United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Museum Museum documenting Holocaust history and survivor testimonies
On the National Mall in Washington, DC, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents the Holocaust with artifacts, survivor testimony and exhibitions; visitors come for education, remembrance and guided programming.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the U.S. federal memorial to the Holocaust, located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and opened to the public in 1993. It documents the history of the Holocaust through artifacts, film and testimony.
The museum’s core permanent exhibition traces the events of the Holocaust using artifacts, photographs, documents and survivor testimony across a multi-level exhibition space. The building also contains rotating temporary exhibits, a library and the Hall of Remembrance for reflection.
Congress created the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as a national institution; the museum’s building and permanent exhibitions opened in 1993 and have since expanded research, education and outreach programs. It serves as a memorial and a center for Holocaust studies and remembrance.
Situated just off the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C., the museum is within walking distance of other national museums and memorials and is easily reached by public transit.
- Entry and visit time: Security screening is required for entry to the permanent exhibition; allow time for the process and for the multi-level core exhibition which typically takes a few hours to view fully.
How to Get to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum #
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a short walk from the Smithsonian Institution. The closest Metro station is Smithsonian (Orange, Blue and Silver lines), about a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Many downtown bus routes and tourist shuttles also stop along the Mall; vehicle access is via Independence Avenue SW and nearby streets, but on‑site parking is very limited so public transit is strongly recommended.
If driving from I-395 or other parts of the city, follow signs for the National Mall/Smithsonian museums and use nearby paid parking garages; allow extra time for Mall security and pedestrian traffic.
Tips for Visiting United States Holocaust Memorial Museum #
- Reserve the free timed‑entry tickets for the permanent exhibition in advance on the museum's website to avoid long lines - tickets are required for most visits and can sell out for peak times.
- Plan to arrive at opening or late afternoon on weekdays for quieter, more reflective time in the galleries; the permanent exhibition is long, so allow at least 2-3 hours.
- Download or pick up the museum's multimedia guide and check the schedule for short ranger talks and film presentations - these help put the main exhibition in context and are easily missed if you rush.
Best Time to Visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum #
Visit on weekday mornings during the off-peak months (late fall through winter) to avoid the largest crowds.
Weather & Climate near United States Holocaust Memorial Museum #
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1041 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
