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Exterior of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, seen from 14th Street SW

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

ArchitectureHistoryOpens 10amFreeSmithsonian (Metro Orange, Blue and Silver lines) - one block east

Opened in 1993 just off the National Mall, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the nation's official memorial and living museum to the six million Jews and millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. Its three-floor Permanent Exhibition traces the Holocaust chronologically from the Nazi rise to power in 1933 to liberation and its aftermath, using more than 900 artifacts, film footage, and recorded survivor testimony. James Ingo Freed's building is deliberately unsettling, with brick, steel and glass detailing that echoes camp architecture, and it culminates in the hexagonal Hall of Remembrance and its eternal flame. Admission is free, and the museum also runs a children's exhibition, changing installations, and a major research and genocide-prevention programme.

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Anton Kusters sky photograph from the installation One Thousand and Seventy-eight Blue Skies

One Thousand and Seventy-eight Blue Skies

Anton Kusters photographed the sky above all 1,078 known Nazi camps and killing centres, each frame stamped with GPS coordinates and a victim count. Second floor, about 10 minutes. No closing date announced.

Now showingOngoingFree
Banner image for the installation Antisemitism: Ancient Hatred, Modern Violence

Antisemitism: Ancient Hatred, Modern Violence

A main-floor installation on the long history of violent antisemitism, how it made the Holocaust possible, and how it persists today. Ages 11+, about 10 minutes. No closing date announced.

Now showingOngoingFree

Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.

Original artifacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum come to Washington for the first time, free to the public. Announced for January 2027 (start date set to 1 January) through spring 2029.

UpcomingFrom 1 Jan 2027Free

Permanent Collections

Walk-through set from Remember the Children: Daniel's Story at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Remember the Children: Daniel's Story

The museum's exhibition for younger visitors, following a boy's diary through walk-through recreations of his home, ghetto and camp. Ages 8+, about 30 minutes. First floor, Falk Gallery. No ticket needed.

Permanent collectionFree
Gallery view inside the Permanent Exhibition, The Holocaust, at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust (Permanent Exhibition)

Three floors tracing the Holocaust from the Nazi rise to power in 1933 to liberation, via artifacts, film and survivor testimony. Free timed-entry ticket required; closes January 2027 for rebuilding.

Permanent collectionFree

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126, United States

Nearest station: Smithsonian (Metro Orange, Blue and Silver lines) - one block east, L'Enfant Plaza (Metro Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue and Silver lines) and Federal Triangle (Metro Orange, Blue and Silver lines)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:30
Tue10:00–17:30
Wed10:00–17:30
Thu10:00–17:30
Fri10:00–17:30
SatToday10:00–17:30
Sun10:00–17:30

Admission

Free

Admission is free for everyone. Free timed-entry tickets are required for the Permanent Exhibition only (not for Daniel's Story or the special exhibitions); advance tickets booked online carry a $1 Etix transaction fee, and a limited number of same-day tickets are released online daily at 7 a.m. ET. Groups of 55 or more book through the separate school/tour group system. Note: tickets for the current Permanent Exhibition will not be available during construction of the new permanent exhibition, beginning January 2027.

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Visitor Information

Is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum free to visit?
Yes, general admission to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is free. Admission is free for everyone. Free timed-entry tickets are required for the Permanent Exhibition only (not for Daniel's Story or the special exhibitions); advance tickets booked online carry a $1 Etix transaction fee, and a limited number of same-day tickets are released online daily at 7 a.m. ET. Groups of 55 or more book through the separate school/tour group system. Note: tickets for the current Permanent Exhibition will not be available during construction of the new permanent exhibition, beginning January 2027.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is open Open daily 10:00-17:30. Exhibitions and the Museum Shop close at 17:20; last entry to the Permanent Exhibition is 16:30. Closed on Yom Kippur (21 September 2026) and Christmas Day (25 December).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is located at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126, United States, in the National Mall, Southwest DC area of Washington, DC. The nearest stations are Smithsonian (Metro Orange, Blue and Silver lines) - one block east, L'Enfant Plaza (Metro Green, Yellow, Orange, Blue and Silver lines) and Federal Triangle (Metro Orange, Blue and Silver lines).
What can I see at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
America's memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, told through survivors' voices, original artifacts and James Ingo Freed's stark building. Current highlights include Remember the Children: Daniel's Story, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. and The Holocaust (Permanent Exhibition).
Do I need to book United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in advance?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Admission is free for everyone. Free timed-entry tickets are required for the Permanent Exhibition only (not for Daniel's Story or the special exhibitions); advance tickets booked online carry a $1 Etix transaction fee, and a limited number of same-day tickets are released online daily at 7 a.m. ET. Groups of 55 or more book through the separate school/tour group system. Note: tickets for the current Permanent Exhibition will not be available during construction of the new permanent exhibition, beginning January 2027.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

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