Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Melbourne - Memorial and Muzeum Auschwitz - Birkenau Former German Nazi Concentration Extermination Camp All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Shoah. It was established by Germans in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis. Its name was changed to Auschwitz, which also became the name of Konzentrationslager Auschwitz.
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Melbourne Holocaust Museum Melbourne

4.6
·267 reviews·Elsternwick, Australia

A deeply moving museum dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, education, and combating denial through survivor stories and historical artifacts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
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Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Melbourne - Memorial and Muzeum Auschwitz - Birkenau Former German Nazi Concentration Extermination Camp All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Shoah. It was established by Germans in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a Polish city that was annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis. Its name was changed to Auschwitz, which also became the name of Konzentrationslager Auschwitz.

Melbourne Holocaust Museum Melbourne

Best Time

Sunday afternoons

Guided tours available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A deeply moving museum dedicated to Holocaust remembrance, education, and combating denial through survivor stories and historical artifacts.

4.6
(267 reviews)

"An incredible eye-opener! A MUST place to visit, very educational but incredibly heartbreaking!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate Ample Time

Visitors recommend spending several hours to fully absorb the exhibits and survivor stories. :clock1:

Consider a Guided Tour

Guided tours, especially for exhibitions like 'Aftershocks', offer deeper insights and are highly recommended. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Survivor Testimonies

Survivor Testimonies

Hear firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors, offering a powerful and personal connection to history. #NeverForget

Aftershocks Exhibition

Aftershocks Exhibition

Sidney Nolan Gallery

Explore Sidney Nolan's confronting Holocaust series, brought to life through guided tours. A poignant artistic reflection.

Underground: Ringelblum Archive

Underground: Ringelblum Archive

New Premises

Witness the first exhibition outside Europe of the Ringelblum Archive, crucial eyewitness documents from the Warsaw Ghetto.

The Memorial Room

The Memorial Room

New Premises

A thoughtfully designed space for remembrance and reflection, honoring the millions of lives lost.

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit for Impact

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum offers a deeply moving experience. Allow ample time to absorb the exhibits and consider booking a guided tour for deeper insights. Entry is free, but donations are highly encouraged to support their vital work.

Emotional Preparation is Key

This museum deals with sensitive and tragic historical events. Visitors often describe it as heartbreaking and tear-jerking. Prepare for an emotionally impactful visit and consider the impact on younger visitors.

Best Times

When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Guided tours available
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter reflection time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust survivor and Museum volunteer Rose-Helene reminds us to #NeverForget.
@holocaustmuseum
597.2K likes • 3.4M views

Allocate Ample Time

Visitors recommend spending several hours to fully absorb the exhibits and survivor stories. :clock1:

Consider a Guided Tour

Guided tours, especially for exhibitions like 'Aftershocks', offer deeper insights and are highly recommended. :walking:

Walk through Aftershocks with us! Every Sunday at 12pm and 2pm, join a guided tour of Sidney Nolan’s confronting Holocaust series at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. Explore the artworks together, pause for reflection, and engage with the stories behind the images. Limited spots available. Book tickets online now via the link in our bio. Exhibition developed by the Sydney Jewish Museum. #Afters...
melbourneholocaustmuseum
140 likes • 2.5K views
Melbourne Holocaust Museum CEO Dr Steven Cooke opens Underground, an exhibition of the Ringelblum Archive of eyewitness documents from the Warsaw Ghetto. It’s the first time the Archive is being shown outside Europe - and the first exhibition on the Museum’s new premises.
jewishnews_au
57 likes • 2.7K views

Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but donations are crucial for the museum's operation and highly appreciated. :moneybag:

Emotional Preparedness

Be prepared for a deeply moving and potentially tear-jerking experience. :sob:

Dr Steven Cook, CEO of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum interviewed by Gary Max, on Talking to the Max on J-AIR 88FM.
j.air.radio
1 likes • 69 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate Ample Time

Visitors recommend spending several hours to fully absorb the exhibits and survivor stories. :clock1:

Consider a Guided Tour

Guided tours, especially for exhibitions like 'Aftershocks', offer deeper insights and are highly recommended. :walking:

Donations Welcome

Entry is free, but donations are crucial for the museum's operation and highly appreciated. :moneybag:

Emotional Preparedness

Be prepared for a deeply moving and potentially tear-jerking experience. :sob:

Purchase Books

The foyer offers a selection of incredible books worth buying to further your learning. :books:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(267 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently describe the Melbourne Holocaust Museum as an incredibly educational, poignant, and deeply moving experience. While heartbreaking and tear-jerking, the museum is praised for its respectful presentation, informative displays, and the invaluable contribution of survivor testimonies. The staff are noted for being well-informed and welcoming, making it a highly recommended visit for anyone seeking to understand this tragic period of history.

"I visited the Centre on my own! Wow! What an incredible eye-opener! A MUST place to visit, very educational but incredibly heartbreaking! This tour will definitely move you to tears! It's free entry, but definitely worth donating towards the Centre. Incredible books worth buying, from the foyer! Highly, highly recommend this place!"

Dory Dory

"The staff do an amazing job, very well informed and very welcoming. This was a real eye opener, I will definitely be going back to see any new exhibitions"

michelle potts

"So informative, a tragic period of time that buggers belief.
The building and spaces are beautifully presented, given the topic an absolute miracle.
The staff were fantastic."

Shirley Minter

What People Like

Incredibly educational
Poignant and moving
Survivor testimonies

What People Dislike

Heartbreaking nature

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum is located at 131-141 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous tram routes stopping nearby on Flinders Street. Parking can be challenging in the CBD, so public transport is often the most convenient option. Reddit

While there are several car parks in the Melbourne CBD, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. It's advisable to check parking apps or websites for availability and rates if you plan to drive. Public transport is generally recommended. Reddit

The museum is designed to be accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it's best to contact the museum directly in advance to ensure they can accommodate you comfortably. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum's opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

While entry is free, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours, as spots can be limited. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures a better experience. Instagram

Entry to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum is free. However, the museum relies on donations to continue its important work, and visitors are strongly encouraged to donate if they are able. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the museum independently. However, guided tours, particularly for special exhibitions like 'Aftershocks,' are highly recommended for a more in-depth understanding. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features poignant displays, artifacts, and survivor testimonies that educate visitors about the Holocaust. Exhibitions like 'Aftershocks' and 'Underground' offer unique perspectives. Instagram+1

Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum, absorb the information, and reflect on the exhibits. Some may wish to spend even longer. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available, often focusing on specific exhibitions like Sidney Nolan's 'Aftershocks.' Check the museum's website for tour schedules and booking information. Instagram

The museum deals with sensitive and tragic subject matter. It's recommended to consider the age and maturity of children before visiting. Parents should exercise their discretion. TikTok

The atmosphere is described as sombre, respectful, and incredibly poignant. The displays are beautifully presented, creating a space for deep reflection. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information regarding on-site food and drink facilities is not widely available. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for details. Many cafes and restaurants are available nearby in the CBD. Reddit

Typically, food and drinks are not permitted inside exhibition spaces in museums to protect the artifacts. It's best to consume any food or beverages outside the museum. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, flash photography is prohibited to protect exhibits. It's advisable to check for signage within the museum or ask staff for clarification on their photography guidelines. Instagram

While general photography rules apply, the museum's focus is on education and remembrance. Capturing the essence of the exhibits through personal reflection is often more impactful than extensive photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Melbourne Holocaust Museum with children requires careful consideration due to the sensitive nature of the content. While the museum is educational, it deals with tragic events that can be emotionally challenging. Parents are advised to assess the maturity of their children and consider whether the visit is appropriate for them. TikTok If visiting, focus on the themes of remembrance, resilience, and the importance of tolerance. Instagram

For younger visitors, consider focusing on specific aspects like survivor stories of hope or the artistic interpretations that convey emotion without graphic detail. It may be beneficial to have conversations with children before and after the visit to help them process what they have seen and learned. Reddit

📚 Students and Educators

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum is an invaluable resource for students and educators seeking to understand the Holocaust. The museum offers a comprehensive and deeply impactful learning experience that goes beyond textbook knowledge. Reddit The availability of survivor testimonies and primary source documents like the Ringelblum Archive provides unique opportunities for in-depth study and discussion. Instagram

Educators can leverage the museum's exhibitions and potential guided tours to create engaging lesson plans. The focus on remembrance, research, and combating denial makes it a critical site for Holocaust education. Instagram Planning a visit with a school group should involve pre-visit preparation and post-visit debriefing to maximize the educational and emotional impact. TikTok

🤔 Solo Travelers and Reflective Visitors

For solo travelers or those seeking a more introspective experience, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum offers a profound opportunity for reflection. The free entry and the museum's sombre, respectful atmosphere allow for personal engagement with the exhibits at your own pace. Reddit You can spend as much time as you need absorbing the survivor stories and contemplating the historical significance of the displays. Reddit

The museum's layout and the depth of its content, including exhibitions like 'Aftershocks' and the Memorial Room, are designed to encourage personal contemplation. Instagram+1 It's a place where you can connect with history on a deeply personal level, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking a meaningful and thought-provoking experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Power of Survivor Stories

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum places immense importance on survivor testimonies. These personal narratives are crucial for understanding the human impact of the Holocaust. Volunteers like Rose-Helene share their deeply personal stories, reminding visitors of the individuals behind the statistics and the importance of remembrance. TikTok Hearing these accounts firsthand is often described as incredibly moving and a highlight of the museum experience, making the history feel immediate and personal. Reddit

These stories serve as a powerful antidote to Holocaust denial and distortion. By sharing these experiences, the museum ensures that the voices of those who suffered are heard and remembered for generations to come. The commitment to preserving and sharing these narratives is a cornerstone of the museum's mission. Instagram

Art as a Medium for Memory

The museum utilizes art to explore the profound impact of the Holocaust. The 'Aftershocks' exhibition, featuring Sidney Nolan's confronting series, is a prime example. Guided tours of this exhibition offer a deeper dive into the artworks, allowing visitors to engage with the visual representations of trauma and resilience. Instagram Nolan's powerful imagery provides a different lens through which to process the historical events, complementing the documentary and testimonial elements of the museum.

Beyond specific exhibitions, the museum's design itself, including the Memorial Room, is crafted to evoke reflection and remembrance. Instagram The thoughtful presentation of artifacts and displays aims to create a respectful and immersive environment, allowing visitors to connect with the past in a meaningful way. The architectural design plays a significant role in shaping the visitor's emotional journey through the museum's sensitive subject matter. Reddit

Preserving History with the Ringelblum Archive

A significant recent addition is the 'Underground' exhibition, showcasing the Ringelblum Archive. This collection comprises vital eyewitness documents from the Warsaw Ghetto, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life, resistance, and suffering during the Nazi occupation. Instagram It's a landmark exhibition, being the first time these crucial historical records have been displayed outside of Europe, highlighting the museum's growing importance on the international stage.

The Ringelblum Archive is a testament to the courage of those who risked their lives to document the atrocities they faced. Its presence at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum underscores the institution's commitment to research and historical accuracy, vital in combating misinformation and denial. Instagram The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving primary source materials for future understanding and education.

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