Reviews of Virginia Holocaust Museum (Museum)

Brian McGarry

Really awesome experience. I've been avoiding this for years because I thought it would be depressing, but the museum is curated very well and has a nice little story to follow throughout.

F. Kay Boyer

Wow. This museum will appeal to all ages and has many different exhibits for you to wander through. Very informational. There's a quaint gift shop near the entrance.

Charlie R

Was such a fun educational experience. Was nice to learn about history and see what they went through. If you enjoy history the check out the Museum. Can also make donations to help out the museum.

Don

Very interesting, self guided, with focus on Richmond survivors.

David Johnson

Free and a wealth of information. Well work the trip. My main complaint though was dealing with all the school tours made it very hard for everyone else to be able to read and lol at everything. Before you go maybe call and see if they'll be any school tours that day.

Adam Nichols

This is a neat museum, and an excellent tribute to remember all those who lost their lives tragically during the Holocaust. Much of the exhibit still seems to be a work in progress (being some areas) were under construction. The automatic lighting or motion lighting is cool and energy efficient, but did not always work...so you have to dance around in the darkness before some of the lights turn on when walking through the exhibition. I would be anxious to return down the road to see if any improvements are made.

Teddy Lados

wonderful museum. Stays very true to Jewish culture. Very informative and touching. Certainly worth a stop

Kimberly Robinson

Everyone should go.... You will never be the same after seeing the horror of the Jews' tribulation.

Klayton Seavey

Loved it. Took my 16 year old daughter and had a great time.

George Gallagher

It is a great way to spend a day. It is an experience, not a pleasure.

Jennifer Goss

Wonderful museum whose recent revisions make it even more valuable. Worth the visit.

Ellen Mitchell

This was a frightening place. The thought that one person or one group if people could convince so many that another group as a whole had to be annihilated is beyond comprehension.

Beverly Flach

This was a moving experience.

Dale Shelton

Good, but not as good as Dachau or Auschwitz. But we need not forget our past for our future will repeat or history will repeat itself.

Keith and Sarah Rakofsky

Moving & powerful.

Jennifer Saulters

We remember.... Great place to learn about the Holocaust

michele sayre

Very moving. So well done. Leave plenty of time or plan a couple of days to see it all.

Nikki Longo

Go. Just go. It's free but please consider leaving a donation if possible to get them continue offering this to the public. It's extremely moving and very immersive.

Adolfo Sotelo

It’s not just close to Washington’s VHM in content but perhaps more intimate to share the pain.

Jenn Jenkins

Wonderful place , tastefully done. Felt comfortable taking my middle schoolers thru it.

Sharon Lopez

This museum was so very well done. I got there early and they have a dedicated parking lot with ample number of spots. They opened right on time and the three young people at the desk were helpful. I opted to skip the film at the beginning and worked my way through the museum. They have it in chronological order and focus on the Holocaust in different parts of Europe so I learned a lot. The artifacts were interesting but it was the photos that really struck you. It was a moving experience and free (accept donations).

Judi Hrapko

There's an amazing amount of information to absorb. It's really informative and important history.

treasuredmind

This museum was a fantastic place to spend a rainy afternoon. I personally preferred it to the one in DC, but they both are great and worth the visit. I am thankful we took the time to stop in. We parked on the street close by with ease.

Chris Darko

Great place to learn about the history of the holocaust and the price that was paid

June Van Thoen

Powerful and moving.

Terry Barker

Just an excellent layout and top notch exhibits. It will make you sad, but impressed.

Marilu Horning

It was a good experience. Very emotional place. I recommend it

Dell workout

Great place to learn about the holocaust!

SuzieQ S.

My two 13 yrs grandkids really liked it. The had just finish learning about it at school. Very insighful!

Brett Hopkins

It is a self guided tour, but it is free. It was very emotional and done well. I have been to three so far, and while the one in DC was my favorite, I think they did a great job here.

Ike Tucker

Fantastic learning experience and the staff was great.

Eloisa Vega-Nelson

OMG. If you are emotional don't go this had me and my son's girlfriend in tears. The injustice of the holocaust. And we complain about everything. Don't know how well we have it.

Michael Valdivielso

I have been to the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Once in the old building and once in this new one. Wonderful world class museum. I am not sure if the people of Richmond or those of Virginia truly understand how impressive the building, the exhibit, the artifacts are. Just very world class - I would put this up there with museums I have visited in Europe and the rest of North America. If visiting out of the US, and you could only visit one museum, I would strongly suggest this Holocaust museum over the one in DC. Just, it is THAT good. You can feel how much emotion and energy went into trying to tell the stories of the people, the families, the victims in this museum.

Anita Riggins

Going here will make you humble real quick. Left early was saddend with the horrors of it all.

Angelina Winten

This museum is worth a visit and can be moving at moments. There were not as many artifacts as I thought they would have and some of the exhibits were poor quality, but it is a free museum with free parking. However, I still think this museum is worth a trip and you will gain something from the experience.

Devon Favinger

Deeply moving, and an honest reminder of human nature. The museum does a great job at sharing the history and timeline of this horrific event, and I was pleased to learn it is free to the public. Our visit started with a short 15 minute introductory video that really set the tone. After, at the front desk, we were given a tour book and were able to lead ourselves through the numbered exhibits. That was neat to me because we could go at our own pace. Really enjoyed the visit, and would recommend it to anyone interested.

Matthew Bielinski

Hard to deal with. Vital history.

roxibel celis

Is fine

Martha Mama

nice visit very informative

Joann Stickles

Very informiable. You will learn a lot. But very sad too.

Alan G

Museum with free admission and it was great! Lots of exhibits and many stories from people that had to go through the difficult time period. It really changed the way I saw the Holocaust and I feel that everyone should visit this museum to get a view of what people had to face during times like this! Amazing!

Richard Oduyoye

A place to visit on holidays.

Rachel Swain

Amazing museum. Bigger than I expected so leave yourself plenty of time.

Therese K

As a visitor of several camps in Europe, this museum reads as a smaller story of those who settled locally. A bit disappointed to see that a quilt and thank you letter presented to the 42ND Infantry Division was displayed here without translation for the letter. Though I fell it would be more appropriate in the 42ND museum in NJ or NY. Though I in no way feel what the Germans did was justified or right, it was plain to see that the presentation's prospective was one-sided and it would serve history better to show both sides of the story.

Michael Skillingberg

Well done museum presenting the events leading up to the Holocaust, the Jewish ghettos and Nazi extermination camps, and also the post WWII problems and activities. The stories/histories of Richmond residents who survived the Holocaust or who were active in addressing immigration issues make the museum more interesting and relevant to local visitors.

Mercedes Flores

Such an amazing place. So much history and you get to stand in the actual train .

Desmond Suarez II

Really worth going. It is difficult to believe that any human could treat other humans this way. That is why this museum is so important. Humanity must not repeat such awful atrocities again. Visit and encourage your friends to go too.

Nelson Ard

Sobering, respectful treatment of one of the greatest crimes against humanity and the Jewish people in history.

Darla Jackson

Visited with grandchildren. There were great displays to go along with all of the reading material.

Jeff Matherne

Having visited seven Holocaust Museums all over the world, the Virginia Holocaust Museum is a very unique and intense experience. Helpful staff and volunteers assist in gleaning the most out of the museum, even though the exhibits themselves are hard to swallow at times due to their frank retelling of such a tragedy. The museum is clearly geared toward the horror that befell the Jews as opposed to the entirety of the Holocaust or of WWII, however this is to expected considering the non-profit organization was based on a family's individual experience. Worth a look, and a quiet afternoon of contemplation. Take a walk by the canal (across the street) following to clear your head.

Ronnie Reynolds

Highly recommended

Danielle C

So much to learn and see here. Which we had more time to visit. Will have to go again.

THE PHALKON

Very good museum, tons and tons of memorabilia; as well as lots of information on survivors who moved to the area. Very moving, very informative. Definitely a place to see at least once (and even then you will be there all day!).

Daryl Payton

A little hard to navigate but overall a good Museum

Kati Carlson

Absolutely amazing experience. We we're immediately drawn in. Everything was perfectly displayed. We had a wonderful, learning trip and will be returning.

Heather Keung

We did not have much time to take in everything at the museum but what we did see was wonderful. Very informative for people who don’t have much experience in learning about the Holocaust. Great displays. My 15 year old son was very into reading everything and learned so much. I would definitely go back if I was in the area again.

Alanna O'Neal

Free museum with plenty of ground to cover. Educational and emotional. The one in DC is still my favorite but this is a good second. There was a rotating set exhibit on the second floor that was included in the trip with some amazing art as well, so be sure to take advantage of the entire building.

L Henderson

Historic and filled with sad but truthful and great information.

Peggy Crafton

A great place to visit.

Terry K. Harrigan

Heartbreaking. Just passing through Richmond.. didn't know this was here.

seandawg54

Good place to visit and brush up on your history.

Edward Gendron

Nicely done! Very informative!

Gabrielle b

Great experience and learned alot. Plan on experiencing tons of emotions. Clean facility and friendly staff.

Kathleen

Small, dark, and only goes one direction. Understandable given the circumstances, however if you need to use the bathroom - go beforehand.

Erica James

Gives a powerpoint presentation feel. Not very emotional

Ashley

Wish it was a little more age appropriate for my children ! I have younger children. Staff is very friendly and helpful .

Scott

the Holocaust Museum in Richmond is free to enter there is no charge they do however take donations so please bring cash.

Jeanie Silvers

Great experience, everyone should go through this

Stacey Long

Loved it. Even though I learned about it in school; there's just some things they dont show you like this museum does. You even watch a little short film before touring the museum. They have a lot of history in there. They have the original railroad tracks and all. Great history/learning experience

C Henry

So much more than your typical holocaust story. This takes adults and any age child through an experience that will leave you with a broken heart and a sense of pride at the same time. Engaging for all ages, lots of things to see and learn that you probably haven't before. Dont forget to take a walk into the cattle car used to transport prisoners! Wow!

Ryan Parr

I've known someone to claim to be a prisoner in both a Russian Gulag as well as a German Concentration camp. Though this encounter spiraled me into a direction of skepticism regarding the nature of the Holocaust (of which I should not reference here, as I believe the evidence of the atrocities of WWII and the evil German government has made quite clear) it has been important for me to recognize the narrative of truth, and those whom encompass it (I don't want some misguided idiot--such as myself once upon a time--to believe the deniers and think this didn't happen, because it did; however I do believe that the truth of what happened should be made apparent, and that might suggest that the narrative of WWII was hijacked by our government to justify their own evils during the war.) This museum doesn't try to sugarcoat the reality of what took place and I believe that anyone whom starts off at the beginning of the self-guided tour and believes that is sufficient for their perusal, is selling themselves short of what this museum is about; namely that it doesn't try to bluff you with fluff and mistruths, as you could literally spend hours reading the wall details that are plainly detailing important facts about the times leading up to the war as well as what took place. For what they accomplished I should say it is a true gem for anyone wishing to explore this time, in order to make sense of it. Thank you, and I'm glad I donated $20, and wish I could do more.

Rica Gilmore

Must visit -- the in-person experience and introduction video is amazing. They say never again -- but religious oppression and physical torture is happening repeatedly in Russia today! And the higher courts are aware.

Barbara Daigneault

So very enlightening. What they went through is not to be forgotten

Jessica Fernandez

This museum is so much better than the National one in DC.

Marvin Paley

A great place to find out about the holocaust especially if you are not jewish.

Kitty Hammer

Sad but a great lay out

Latisha Futrell

Great museum. Admission was free!

Ariel

I have personally been to the Dachau Concentration Camp and even though you don't get the same feeling as being at a concentration camp, this museum does a good job of capturing the essence of the Holocaust and explaining it in a way that people of all ages can understand. I would encourage everyone to visit this museum at least once in their lifetime.

Khaled Said

A very powerful place. Great museum and friendly staff.

lu gaines

Extremely interesting, emotional & powerful. Took our time to absorb. Will go back.

Emmanuella Sarpong

Lovely place and very informative.

Amy Guimond

Telling and retelling the stories of the holocaust is no easy feat, but this museum does it beautifully. We have a huge responsibility in making sure that the holocaust is remembered and this museum is an important piece to the continued narrative that we (as a society) need to preserve. This museum was developed by survivors, and I found it particularly interesting that I could trace the threads of their stories throughout the museum. The museum does not hide the ugliness of the holocaust or sugar coat the dark side of the Third Reich, so viewer discretion is advised. Museum is free to the public, and funded on donations, so make sure to leave a donation on your way out.

jeannie head

Great Museum!!

Eva Caulder

This place holds so much history in it! We adored the wall of art. Felt like it had a lot of art instalations from various artists that threw people off a bit. There is a glass and steal art installation that everyone was assuming was a torture device. But there was a small plaque on the wall that explained to simply be a piece of art. Was interesting. The little shop at the front has so many great books for children!

Rodrigo Avila

It's necessary to remember so it will never ever repeat again.

Daniel Urdaneta

Si no words to describe what you feel and see. Inside the museum. Very well recreated scenes from WW2, and focused on that never never should happen again.

princess leia

Amazing museum. Free and everyone should be reminded of this period in time. Powerful experience

Jonathan Reese

Pretty good place, I expected more authentic memorabilia but it was more of a recreation

Michelle Chambliss

Really cool place, learned a lot.

Dianna Williams

Excellent museum! It really captures the tragic plight of the Jewish experience during that time. Would highly recommend a visit to the VA Holocaust Museum!

Thanade Sawasdee

he Virginia Holocaust Museum was an interesting experience for my family. We learned about the things that happened during the holocaust.

Queen Aikens

It was a nice look around

Sherrie Ange

Such a interesting museum. We need to always remember so this will not happen again.

Maxx Adlerman

Very powerful, very impactful, very eye opening. Very much recommend, especially if you're unaware or uninformed about the Holocaust.

The Death Sound

The Virginia Holocaust Museum was an interesting experience for my family. We learned about the things that happened during the holocaust. The Virginia Holocaust Museum had good staff that stayed on the tour the entire time, and explained everything I did not understand with ease. They lead the pact and when I had questions, they were on the ball when it came to answering.

Javier Dominguez

Very well kept and organized Museum. The personal testimonies recorded are compelling and raise strong emotions. It is truly worth a visit.

Major Key

Very informative. Love the tour

Alison Brown

Really educational exhibits. Even included photography from the Charlottesville riots, which was eye-opening for me to realize it didn't end with the Holocaust. While you're at it, request a tour guide too! They are awesome!

nikki myers

Very interesting place to go. I learned alot.

Smoke N Mirrors

So much history and information I never knew. I am not Jewish but my family did escape Germany at the beginning of the war, we were just as afraid as everyone else

Debra Neal

Staff helpful and a place everyone should visit. Very educational but sad.

Stephanie Seiter

Definitely worth the humbling visit.

Stephen Bochenski

Wonderful tribute to the survivors that moved to Virginia after such a tragedy

Anna W

This original and compelling museum is a must-see for Richmond. It's very intense and very well-done. I would highly recommend for natives and tourists alike.

ANONYMOUS

This was such a wonderfully heart breaking experience. The Holocaust has always been something I've been interested in and this museum was everything I hoped it would be. Walking through, I was overcome with so many emotions. Everything about this experience was wonderful.

Ronda Phillips

I'm in awe of this museum. The displays are in-depth and truly honor the victims and local survivors of the Holocaust. I was caught off-guard by the emotions that were stirred within the walls. This is a must-see. There is no admission fee, but donations are gladly accepted.

david k

We must learn from n never forget the horrors of the Holocaust. This museum is a must stop for all. Yes, it is tough but we owe it to those who died n suffered during this time and to ourselves, as humans, to always remember what hatred can do. The museum is set up in such a way that you travel through the timeline of history. We can't look away n we must always fight against such evil.

Lauren Oglesby

I took a group of senior citizens (wheelchair and Walker accessible) and the experience was very heavy, but the most important and amazing tour anyone had ever encountered. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and the dioramas pulled everything together. Everyone should go here at least once in their lifetime.

Jill Marks

Very moving thought provoking exhibits based on oral accounts and historical facts. I recommend it to anyone.

al co

Beautiful museum, its also free. So much to see

Pete Russell

Very informative and well done. It reminds us of the true nature and horror of the Holocaust.

Tony Wilkerson

Absolutely amazing experience at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. We’re blessed to have such an informative, honest and educating museum here in Richmond. I found the nuremberg trial exhibit towards the end of the tour fascinating. Highly recommend attending this museum at some point.

BJ P

The museum has a lot of information. The subject matter can be difficult, but it was well worth the visit.

Vk Hub

This is a very sad but important thing to learn. Very informative and always changing. Viewing discretion is recommended for ages 10 and under

Aishwarya Sharma

This is a must see in Richmond, Virginia. It has really good information and artifacts related to the Holocaust. Make sure to turn and check every nook and corner as it is filled with rare information. The museum is not suitable for children under 12 and if I remember they are not even allowed inside. One of the saddest places to visit because of what it houses inside!

Paula Scott

Sad stories but great details. So informative. An experience everyone should benefit from

Gloriela Gallimore

Great experience. Informative!!!

Thomas Campbell

This was a interesting stop on our trip. We didn't get the chance to make it to the National Holocaust museum, so we decided to stop in at this one. The self guided tour was helpful as you had the reference book to go along with each exhibit. You can tell that care was taken with each area to provide a detailed experience. Also, the propaganda exhibit on the second floor that was visiting was eye opening even for todays events. Not being from Richmond, it can be kind of a pain to get to, but it was worth the stop.

Adriana Valverde

I've lived in Virginia for 15 years and never knew this place existed. It's located in a little hidden spot of the city but there is so much history you can find here. They have free parking on site which is awesome. A must see if you are visiting Richmond.

Glen B

Very interesting museum. Definitely worth the donation based admission. Free parking. Very unique exhibits. I enjoyed this Museum immensely.

Keith Barksdale

Worth seeing. Lots to view considering it's free.

Keyshia Bracy

Really cool every one should put this on their to do list

Cryscrafts Toller

Great exhibits, friendly staff. Learned a lot.

Queen LadyKnight

A very respectful way to pay tribute to the Holocaust victims. I also thought the wax figures were a nice lively touch.

John L. Donelson

Emotionally overwhelming, but in a good way. It should move anyone to action and personal accountability. It was too much to swallow in one day, so we will return soon. It definitely wakes you up to be aware and prayerful of our current affairs.

Jonathan Fernandez

Amazing place. Take a stroll and reflect on history.

patricia Ward

Very detailed information. My sister and niece from California came to visit and wanted to see some local sites. Me and my other sister, brought them here and they really enjoyed learning what it was all about.

Cam M

Sad, interesting and well done. Definitely worth a stop!

andrew

Well done and informative. Self guided. They have guided too. A lot of information and is depressing.

Kitt Coppersmith

I learned a lot when I went the first time now I'm making sure that my grandchildren go through and learn a lot as well

Danielle Gray

The tour guides for this field trip really brought the information down to a level that the kids could comprehend. It was a good trip.

Claudette Dean

Directions most helpful. Definitely a moving, must see location

Aaron Israel

Very well done museum. A great addition to Richmond's historical institutions.

Sherri A. Thaxton, P.C.

A tour of this museum is a life-changing experience!! You will learn what truly matters in life!! We must become educated so that we don't repeat the horrific mistakes of the past. No one is too young or too old to learn about the Holocaust. It is only through education that we can build a more perfect Society the treats all with the dignity and respect due to each and every human being. May the hands that created this institution be held in the greatest of esteem for this painstaking contribution to the betterment of society!!!

Brendan Pope

I have been to a number of Holocaust Memorials and Museums. This one in Richmond is just as powerful and just as evocative as any of the others. Similar theme, it starts slowly building up the history of Jews in Germany and Poland before video of Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass) and gets deep into the Holocaust.

John Harris

Great experience that all should see and learn about so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past

Federico Rudella

European museum are much better and emotional. But interesting the configuration... keep work on it and improve it!

Joseph DeMeester

Every interesting place everyone should visit and remember!

Melissa Ross

Absolutely amazing put together exhibits with a free self guided tour. Only wish I had more time...

Steve Cline

Very sobering reminder of the Holocaust. Very well done.

jeremy beverly

It will take a few hours or a few visits but you feel the experience. It is very important that this information is learned.

Mark Worrell

These are very hard but very important places to go. The heart of man is fully exposed in times like the holocaust and the museum does a great job of depicting it. Worth a stop but be prepared.

Joshua Caldwell

This was a eye opening experience for my young daughters. It was a reminder of why we must understand and never repeat this tragedy. This was a free self guided tour. If you have a group you may also have a guided speaking tour. The guides are well versed, spoken, and knowledgeable on the subject of the holocaust and after effects. A must see and do while touring or visiting Richmond, VA.

Michelle Lowmack

Was very informative

Billy Jones

This is a great experience but it's sad that they omit the words God and lord from religious scrolls in a museum dedicated to religious history as not to offend. What's next leave the moon rocks out of the air and space museum so as not to offend those that believe the moon landing didn't happen. This is just another PC police move that is taking the subject matter out of history to please the people that likely wouldn't come here in the first place.

Don Gantt

I learned a great deal. I don't think I would bring small children to this museum. The exhibits were realistic and thought provoking. Take your time going through.

Collin Shiflett

A beautiful and emotionally destination for anyone who wants to learn about the holocaust.

Joel Zuloaga

This Museum gives a great Insight on a portion of world history that shaped many countries and generations. The museum has ample parking, and if you call ahead a couple of days in advance, you can get a tour by one of the curators. Hi bring my classes from Fort Lee here so they can get and idea of how the military is instrumental in keeping dictators from causing Mass genocide.

Jay Bee

Very educational and lots of easy to understand information. Everyone should visit here at least once while they're in Richmond.

Cory Smith

Absolutely incredible museum. It is not for all ages and does not shy away from the reality of how atrocious this part of history was. It's very thorough and logical in the way it leads you through how everything started, what happened and how justice prevailed in the end. Gift shop has lots of books and things too. I got Menorah candles for my Jewish stepdad that I know he will appreciate. Thank you Virginia Holocaust Museum for preserving history and being a source of education and conversation!

Michael Hessberg

Exceptional Jewish Holocaust museum in Richmond VA

Roger Kennedy

A eye opening experience

Kyle Trusler

This museum felt more of an experience than the usual reading of random facts and looking at old stuff. There are some full-scale props that give you a more real appreciation of the events just by walking through this place, even if you read nothing.

Hannah Sellars

Very informative, I definitely recommend checking it out. It's a heavy museum but give it a gander!

James Whitmore

Good museum.... But a very sad history lesson.....

ashleigh gerber

Very important piece of history.

Greg Knight

I have been twice. Very interesting and informative.

Peter Morris

It is a very powerful and emotional Museum it is free to get in donations are accepted it was well worth it. Very educational

jaime biringer

AWARENESS OF PAST AUTROSITIES. THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE PAST LEAVES A FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. THE LOST SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

nathan bell

Beyond educational and saddening