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October 2023 by Sherwin C.
Very well designed museum that does an excellent job of educating visitors about the holocaust. This covers every aspect from the sociopolitical climate to the economic pressures that led to the Holocaust, as well as the providing a very detailed description of the events before and after the Holocaust as well. These are detailed using a variety of methods such as stories, videos, artifacts, and replicas that are thoughtfully assembled.Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about the Holocaust in an excellently maintained museum.
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October 2023 by Ryan D.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum is a treasure, and we are lucky to have it in our backyard. I went with a few friends and we were impressed at the immensity of the museum. When you enter, you pay for your admission, and then you will go through security before entering the exhibit areas. The permanent exhibit tells the story of the history of the Holocaust through stories and artifacts. The most historically significant piece is the real train car that was used during the holocaust. The second floor is dedicated to remembering the victims and reflection. On the lower level is a rotating exhibit space. The current exhibit is about Jewish delis. Also, on the lower level is a speaker/lecture area, VR experience, holograms of holocaust survivors, and classroom space. I highly recommend visiting the Illinois Holocaust Museum. It will be worth the time.
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September 2023 by Andi Kahclamat
Absolutely striking museum.The ticketing process was stressful as I didn't know I had to pick times for activities at the beginning and I didn't know what the activities were.There was a creep in the exhibit and no security around to alert. I ended up leaving without seeing everything because I was distinctly uncomfortable by his behavior and couldn't find any staff people in multiple areas. I wished there was better security or staffing.
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August 2023 by Marlena Karwowski
Unique experience, centered around survivors, righteousness, determination, and individual responsibility of future generations. Second largest Holocaust museum in the US.Go see it
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July 2023 by Lars Ihle
Good and interesting museum. Must say we only spent 1 hour there.
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July 2023 by David Pelletier
A brief but detailed timeline of the events that occurred at this point in history.Sometimes a little confusing as some sections had a complete timeline of the events of a single aspect then went back into following the complete timeline.Still an experience worth visiting.
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July 2023 by Francee Hill (freneticminde)
I'm placing a stone on the memorial pathway. Called to ask questions they were more than helpful. My sister is a lead docent there.
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May 2023 by Rhiannon Chavez
Wow!! I have always been fascinated by the Holocaust. This museum brought to reality the strength and determination of the Jewish people. The hologram interview was amazing as well.
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May 2023 by Aesha E.
Finally, after so many years, I made my way to the Holocaust museum; it's long overdue. I've wanted to visit for some time, and I was finally pushed to visit because of the temporary exhibit called The Green Book.The Green Book exhibit was a great one. It was poignant and in some small way educated the public on what it was like to be a Black traveler in the time of the Jim Crow south and under the banner of Plessy in the United States. I had heard of the Green Book but knew little about the places that welcomed Black travelers, or the very act of traveling as a non-white person in that time. It was interesting to learn that Esso stations (now ExxonMobile) would not turn away Black travelers. When a station in Joliet tried to do so, they director of public relations set them straight. This exhibit also pointed out how, with the establishment of the Civil Rights Act and the end of the separate but equal doctrine, many of those Black businesses fell into ruin while their white counterparts continued to flourish. It's food for thought.After the Green Book exhibit I made my way upstairs to the main, permanent exhibition on the main floor, focused on the Holocaust. It was extensive as you'd expect; upon entry there's a video to kind of set the scene of Germany after World War I, because the aftermath of The Great War set the scene for what would become the Holocaust and World War II. The exhibit introduces visitors to Jewish life and culture, and how the rise of the Nazi party started slowly and took many Jewish and non-Jewish Germans by surprise. There are relics from the era throughout the exhibit. Included amongst them is a train car, an authentic wooden car that was used to transport people to the concentration camps. It is in very good condition given its use and its age. You are permitted to enter a portion of the car but in order to keep it in as good condition as possible. I have to say, I had a strong emotional reaction when I stepped inside. Contemplating the purpose of the train car; that it was almost certainly packed to beyond what would be any reasonable capacity (if a freight car can have a capacity); and that many of the people who traveled in that car died a horrific death hit me in a way I hadn't expected. I wasn't able to enjoy as leisurely a visit as I may have hoped, so I will return at another time.There is a large parking lot across the street from the museum and the parking is free. The entrance is a little confusing (or maybe it's just me); you will go around to what seems like the back of the museum in order to enter. You'll need to empty your pockets and your things will pass through the metal detector before you can enter.
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March 2023 by John Paul Y.
Really good place to take in the history of the holocaust. They even have holograms of survivors of the holocaust who have been asked over 2,000 questions to answer your questions today! Also new is a virtual reality experience where a survivor takes you through his life, and the highlight is standing in a train car though they actually do have a holocaust train car in this place as well.Somber place, but good to visit for anyone into history, the holocaust, and humanity.
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March 2023 by Sonia L.
I have been wanting to see the holocaust museum for years but it kept getting postponed. Finally my church was going to see the Greenbook exhibit there so finally I had the perfect opportunity. True it is a somber place but not sad. There is so much information to read and understand and so much interactive learning. You'll walk through history and the sights and sounds of those events that changed everything. The Greenbook exhibit also, though smaller and not a permanent installation, was guided and full of artifacts and very recent details. The hologram hall actually has a survivor tell the first hand account of their strife and journey. It is important to know all of this no matter your background.Plenty of parking, there is an entry fee.
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March 2023 by Lauren Ashley Afante
knowledgeable experience. would recommend though if your going there late go at least 3 hours before closing so you can take your time inside and watch the videos and read. wear comfy shoes. love that they take precautions before entering and the coat room. :]
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February 2023 by Frank T.
An amazing exhibit. You need several hours to do it justice. I liked the VR. Very educational and informative. Staff are very friendly.
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December 2022 by Geoffrey Hart
Great museum and one that tells a story that needs to be heard over and over again in today's world. The museum does not have a great number of artifacts - although those it does have are great. All the same the museum tells the story of the Holocaust and does well to help us ensure the world never falls asleep allowing such hate to grow in the soul of a people. I pray that the word hears the message of love.
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August 2022 by Oz
The guide I had was an amazing man. He was very kind and did not make my group feel awkward. He asked us questions about our own observations and not our knowledge. The story He told was of his parents. I was 100% satisfied with how accommodating this museum is. It was a pleasant learning experience that I recommend to everyone who wants to learn about the Holocaust or genocide. It is such an amazing place that I plan on returning again in the future.
