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Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
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Al
Review №1

Went here for the Ruth Vader Ginsburg exhibit, which was nicely curated. The main exhibit of the museum is highly detailed and informational. I have studied the holocaust in college, and visited other museum before, but this one still held lots of new stories and information.Plan to spend many hours here if you are someone who likes to read all or most of the plaques.

Ri
Review №2

Very Interesting place, I am glad I visited. You need a few hours to go through this place, theres a lot to see. The staff are very helpful.

Dy
Review №3

Very, Very cool and amazing staff. The Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit was amazing. The hologram exhibit was amazing too. Overall an amazing place.

Ga
Review №4

This is truly a hidden gem, we love this museum. Yes, it is a very somber place, but the history and stories is what always takes us back. This time was for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit which was outstanding (One of our favorite people of all time) they did RBG a GREAT JUSTICE!While there we also went up to the third floor for the ghetto art on display. The gift shop, always one of our favorites was open but extremely limited access to gift shop items.Go and see and learn our history, without history we are doomed to repeat our mistakes!

ya
Review №5

Spent about 3.5 hours here and still didnt get to see it all. Very educationally. Theres a hologram experience presentation but if you have to choose between that and a guided tour I would say go with the guided tour. My family and I got a mini tour from Ron (while he rerouted us around the construction site), his parents are Holocaust survivors and gave us a little backstory which we all enjoyed learning about!

As
Review №6

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center: A sorrowful reminder of the pastBy Ashley Medina ’20Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a museum dedicated to remember the grim effects of the holocaust and to prevent another one from ever happening again. The Holocaust Museum has gentle staff, meaningful exhibits, and a unique atmosphere.As soon as we opened the door to the Holocaust Museum, we were greeted with a warm smile from the security guard. Once we were inside, we needed to pass through the metal detector. The staff members were extremely kind as they directed us through the metal detector.As soon as my friends and I went past the metal detector, we were greeted by another staff member that directed us towards the front desk. The person at the front desk was fast to offer us assistance with finding each exhibit.My friends and I went straight to the Take a Stand Center exhibition. In this exhibit, we were able to see a Holocaust survivor give his or her personal experience. This exhibition gave us the ability to interact with a woman who had survived the Holocaust. This interaction was transmitted thanks to a 3-D hologram. Through this exhibition, we were allowed to get a more personal and direct experience of the holocaust. I was truly moved to see how strong the survivors were.The exhibits were not the only meaningful thing at the museum. The atmosphere as a whole was also very meaningful. It was very quiet throughout the whole museum. I think that this helped display the emotions that this museum evokes. The quiet atmosphere helped exemplify how visitors were taking in all of the information that the exhibits have on display. The quiet atmosphere also showed that people were being respectful about the information that they were provided.The lighting at the museum also added to the unique atmosphere. The dim lights helped illustrate both the sadness and darkness that the Holocaust caused. The use of dim lights all throughout the museum, helped me visualize the dark empty hole that the Holocaust continues to have on the lives of individuals. The dim lights also helped display how the tragic effects of the holocaust continue to live in the hearts of many.An unsatisfied guest mentioned, “I love museums and this one holds a special interest for me. But whenever I go the staff is so rude and short with me if I have a question about anything.” I would totally disagree with this guest because I felt as if the staff was incredibly helpful until the second that we left the museum. The holocaust museum is very educational and many students such as ourselves would totally benefit from it.Address: 9603 Woods Dr, SkokieHours: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Phone Number: 847-967-480

ca
Review №7

Travelled from Ireland in 2019. Always wanted to see this museum. I had seen most of the movie reels and such but this really informed me in a different way. Its a place all people should visit, in order to keep our eyes firmly on the ball. It begins with ourselves. Treat someone how you want to be treated. The staff were so warm and friendlyand gracious. Nevertheless it took my soul down for a good while afterwards, and it still haunts me. The fear, what they suffered... I cant imagine.

Sc
Review №8

Great museum well worth the visit, very educational. The special RBG exhibit was great. Definitely a MUST SEE

Ru
Review №9

Moving, powerful experience. Be sure to take in the hologram theater program. The RBG exhibit is small, but a must see.

Em
Review №10

Very enlightening. amazing volunteer Carolyn shared so much with us

Sc
Review №11

Had to see the RBG exhibit before shutdown. Felt very safe.

Sa
Review №12

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit is a wonderful tribute to her legacy. We worth seeing.

An
Review №13

Amazing museum. Beautifully done. Loved the Notorious RBG exhibit. To see it all you need at least 5 or 6 hours!

Su
Review №14

A must visit for every citizen to learn about this dark period in world history to ensure that it never happens again

Ca
Review №15

Amazing place. Never forget! The RBG exhibit is amazing.

Ch
Review №16

Came here with my husband and 3 kids (17,13, and 8). We were warned before entering some things might not be age appropriate.Being that History is ugly, we did not let that deter us.I have read countless books and seen tons of documentaries, but seeing it up close like that. I want to say we loved it, but that seems like a poor choice of words.It was an excellent reminder to not let this happen again.

Sy
Review №17

Incredible museum! Take a guided tour and watch the hologram, both are worth the time! Big thanks to all the docents and staff who made todays visit possible!

Ma
Review №18

Went here for a field trip for school and it was a powerful and moving experience. The lighting and guided tour really added to the experience. Includes real photos, stories, movies, and informational books. As someone who is not jewish this really opened my eyes to the anti-semitic prejudice that still exists in our world and would highly recommend coming here to educate yourself. However, would not bring kids here until they are older and educate them at home for now.

Ba
Review №19

This is a must-experience for everyone. Very well done with a fantastic crew of helpful volunteers. Plan on spending a few hours to see everything. There are so many personal stories and artifacts. The hologram exhibit is really cool.

An
Review №20

Very eye - opening. Definitely a must visit for all ages and ethnicities.

Mo
Review №21

The museum was beautifully done and an incredible tribute to those that were lost and those that lived. It is vital to give names, faces and voices to the people that suffered in the Holocaust and to expand upon what happened and why. It is harrowing to see the similarities in rhetoric and actions still happening, but provides that much more reason as to why we must not be silent. I am honored to have the opportunity to engage and recommend it to anyone!

Kr
Review №22

So significant I am speechless. I was there for four hours but could have stayed longer. The special exhibit on Ruth Bader Ginsburg was awesome. Dont plan on doing anything after...its mentally and emotionally draining, but a must see.

Re
Review №23

My 6 year old daughter and I enjoyed everything about this Museum. This is a MUST for every student K-12

Ch
Review №24

I went here in 5th grade with my class. It was an interesting experience. Lots of sad history. We had been learning about the holocaust in our class and this was the perfect field trip to top it off

Ag
Review №25

Went there for my childs field trip. The staff and tour guides were all so friendly and helpful. The museum is perfectly set up, allowing you the full education and impact of what happened during that time in our history. From the very beginning the kids were completely engaged. Knowledge is power!

Au
Review №26

I really enjoyed touring the museum with my kids. My tour guide was so knowledgeable and involved everyone in the learning process. I also loved the holograph show.

Sa
Review №27

We loved the museum, even the kids liked it, surprisingly. We didn’t have time to go through all the exhibits. We are planning to go again and complete the rest. We actually cut short our self-guided audio tour to visit the hologram theater. Though the technology is great we thought we might have better spent the time with the permanent exhibits. The hologram experience would have been powerful if we had specific questions which the survivor answered. We didn’t have any. The free audio tour was very helpful. The visit inspired me to read more about the holocaust.

Da
Review №28

This museum is a worthy tribute to those whose lives were affected from the Holocaust, and those whose lives were lost. The exhibits are raw and introspective, and give vital information about this tragic event in history. The facilities are clean, and it is not too pricey. It is an overall well-kept and special museum.

Be
Review №29

A place all should visit to empower yourself to make change. Changes to ones own life, but for those around us as well. Similar patterns exist in the world today, so we can it be blind to them...as we are part of the problem, rather than the solution.

Bi
Review №30

Stepping the sacred ground there, I believe, it take you down to the hard-to-digest history of untold misery 11 million of our brothers and sisters who came to tread the planet like all of us. One cannot just walk away cool cursing the proper name of a historical figure.... Beyond They should have done this or that, what happens to you in your heart, when you see and feel the unfolding events has the the sure power to make you more humane and human...!

Mo
Review №31

Very interesting. A lot to see and learn.

KC
Review №32

Some of the artifacts they have displayed include information that isnt necessarily factual.

Ch
Review №33

I made repeated visits to this museum and found the display and the staff very interesting and very friendly. Really recommend visiting and talking and learning and interacting. I also dont think theres anything like it nearby,. When I visit the place, buses with school kids and college students park nearby, and that actually just makes the visit experience better and richer for me. (The more - visitors - the merrier). The neighborhood nearby os pretty, and theres a boardwalk, so all this adds up to a warm recommendation.Lastly, this is a Holocaust Museum, and I find it educational and well-thought of. As such, its not a iconic institution, but again, certainly worth visiting.

Da
Review №34

I work here so its awesome.

Ge
Review №35

Wow!!! Fantastic!!! The holographic survivors well worth it. This is a full day experience if you want it to be. Very interactive and staff is very helpful. They offer guided and non guided tours.

Co
Review №36

What a fantastic cultural experience. The exhibits are thought provoking. The RBG section was quite interesting. The hologram experience is unforgettable. Highly recommended. Also has a helpful and friendly staff.

Za
Review №37

This was a very elegant and beautiful memorial for those who came to live in Chicago after the war. The staff were very helpful and polite. If you happen to be in the area, go to see the history it shares and embrace it.

Re
Review №38

A truly meaningful experience.

Ch
Review №39

While driving to Chicago we seen a sign that said Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. I had no idea that they actually had this in Illinois. Well on our way back to Wisconsin we had enough time to make a stop here, luckily they close late on Thursdays. Its a very informative place and very detailed I gotta say.You can see videos of survivors. A timeline of events of how everything started. There was this one frame they showed in the millions of how many Jewish people lived in Germany and what was left after WWII was over. They had pictures of many of the concentration camps, death squads killing of men, woman and children. Its horrible how they even had actual video of this, before you enter this particular room they do warn you about the graphic details you will see. There are some parts where they dont allow you to take pictures or video.This is definitely a place that should be visited, to learn some history and make sure its never repeated again. We would return again especially since in the last 30 minutes we rushed through it.

Gi
Review №40

An outstanding somber experience. The structure itself reminds you of confinement. The permanent exhibit fully captures holocaust experience. It is aconversation starter. A true piece of history explained.

Fr
Review №41

As always, a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum is such a humbling but highly rewarding experience. And seeing the RBG presentation was equally unique. I recommend that everybody nearby visits to learn more about how the judicial system in our world works and how this one person is such an influence.

Je
Review №42

Ive been to the one in DC and Im a bit surprised something this extensive and well done is here in the Chicago area. While very good its emotionally draining. The layout is easy to guide yourself through the various stages and in the right order. I never found myself confused about which way to go next. They have a good mix of video, plaques, and assorted media to satisfy various preferences amongst people trying to learn this painful subject. You can deep dive or not, whatever you prefer. It does freak me out, this level of hatred. Calling names is bad enough but industrializing death, man, thats just so messed up.

Ed
Review №43

Notorious RBG is a fantastic exhibit!

do
Review №44

A must see to learn so much about why the holocaust should never be forgotten. The guided tour was well done. This is a very emotional experience but a real wake up call.

Am
Review №45

Educational museum a little further out from the city. Lots to see. Very eye opening and grateful for the experience!

Jo
Review №46

Amazing museum! I saw their special exhibit honoring Bill Graham and Rock and Roll so they had artifacts from famous rockers.I was also there for the grand opening of their Take A Stand Center and the holographic survivor story interactive experience. Five local survivors spoke at the event and I was greatly honored to be there for that.I highly recommend you not miss the holographic presentation! USC Shoah spent a great deal of time compiling the footage of survivors and theyve put together an amazing program that I hope long outlives the survivors so that their stories can reach generations to come.Pictures are not allowed in the main exhibit and the rules vary for the special exhibits so pay attention to signs.Youll want to devote a minimum of two hours to really experience the main Holocaust exhibit.

Au
Review №47

Great RBG exhibit

th
Review №48

One if the things I like about the museum was that it has a few of the artifacts from the time period, including one if the actual railroad cars that the prisoners were transported in. Stepping inside that railroad car was eerie indeed. Seeing how little room there was from end to end and the very low ceiling. What a horrible journey it myst have been from beginning to end. I actually wish that the museum was bigger so it could display more artifacts. Also, and some people may disagree, the stories and presentations seemed somewhat sanitized. Ive watched many documentaries and movies on the subject and I dont think that the real horror and terror of the time was truly conveyed. Hence, four stars instead of five.

Am
Review №49

The people were so nice and organized. My students went right in. Our group tour guide made it such a special experience with her very personal accounts. If you are studying the haulacost this is a must see experience!

Fr
Review №50

Very unique and eye opening experience

Va
Review №51

Really enjoyed the experience. The staff was great. Really enjoyed our tour with Sue. She was fabulous!

De
Review №52

Had a very fun time here and a lot of history worth checking out will highly recommend and its a place to see history avoid driving if u can and take cta or a bus line besides this it is a fun place like a movie theather you will enjoy this museum

Ju
Review №53

We visited for the first time today, and fully intend on returning. We joined in on a tour and our guide was very knowledgeable, and the information was very in depth. Dont pass this one up.

so
Review №54

Its very good information and they also have tours for people who want to understand it more and there is a holographic of a person who was actually in the Holocaust that you can ask them questions.There is also a train that you can go inside up and feel how they felt

th
Review №55

I have taken my students on field trips to this museum multiple times, and we always have a great experience.

ti
Review №56

Good museum to learn and see verious perspectives on the holocaust. a must visit if you like history. i appreciated the hollagram interactive exhibit with a holocaust survivor, but I thought it was a little hokey.

El
Review №57

In Evanston area for sons wedding and happened upon this museum, so glad we did... started out on our own when we caught up with the guided tour so we joined... Steven, the docent, was AWESOME! Very personable and knowledgeable, spent time in every section but kept the tour moving... always asked if anyone had comments/questions before moving on to ensure it wasn’t too fast/slow. Our 10 year old is not a fan of guided tours but Steven even held his attention the entire time.

La
Review №58

Such a emotional and beautiful place to visit.

Ma
Review №59

Great information and the original items on display are amazing. Go in early in order to enjoy the whole tour without missing things.

Ma
Review №60

It was a beautiful place I learn a lot of history.

Ff
Review №61

PHENOMENAL LEARNING & EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE! So much to see and learn that even in our 3 hours, we STILL didnt cover the entire museum... WE WILL GO BACK

Me
Review №62

This is a place everyone should visit. We must never forget. This museum had the exhibit - The Last Goodbye for several months. I scheduled the 20m virtual tour close to a month in advance. We are not close to Skokie, 1hr. 22m drive from Capron, Il. Somehow another person was also scheduled in the time slot I had and it seemed as though I would not be able to view the event. Believe me, the museum is an entire day event without this 20m virtual tour, but I was truly disappointed. It was booked solidly through the final day. I would say the museum staff, which I believe quite a few are volunteer, worked tirelessly to manage me into an already full schedule, so ultimately, I did see the virtual tour ~ wonderful. In addition to the main section of the museum which they say is about a three hour self guided tour, they have a holographic theatre (permanent exhibit) with survivor, Sam Harris telling his story and a question and answer session immediately following. Its hard to say a wonderful place because the museum documents horrific unimaginable crimes, but this is necessary documentation and they have carried out the assorted stories beautifully. This holocaust museum, I am told, is second in size only to NY museum. (USA) This is a not to be missed place. The only improvement I would say would be for there to be a small café where you could have a bite to eat, or a cup of tea or coffee. They do have a area of vending machines we were told on the lower level, we did not go see it. The museum is a great and humbling experience. Dont miss it.

Ra
Review №63

An important institution that meticulously tells the story of one of the darkest chapters in world history. Everyone should take the time to visit.

Za
Review №64

Great experience I went for the student Leadership Day event the things we talked about really were interesting.

Gl
Review №65

Great place to learn about a real historical holocaust. Very educational with a live hologram question and answers from survivor. A truly impressive place!

St
Review №66

Very touching, a lot to see and organized really well. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable.

Je
Review №67

Beautifully done, powerful and moving.

Co
Review №68

This museum is carefully and beautifully curated. The permeant exhibit takes you on a journey from Jewish life in the late 1800s, to the rise of Hitler, to the systematic dehumanization of targeted populations (primarily Jews, but also the handicap, gypsies, etc), to the atrocities of concentrations camps, to the liberation of Nazi occupied lands, and up to the trials and triumphs of survivors rebuilding their lives. This museum is powerful and emotional. Give yourself enough time to take it all in. This is not the type of museum you can rush through.

Ch
Review №69

Somber. Enlightening. Masterfully crafted to hold interest, even when the information is its heaviest.

to
Review №70

I went today in the museum.I am teacher in school.I forget my money.The woman in the cashier told me that we are not charity..And he call the security to to trough me out..The advertising that the museam will not resuse the entrance for people that they do not have the 15 $ entrance....So be careful.. otherwise you will have problem with these people.Bad manners and behavior..I WILL NOT RECOMMEND VISOT TO ANYONE.

Is
Review №71

Totally worth it, a very inspiring and meaningful place, where you can get touch by the important history events that mark humanity.Con: there was a construction in process in the middle of the exhibition so we didnt get to experience an important part of the museum.Pro: The hologram was awesome

Da
Review №72

Lot of history here. Great place if you like to learn more about the Holocaust.

Al
Review №73

One of the important places to visit if you are interested in becoming a human rights activist.

ro
Review №74

It was an amazing experience! I learned so much from Ms. Nanci. This is one of the most atrocious events in man’s history! I was deeply moved and vow to always speak up!With knowledge comes power. Thank you to Ms. Nanci and the museum staff!

Ri
Review №75

It is odd, to say the least, to be asked to review a museum dedicated to the shoah. This museum is incredibly thoughtful from the architecture through the exhibits. It is powerful and thought provoking. We can respond today only by marking and remembering and working so that it never happens again.

AJ
Review №76

Words cannot quite express this experience. Our tour guide was phenomenol. Shares the resilience and The Righteous who saved lives. Thanks to all who brought this museum together.

Da
Review №77

Very sobering look at our history...

Ma
Review №78

Great place to learn and honor the past. The more we learn about what happened the less likely we are to repeat the mistakes.

Co
Review №79

A great, high quality museum providing a sincere and humbling experience. Would recommend to anyone touring the Chicago area.

Br
Review №80

My wife wanted a membership. I thought she was nuts. She finally got me to go and I found it absolutely incredible. I wanted to read everything but that would have taken hours, like a full day. The new hologram show where you ask a hologram of a former survivor questions is really cool, especially when they tell their stories. It is kid friendly and the local middle schools go there on field trips. They should have built a larger and more comfortable theater for special events but overall, its not to be missed. We need to remember mankinds histories or we are destined to repeat mankinds histories.

Ka
Review №81

Breath taking building full of history which will be there for generations to come to learn and understand what The Greatest Generation went through during WW 2.Without giving too much away you will get a preview of the Jewish Lifecycles and traditions prior to WW 2. Moving on topost WW 1 to Pre WW 2 into WW 2 then ending with after the war. So many things to read, see and touch.As a bonus there is a childrens area to talk and learn about the problem of bulling in school and life.As a girlfriend of a child of a survivor, it gave me a deeper appreciation of what his father went through to get to USA and settle here in Skokie.

Bo
Review №82

The main exhibit at Illinois Holocaust museum is always eye opening, gut-wrenching, informative and humanizing. Sold Lives A detailed exhibit of the Louisiana slave trade.It is worth your time to see the exhibit before it leaves on August 25th 2009!

Em
Review №83

A valuable and somber experience. One of the better holocaust museums Ive been to. The holographic theater is an amazing way to keep stories alive.

Ti
Review №84

Very powerful and very educational and informative and very much needed for others to learn the truth

Ma
Review №85

Was very impressed with this museum. I highly recommend it to everyone. Our guide is the daughter of two survivors. She was very knowledgeable with a lot of stories. Security is over the top but definitely worth seeing.

Te
Review №86

It was an emotional experience for me.It is such a wealth of information. The pictures, video clips,and dont forget to go to the hologram theater. You can spend a few hours in here. Im glad we came

El
Review №87

Candy was an excellent guide. It was especially moving when she shared her own personal family experiences.

An
Review №88

Very informative and moving. I will never forget what I learned today and the brave survivors that were represented and willing to share their horrific experiences. Your strength is so inspiring to me. Thank you. God bless you all.

Ma
Review №89

Incredible museum inclusive of all injustices against humanity. The permanent exhibit is incredible and the special exhibits should not be missed. This is a museum you can go to again and again!

Ja
Review №90

I was visiting the area and realized I had never been here. Enjoyable visit. I thought maybe it would be depressing. It was not. It was uplifting.Excellent exhibits, some of which change. Nice gift/book store.I would come again next time I visit the area.

Ak
Review №91

Great place to learn about the Holocaust. Our tour guide was the best.

R
Review №92

It was amazing so detailed & love the fact they have tour guides & a self guided tour. Im from Cincinnati & came on a day where admission was free even still I found the museum totally worth the price . My friend and I went on a guided tour with Dayla I think or something like that and she was great , very detailed & told amazing stories on the side. I really recommend , this is definitely a hidden treasure .

Da
Review №93

This just a humbling place to visit. Human rights for everyone is its goal, through visiting the past.

Al
Review №94

Poignant...moving...educational. SUPERB Docent! Make the time to visit and honor the memories of the millions who suffered mans inhumanity to man.

Je
Review №95

The holographic interview with a survivor was worth the trip. Amazing!

Al
Review №96

A haunting reminder of things past... One can only imagine the stark reality at that time. Kindness requires understanding of the past with mutual respect of our differences. By accepting the differences, human beings can cooperate and need not go down that path again.

An
Review №97

Servicio. not allow students yo visité a Germain área after parking full prize.

Mさ
Review №98

I feel very grateful that I had the chance to visit this museum with my family. On the day we visited, a holocaust survivor was sitting at a desk. I did not get to talk to her as our youngest was hungry and wanted to leave, but I respect her commitment very much and I wish I could talk to her. The exhibits are exceptionally well done. This museum deserves a much wider recognition. Its only 13 miles from OHare. Highly recommended.

Aa
Review №99

Heart touching place. Stays in your mind for long. The staff are very helpful with everything you need.

jj
Review №100

Very informative and a lot to see. Well worth the visit.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:9603 Woods Dr, Skokie, IL 60077, United States
  • Site:http://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/
  • Phone:+1 847-967-4800
Categories
  • History museum
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:10am–5pm
  • Thursday:10am–5pm
  • Friday:10am–5pm
  • Saturday:10am–5pm
  • Sunday:10am–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Restaurant:No
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