About United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Adjacent to the National Mall, the USHMM tells the story of the Holocaust through documents, photographs and survivor testimony in a building designed by James Ingo Freed.
Founded in 1993, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 33 years. Today it draws approximately 1,500,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited memorial & remembrance museums in the world. Located in Washington, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 22,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ranks #35
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 #35, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 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: Free entry, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Permanent Exhibition (3 floors)
- ◆Hall of Remembrance
- ◆Tower of Faces
- ◆Daniel's Story (children's exhibit)
- ◆Identification cards experience
Recognition & awards
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:30. Free; timed passes for permanent exhibition.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 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: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is located in Washington, United States at coordinates 38.8867°N, -77.0322°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was established in 1993, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Washington. With 1,500,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important memorial & remembrance museums in the Americas region.
Other top memorial & remembrance museums
If you enjoy memorial & remembrance museums like United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #33Yad VashemJerusalem, Israel
- #34Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-BirkenauOświęcim, Poland
- #36Anne Frank HouseAmsterdam, Netherlands
- #399/11 Memorial & MuseumNew York, United States
- #40Hiroshima Peace Memorial MuseumHiroshima, Japan
More museums in Washington
Washington is home to 7 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History🦖 Natural History
- #27Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American History🏛️ History & Civilization
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture🏛️ History & Civilization
- #58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)🦖 Natural History
- #61National Gallery of Art🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Daily 10:00–17:30. Free; timed passes for permanent exhibition. 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 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum located?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is located in Washington, United States. The exact coordinates are 38.8867°, -77.0322°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is United States Holocaust Memorial Museum known for?
America's national memorial to the Holocaust. Key highlights include Permanent Exhibition (3 floors), Hall of Remembrance, Tower of Faces. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 22,000 reviews.
How many people visit United States Holocaust Memorial Museum each year?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum receives approximately 1,500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was United States Holocaust Memorial Museum founded?
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was founded in 1993, making it 33 years old. It is categorised as a memorial & remembrance museum in our directory.
