Holocaust Memorial

Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Milwaukee is home to several powerful sites dedicated to Holocaust remembrance and education, each offering visitors opportunities for reflection, learning, and engagement with vital historical and contemporary issues. This guide covers essential information on the Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee, America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM), and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC)—key institutions shaping the city’s rich landscape of historical memory and social justice.

Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, this comprehensive guide provides details on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions. It also explores each site’s history, artistic vision, and community significance, helping you plan a meaningful and respectful visit.

For up-to-date information and virtual resources, check official museum websites and consider downloading the Audiala app for digital tours and event notifications.

Introduction
Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee: Artistic Vision and Symbolism
Community Role and Cultural Significance
Visiting Hours and Admission
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Guided Tours and Photography
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
America’s Black Holocaust Museum: Historical Background and Exhibits
Visitor Experience and Practical Information
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center
Visitor FAQs
Conclusion and Next Steps
References

Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee: Artistic Vision and Symbolism

Located on the grounds of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee is a striking work of public art and a contemplative space for remembrance. Created by Claire Lieberman in 1983, the memorial’s design is rich in symbolism:

Entrance Panels: Twenty-two trapezoidal Corten steel panels, inscribed with the names of Nazi concentration camps, flank the entrance. The rusted, weathered steel resembles pages of a book, representing the act of remembering and the persistence of sorrow.
Central Obelisk: At the memorial’s heart stands a granite obelisk marked with a yellow band, referencing the yellow badges Jews were forced to wear. The Hebrew word “Zakhor” (זכור, meaning “remember”) is inscribed, underscoring the importance of memory and resilience.
Railroad Ties: At the entrance, railroad ties evoke the trains that transported millions of Jews to concentration camps.
Circular Space: The brick paving and granite seating form a circular area, inviting visitors into a communal experience of reflection and remembrance.

Community Role and Cultural Significance

The memorial is a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s Jewish community and a focal point for citywide Holocaust remembrance. It hosts annual commemorations such as Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and serves as a gathering place for survivors, descendants, and the wider public.

Located within the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the memorial is part of a broader mission to preserve Jewish history and culture and to promote education and dialogue about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee (Jewish Museum Milwaukee)

Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Closed: Saturdays and major Jewish holidays
Admission:
- Adults: $9.00
- Seniors, students, and disabled visitors: Discounted rates
- Children under six and active-duty military: Free
- Tickets are available on-site or can be reserved in advance, especially recommended for groups or special events.

For the latest updates, visit the Jewish Museum Milwaukee website.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

The memorial and museum are fully wheelchair accessible, with handicapped parking and stroller-friendly paths.
Service animals are welcome.
Visitors are asked to maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor, refrain from eating or drinking on the grounds, and avoid touching the artwork.
Photography is permitted in most areas, but flash and disruptive equipment are not allowed.
Large bags and coats should be stored at the front desk.

Guided Tours and Photography

Guided Tours: Available by appointment, guided tours provide valuable historical context and insights into the memorial’s symbolism.
Photography: The entrance panels and central obelisk offer thoughtful photographic opportunities. Please be respectful of the space and other visitors.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

The memorial is centrally located in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, close to other cultural sites such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, Lake Michigan waterfront, and America’s Black Holocaust Museum.
Public transportation is available via Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Route 30, The Hop streetcar, and Bublr Bike stations.
Parking is available on the street and in a lot behind the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.
Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the memorial and surrounding areas.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum: Historical Background and Exhibits

Founded in 1988 by Dr. James Cameron, a lynching survivor, America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) documents the African American experience of systemic racism, violence, and resilience. Located at 401 W North Ave, Milwaukee, the museum:

Chronicles Seven Historical Eras: From African civilizations and the transatlantic slave trade to contemporary struggles and reconciliation.
Features Special Exhibits: Such as “Risking Everything: A Freedom Summer Exhibit” and “Unmasked: The 1935 Anti-Lynching Exhibits & Community Remembrance.”
Utilizes Interactive Media: Including digital storytelling, video interviews, and immersive installations.

ABHM is a vital educational and cultural hub, connecting the history of the Holocaust with ongoing struggles for justice and equality in the U.S.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Admission: Free, with donations encouraged. Group tours and educational visits can be arranged by appointment.
Accessibility: The Griot building is fully accessible with wheelchair access and assistive listening devices.
Facilities: Restrooms, water fountains, and a gift shop are available.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Workshops and Lectures: Regularly scheduled talks, survivor testimonies, and forums.
School Programs: Age-appropriate educational experiences and resources for students and educators.
Digital Resources: Virtual exhibits and online archives accessible via the museum website.
Community Events: Annual Juneteenth and Black History Month commemorations.

For more information, visit the official ABHM website.

The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center

HERC is Milwaukee’s leading Holocaust education resource, providing:

Library and Archives: Survivor testimonies, teaching trunks, and historical materials.
Public Programs: Lectures, film series, speaker’s bureau, and book clubs.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Admission: Free; some events may require registration.
Accessibility: Fully accessible facility with ample parking and public transit options.

HERC’s mission is to deepen understanding of the Holocaust, combat hatred, and promote tolerance and respect.

Visitor FAQs

Q: What are the Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee visiting hours?
A: Monday–Thursday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am–3:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 pm–4:00 pm. Closed Saturdays and major Jewish holidays.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Jewish Museum Milwaukee: $9 for adults; discounts for seniors, students, and disabled visitors; free for children under six and active-duty military. ABHM and HERC: Free, with donations encouraged.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, at all three sites. Advance booking is recommended for groups.

Q: Are the sites accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, all locations are fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography is allowed in most areas (without flash or tripods) but should be respectful.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Street and lot parking are available at Jewish Museum Milwaukee; ABHM and HERC both offer nearby parking and are accessible via public transportation.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Milwaukee’s Holocaust memorials and educational institutions provide profound opportunities for remembrance, education, and the promotion of social justice. By visiting the Holocaust Memorial Milwaukee, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, you join a community dedicated to honoring the past and building a more informed, empathetic future.