked, timed-entry tickets are required for the permanent exhibits. To guarantee entry, book in advance, as only limited same-day tickets are available. Online bookings incur a $1 booking fee. Tickets aren’t required for the special exhibits.

Is there free parking at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

No, the museum doesn’t have its own parking facilities. A paid parking garage is located across the street on D Street SW, and there is some metered parking nearby. Those with disabilities can find a small number of accessible parking spaces around the Washington Monument, which is near the museum.

Is visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum worth it?

Yes, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is worth visiting. It’s a moving reminder of a dark part of 20th-century history and an educational experience. Anyone interested in history and Judaism, and Jewish visitors themselves, may find it especially relevant. Aspects of the museum are sobering, though worthwhile.

How long does it take to tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?

The museum's permanent exhibit is designed to take between 90 minutes and several hours to experience. The time it takes to tour depends on how much you engage with the information and resources presented. Guided tours are not available. Visitors can take their time and reflect on what they encounter.

Ways to explore

The museum’s self-guided main permanent exhibition, “The Holocaust,” is spread across three floors and requires tickets. You can get timed tickets online in advance for US$1 each, or get them in person on the day you want to visit, pending availability. The museum's special exhibition, “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story,” is aimed at families with children ages 8 and older. Tickets are not required to enter this or any of the museum’s other exhibitions, nor are they required for the Hall of Remembrance, library, or other public areas of the museum. Some private tours may include stops at the museum.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs and has a range of accommodations for visitors with other disabilities.

Age limits

Owing to its disturbing content, the museum’s main Holocaust exhibition is not recommended for young children.

What to pack

Capped water bottle, small bag, camera, sweater in case of chilly air-conditioning

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes for sightseeing.

Not allowed

Food and drinks in galleries, selfie sticks and tripods, smoking and vaping, disruptive or disrespectful behavior

Amenities

Museum café, shop, restrooms

Address 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is located on the National Mall in Washington DC, near the Washington Monument. The area is well-served by public transit and is easy to reach on foot. You can also drive, take a taxi or rideshare, or book a tour with included transportation.

Driving

You can access the museum via several major thoroughfares, including Independence Avenue and 14th Street. While it does not offer parking, a paid garage is located across the street.

Public transportation

Take the Orange, Blue, or Silver Lines of the DC Metro to the Smithsonian station, located just moments from the museum.

Best times to visit

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is open daily from mid-morning until early evening. Arrive early to beat the crowds and give yourself adequate time to tour it.

Best days to visit

As the museum is open daily, there’s rarely a bad time to visit (apart from Yom Kippur and Christmas, when it’s closed). Expect weekends to be busier than weekdays.

Best months to visit

It may be worth avoiding the summer months, which are the tourist high season in Washington DC. Other times of the year should be quieter.

Special events

The museum hosts a range of talks, special exhibitions, and other events; check its calendar for more information.