7 Tips for One of D.C.’s Best Museums: the U.S. Holocaust Museum
Washington, D.C. has a huge number of museums to choose from on a family vacation to the nation’s capital. But what are the best museums in D.C.? The impactful United States Holocaust Memorial Museum makes the list. These tips will help ensure a memorable visit.
Washington, D.C. - there’s just no other family vacation destination quite like it on the planet. Part political epicenter, part architectural showcase, part cultural experience.
And of course, practically just by stepping into the city itself, part history lesson.
There are so many historical sites and museums to explore. But the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is definitely one that’s not to be missed.
As one of the best museums in D.C., it’s a touching representation of a time in history that should never be forgotten.
Take, for example, one of the simplest displays that is also one of the most impactful: a large pile of real shoes recovered from concentration camps. Whether it’s a first or fiftieth trip, it’s a sight you won’t forget.
The display of shoes recovered from concentration camps is one of the things that affects me the most every time.
The shoes that are but a small fraction of those of real victims
… whose laces were tied with fingers both big and small
… that were worn to school and jobs and markets
… before they carried the wearer to a train bound for a concentration camp.
They are always hard to walk by with dry eyes.
Our trip to the museum in 2022 was no different.
If you’re visiting DC, plan a visit to the Holocaust Museum. Yes, you will leave sad. But, you’ll also leave inspired by the stories of those so affected.
What else do you need to know about a trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C.?
These 7 tips will help ensure a memorable and meaningful trip to one of the best museums in Washington, D.C.:
1. Know the Basics: Museum Hours and Opening Times
The museum is currently open 6 days (every day except Wednesday) from 10 - 5:30. (Said the mom who, yep, showed up on a Wednesday recently. 🙋♀️) However, be sure to check the hours prior to your visit.
The museum was historically open 7 days a week but changes in the hours were brought on by the pandemic. It is likely that the hours will continue to be adjusted as the pandemic situation changes.
2. Admission and Ticket Requirements
Like many of the best museums in D.C., the Holocaust Memorial Museum is a Smithsonian museum. As a Smithsonian, admission is free. (Although a small convenience fee is charged for online ticket orders).
Tickets are required for admission. They’re available online, ahead of time through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum admission and tickets page. Each ticket is good for entry during a 15-minute time frame (such as between 9:15 - 9:30, 9:30 - 9:45, etc.)
A limited number of same-day tickets go on sale every day at 7 am. We secured same day tickets with no problem, but it was a weekday. Weekends are generally more crowded.
We were a few minutes past our allotted time though. (Spoiler alert - read the next section on parking). The security personnel said they try to allow a few extra minutes when possible. So, there is some flexibility with your entry time - don’t panic too much if you have a slight, unexpected delay.
3. Parking at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Parking near the museum (especially street parking) is limited. And all spots are at least a several minute walk to the entry. Several garages are located nearby, with the closest being on D Street, SW, between 13th and 14th Streets.
Because of limited parking, the museum site recommends taking the metro. Look for the Smithsonian metro stop on the blue, orange, and silver lines. This stop is about a block and half (0.4 miles) from the museum entrance. You can also use the Metro’s trip planner tool found HERE to route your trip.
4. Decide on Age Appropriateness
What’s the “right” age to take kids to the museum?
That’s a tough one to answer because, of course, every child is different.
I will say this though. Discretion is obviously warranted. Parents will want to consider how comfortable their children will be with graphic photos and audio content.
However. I found I probably worried too much that the museum would be too graphic or upsetting for my children. They seemed to grasp much of that which is depicted in the museum. Yet, they weren’t upset to a point that I felt it was detrimental to them.
The museum is also set up in a way that exhibits can be bypassed and we did bypass some graphic photos that we will revisit when they are older. If you’re worried some things may be too graphic, they can be skipped.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum website also has a great resource that talks about age appropriateness that you can find HERE. As the resource states, younger kids (like my 4th grader) can gain much through a visit. But sixth grade and above is perfect for a more in-depth learning experience.
As a family with 4 kids we had a “tagalong” younger sibling for a good decade. If you’re similar in that regard, just be sure kids are old enough to be fairly quiet in the museum. It’s a reverent atmosphere where crowds tend to be quiet out of respect.
5. Pick Up an Identity Card on Your Way In
As you enter the museum, you’ll be assigned an identity of someone who lived during the Holocaust. You’ll read the experience of a real victim or survivor, as if you are that person.
To get the most out of this experiment, have kids read their cards slowly as they go through the exhibit. I found that helped my kids connect to the person they’re reading about.
6. Allow time at the end of Your Museum Visit for the video Presentations from survivors.
Although produced decades ago, the video interviews helped my children realize that the Holocaust is not ancient history. They were shocked that all of those in the videos looked like they could be neighbors or friends. It truly helped them relate to the first-hand accounts being told.
The stories are also presented in short formats. They hold kids’ attention and allow visitors to spend as much or as little time as they have.
7. Plan to visit the exhibits outside the main exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
As one of D.C.’s best museums, the U.S. Holocaust Museum isn’t only about the main exhibit area. You’ll also want to allow time for the exhibits located outside the main, permanent exhibit.
Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story is a great one for kids 8 and above. It details the experience of the Holocaust for one child. (Currently closed but hopefully will reopen soon.)
One Thousand and Seventy-Eight Blue Skies is another wonderful exhibit for kids. It entails photos taken over the sites of concentration camps. The pictures allow kids (and adults) to grasp the scope of the numbers in a way that’s often difficult.
