Holocaust Museum La

Holocaust Museum LA Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Los Angeles Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Holocaust Museum LA is an essential landmark dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust through survivor testimonies, immersive exhibitions, and innovative educational programs. Established in 1961 by Holocaust survivors, it stands as the oldest Holocaust museum in the United States founded by survivors themselves, serving as a bridge between personal history and public education (Wikipedia). Located at 100 The Grove Drive within Pan Pacific Park, and adjacent to The Grove and the Original Farmers Market, the museum is easily accessible and situated in the heart of Los Angeles’ cultural landscape (Holocaust Museum LA – Visit).

Historical Background and Significance

Origins and Founding by Survivors

In 1961, a group of Holocaust survivors in Los Angeles recognized the need to document and share their experiences. Gathering personal artifacts and stories, they laid the foundation for what would become Holocaust Museum LA, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of the Holocaust would be passed down to future generations (Wikipedia).

Museum Evolution and Expansion

Initially housed in temporary venues, the museum found its permanent home in Pan Pacific Park in 2010. Architect Hagy Belzberg’s design integrates the museum into the landscape with a green roof, symbolizing history beneath daily life (ArchDaily). The museum’s layout guides visitors through Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust, utilizing artifacts, photographs, and interactive survivor testimonies (Discover Los Angeles).

Today, the museum is undergoing a $50 million expansion—known as the Jona Goldrich Campus—which will nearly double its size. The expansion includes new galleries, classrooms, a 200-seat theater, and the poignant Boxcar Pavilion, featuring an authentic railroad boxcar from near Majdanek. This growth aims to accommodate up to 500,000 visitors annually by 2030 (Jewish Journal; Urbanize LA).

Architectural and Memorial Features

The museum’s design is both sustainable and symbolic. Awarded LEED Gold Certification, the structure is partially subterranean, with a discreet above-ground presence. Outdoor memorials include:

Goldrich Family Foundation Children’s Memorial: Honoring 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust, with 1.2 million holes in the walls symbolizing loss.
Martyrs Memorial: Six black granite pillars represent the six million Jews killed, evoking the smokestacks of crematoria (Wikipedia).

Educational Mission and Impact

Holocaust Museum LA’s mission extends beyond remembrance, focusing on education, social justice, and cross-cultural dialogue. Programs are aligned with California State curriculum standards and include survivor talks, the “Art & Memory” initiative, and the “Building Bridges” series, fostering community engagement and resilience against hatred (Wikipedia).

Global and Local Context

The museum is a key part of Los Angeles’ cultural identity and is connected to a global network of Holocaust remembrance institutions. Its collections and programs are rooted in the experiences of the local survivor community, distinguishing it from national museums (History Hit).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and major holidays
Note: The museum is closed for expansion from June 3 to November 11, 2024, with virtual and off-site programming available during this period (Discover Los Angeles).

Tickets and Admission

Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $10
Students (with valid ID): Free
Children under 17: Free
Sundays: Free for all visitors (tickets required)
Group Visits: Guided tours available by appointment; self-guided audio tours (English/Spanish) included in admission
How to Buy: Purchase tickets online via the museum’s website or at the entrance. Online booking is recommended (The Better Vacation).

Location and Directions

Address: 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (inside Pan Pacific Park)
Parking: Paid parking at The Grove (discounted with museum validation); limited street parking nearby
Public Transit: Accessible via Metro bus lines and Metro Expo Line; short walk from The Grove and Farmers Market (Holocaust Museum LA – Visit)

Accessibility

Fully ADA accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Assistive listening devices, Braille materials, and ASL tours available upon request
Family-friendly content and programming for all ages

Visitor Amenities and Policies

Accessible restrooms and reflection spaces
Non-flash photography allowed except in restricted areas; check with staff for exhibit-specific policies
Security screening and bag checks upon entry
No food or drink (except water) in galleries

Visitor Tips

Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full visit
Prepare for emotionally intense content; allow time for reflection
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like The Grove and the Farmers Market for a full day out
Check the museum’s calendar for survivor talks, lectures, and special events

Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent and Rotating Exhibits

Chronological Narrative: Galleries follow Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust, with evolving lighting and atmosphere for immersive storytelling (Holocaust Museum LA).
Survivor Testimonies: The “Tree of Testimony” features over 51,000 video interviews. Interactive survivor holograms are presented in the “Dimensions in Testimony” exhibit (Holidify).
Artifacts: Personal belongings, documents, and artworks (including those of Erich Lichtblau-Leskly from Theresienstadt) illustrate resistance and daily life (Holocaust Museum LA Educator Resources).
Sobibor Model: A detailed scale model educates visitors on the mechanics of genocide and escape stories (Daily Breeze).
Boxcar Pavilion: The upcoming expansion will display an authentic boxcar used in deportations, deepening the historical connection.

Digital and Interactive Features

Augmented Reality App: Offers interactive exploration of Sobibor and survivor stories
Online Resources: Virtual tours, digital exhibitions, and downloadable media for global audiences

Educational Programs

School Tours: Free admission and age-appropriate, guided experiences for students (Holocaust Museum LA Visit)
Teacher Training: Curricula, guides, and professional development workshops
Community Engagement: Annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration, public lectures, and a Teen Advisory Board (The Corsair)
Internships and Volunteering: Opportunities for students and the public (Holocaust Museum LA Programs)
Digital Learning: Online events and remote access resources

Expansion: The Jona Goldrich Campus

Project Overview

The $50 million expansion, expected to complete in late 2025, will nearly double the museum’s space and add:

2,500-square-foot gallery for rotating exhibits
200-seat theater for survivor talks and interactive hologram presentations
Classrooms and enhanced educational facilities
Rooftop Boxcar Pavilion with nighttime illumination
Reflective memorial gardens and outdoor spaces
Enhanced accessibility and visitor amenities (Urbanize LA)

Vision and Community Impact

The expanded campus will accommodate up to 500,000 annual visitors, with a strong focus on serving students and educators. The continued integration of advanced technology and survivor stories ensures that Holocaust education remains engaging and relevant for future generations (Jewish Journal).

Practical Information

Booking and Tickets

Advance booking is recommended, especially for free admission days and group tours
Audio guides in English and Spanish are available for free
Contact: [email protected] (general inquiries); [email protected] (tours)

Security

Security screening and bag checks are required for all visitors (losangelescitypass.com)

Visitor Amenities

Accessible restrooms, seating, and rest areas
Family-friendly programming and reflection spaces

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

The Grove and Original Farmers Market: Shopping and dining within walking distance
LACMA and La Brea Tar Pits: Other nearby cultural destinations
Fairfax District: Rich in Jewish heritage and cultural history

Visuals and Media

Explore virtual tours and high-quality exhibit photos on the museum’s website. Images are tagged with SEO keywords such as “Holocaust Museum LA visiting hours” and “Los Angeles historical sites” for pre-visit planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Holocaust Museum LA’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays. Temporarily closed June 3–November 11, 2024, for expansion.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults $15, seniors $10, students and children under 17 free. Free admission for all on Sundays; tickets required.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, fully ADA accessible with assistive devices and ASL tours available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, reserve in advance for guided group tours; self-guided audio tours available.

Q: Where is parking?
A: Paid parking at The Grove, with discount for museum visitors; limited street parking nearby.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; check with staff for any restrictions.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Holocaust Museum LA stands as a cornerstone of remembrance, education, and cultural reflection. Its thoughtfully designed exhibitions, survivor-centered programming, and commitment to accessibility make it a must-visit site for anyone interested in history, education, or social justice. Plan your visit by purchasing tickets online, explore virtual resources, and check for updates on special events and expansion progress. For an even richer experience, download the Audiala app for audio guides and exclusive content, and consider exploring nearby Los Angeles historical sites to round out your visit.