About Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
The preserved remains of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau function as a memorial and museum to the 1.1 million people murdered there, mostly Jews.
Founded in 1947, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau has been welcoming visitors for over 79 years. Today it draws approximately 2,300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited memorial & remembrance museums in the world. Located in Oświęcim, Poland, the museum holds a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 53,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau ranks #34
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #34, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: UNESCO World Heritage, Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3.5 hours, planning your route through Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Auschwitz I exhibitions
- ◆Birkenau ramp and ruins
- ◆Block 11
- ◆Gas chamber and crematorium I
- ◆Personal effects exhibits
Recognition & awards
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily, opening hours by season. Free entry; guided tours required mid-day.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3.5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Oświęcim, Poland at coordinates 50.0276°N, 19.2034°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau was established in 1947, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Oświęcim. With 2,300,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Poland's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important memorial & remembrance museums in the Europe region.
Other top memorial & remembrance museums
If you enjoy memorial & remembrance museums like Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #33Yad VashemJerusalem, Israel
- #35United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumWashington, United States
- #36Anne Frank HouseAmsterdam, Netherlands
- #399/11 Memorial & MuseumNew York, United States
- #40Hiroshima Peace Memorial MuseumHiroshima, Japan
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Daily, opening hours by season. Free entry; guided tours required mid-day. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Most visitors recommend spending 3.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau located?
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Oświęcim, Poland. The exact coordinates are 50.0276°, 19.2034°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau known for?
Preserved on the site of Nazi Germany's largest death camp. Key highlights include Auschwitz I exhibitions, Birkenau ramp and ruins, Block 11. The museum holds a 4.9/5 rating from 53,000 reviews.
How many people visit Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau each year?
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau receives approximately 2,300,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Poland.
When was Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau founded?
Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau was founded in 1947, making it 79 years old. It is categorised as a memorial & remembrance museum in our directory.
