As a Dallas resident, I have had the privilege of visiting many of the city’s world-class museums and cultural institutions. However, there is one museum that stands out above the rest: the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. 

This museum is a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the ongoing struggle for human rights. 

It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of these important historical events and their relevance to our world today.

In this ultimate guide, I will share everything you need to know about visiting the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. 

From its history and mission to practical information about hours, admission, and exhibits, I will provide a comprehensive overview of this important cultural institution. 

Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Dallas, I hope that this guide will inspire you to visit the museum and learn more about this crucial chapter in human history.

Why does Dallas have a Holocaust and Human Rights Museum? 

Dallas has a Holocaust and Human Rights Museum to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and educate future generations. 

The city’s history of supporting human rights causes and the dangers of intolerance and bigotry make it fitting. The museum also provides a space for reflection and remembrance.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum was founded in 1984 by a group of Holocaust survivors who had settled in Dallas after World War II. 

Their goal was to create a space where the memory of the Holocaust could be preserved and where future generations could learn about the atrocities that were committed during this dark period of history. 

Over time, the museum expanded its focus to include exhibits on human rights violations around the world, as well as the history of the civil rights movement in the United States.

One reason why Dallas is a fitting location for a Holocaust museum is that the city has a long history of supporting human rights causes. 

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Dallas played a key role in the desegregation of schools and other public spaces. 

In the years that followed, the city became a hub for non-profit organizations dedicated to social justice, including the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Another reason why the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is significant is that it serves as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance and bigotry. 

While the Holocaust was a unique event in world history, it is not the only instance in which human beings have committed atrocities against one another based on race, religion, or other factors. 

By educating visitors about the Holocaust and other human rights violations, the museum helps to promote a culture of empathy and respect for all people.

Finally, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is important because it provides a space for reflection and remembrance. 

As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles with each passing year, it is increasingly important that we find ways to preserve their stories and ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten. 

The museum’s exhibits and programming offer a way for visitors to engage with this history and honor the memory of those who suffered.

What does the Holocaust Monument represent? 

The Holocaust Monument represents the victims of Nazi persecution and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. 

It honors the resilience of the Jewish people and the need to remember the past to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. 

The Holocaust Memorial Center was constructed in 2003 and is dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust, as well as the other victims of Nazi persecution. 

The monument comprises a series of panels that depict the horrors of the Holocaust, including concentration camps, gas chambers, and crematoria.

What makes the Holocaust Monument so poignant is that it serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period in human history. 

The monument also represents the resilience and determination of the Jewish people to survive and thrive, even in the face of unspeakable horrors.

Whether you’re a local of Dallas or a visitor or tourist, it is essential to remain objective when discussing historical events.

The Holocaust is one of the most well-documented atrocities in history, with countless records and testimonies detailing the unimaginable suffering inflicted on innocent people. 

It is estimated that between five and six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, along with millions of other victims, including homosexuals, people with disabilities, and political dissidents.

While the Holocaust may seem like a distant event, it is crucial to remember that the lessons of the past can inform our actions in the present. 

We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust and work towards creating a world where such atrocities are not repeated.

When was the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum built in Dallas? 

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum was established in 1984 by a group of Holocaust survivors, but it moved to its current location in downtown Dallas in 2004. 

Today, the museum occupies a modern, 55,000-square-foot building that serves as a powerful reminder of the lessons of history. 

When did the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum officially open? 

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum officially opened on September 17, 2019, in the West End Historic District of downtown Dallas. 

How long does it take to tour the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in Dallas? 

It takes at least 2 hours to tour the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in Dallas, but it can take longer if you want to fully explore the exhibits. Be prepared for an emotional and intense experience, and take breaks as needed.

If you’re in a rush, you can probably make it through the museum in about an hour. However, I would highly recommend allowing at least two hours to fully take in everything the museum has to offer. 

This will give you enough time to read all the signage, watch the various multimedia presentations, and really absorb the information.

Of course, if you’re someone who is particularly interested in the Holocaust and World War II, you could easily spend three or more hours exploring the museum.

There is a lot of information to take in, and many visitors find themselves getting emotionally invested in the exhibits.

It’s worth noting that the museum can be emotionally intense, so it’s important to take breaks as needed. There are benches throughout the museum where you can sit and reflect, and there is a small café on-site where you can grab a drink or a snack.

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Hours 

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The last entry is at 3:00 pm. 

How much does it cost to get into the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum? 

General admission to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum costs $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, students, and military members, $8 for children ages 6-18, and is free for children under 6. 

Discounts are available for groups, educators, and first responders. 

While the admission fee may seem steep for some, it’s important to remember that the museum is a nonprofit organization. 

The money raised through admission fees and donations go towards the museum’s operating costs, including maintaining the exhibits, preserving artifacts, and providing educational programming. 

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Parking

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum has nearby paid parking lots and garages. There is no designated parking lot specifically for the museum. 

Parking fees and availability may vary depending on the location and time of visit. You check nearby parking options and rates before you head over.

The museum is located in the West End neighborhood, which is known for its historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. 

However, parking in the area can be a challenge, especially on weekends or during special events. The museum offers limited on-site parking for a fee, but it is often full or reserved for members.

Many visitors opt to park in nearby lots or garages, which can be costly and time-consuming. Some have reported difficulty finding parking altogether, which can be a frustrating experience when trying to visit such an important institution.

One solution that has been suggested is to utilize public transportation or ride-sharing services to get to the museum. The DART rail line has a station nearby, and several bus routes stop in the area. 

This can be a more affordable and convenient option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding parking.

What to See in the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

At the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, you can explore Holocaust and human rights exhibits and the “Upstander” exhibit.

Interact with displays, visit the tolerance gallery and memorial room, use audio guides, and check out the gift shop. Educational programs are also available.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum has two floors. The first floor is dedicated to the Holocaust exhibit, and the second floor covers human rights topics. 

The exhibits are chronologically arranged and easy to navigate.

Here are things you can expect to see and experience during your visit to the museum.

The Holocaust Exhibit 

The museum’s Holocaust Exhibit is the centerpiece of the museum and takes visitors on a chronological journey through the Holocaust. 

The exhibit starts with pre-war life in Europe, then moves to the rise of Nazi power, the ghettos, concentration camps, and finally, liberation. The exhibit is powerful, emotional, and educational, and I recommend everyone visiting the museum to start here.

One of the most impactful exhibits is the “Railcar,” which is an actual railcar used to transport Jews and other “undesirables” to concentration camps. 

The cramped, dark, and terrifying conditions inside the railcar give visitors a small glimpse into what the victims of the Holocaust endured.

Another powerful exhibit is the “Hall of Remembrance,” which features a wall of more than 1,000 photographs of Holocaust victims. It is a poignant reminder that the Holocaust was not just a historical event but affected real people and families.

Throughout the exhibit, visitors can read personal stories from survivors and learn about the resistance movements that fought against the Nazis. 

The museum also showcases the role of bystanders, perpetrators, and upstanders during the Holocaust, reminding us that our actions, or inactions, can have a profound impact.

The Human Rights Exhibit 

The exhibit explores the history of human rights, highlighting the experiences of individuals and groups who have faced discrimination, persecution, and violence. 

It features interactive displays and multimedia installations that invite visitors to learn about human rights violations and reflect on how to create a more just and equitable world.

One of the most powerful aspects of the exhibit is its emphasis on local human rights struggles. The museum recognizes the contributions of Dallas activists. 

This includes Juanita Craft, who fought for desegregation in public schools and voting rights for African Americans, and the Reverend Zan Holmes, who worked to end police brutality and discrimination against minorities. 

These individuals and their stories serve as a reminder that human rights struggles are not just historical events but ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

The exhibit also includes international human rights issues, such as the Holocaust and genocide, apartheid, and refugee crises. 

The museum does an excellent job of contextualizing these issues and highlighting the connections between local and global human rights struggles. 

For example, the exhibit explores the role of the United States in accepting refugees during the Holocaust and the challenges facing refugees and asylum seekers today.

One of the most moving parts of the exhibit is the testimony of survivors of human rights abuses. These personal stories provide a humanizing perspective on the impact of violence, discrimination, and persecution. 

The museum has a dedicated space for survivors to share their stories, and visitors can listen to their accounts and reflect on the importance of bearing witness to history.

The “Upstander” Exhibit 

This exhibit tells the stories of individuals who stood up against injustice during the Holocaust and in other instances of genocide throughout history. 

These upstanders were often ordinary people who did extraordinary things, risking their own safety to help others.

The exhibit showcases the bravery of people such as Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust, and Irena Sendler, who smuggled Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. 

It also highlights the stories of less well-known upstanders, such as the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who issued visas to Jewish refugees despite his government’s opposition.

What I found particularly powerful about this exhibit is that it encourages visitors to consider their own role as potential upstanders in their communities. 

By showcasing the bravery and selflessness of these individuals, the exhibit prompts visitors to reflect on how they can stand up against injustice and make a difference in the world.

The Memorial Room 

One of the most poignant parts of the museum is the memorial room. It’s a quiet and contemplative space where visitors can reflect on the lives lost during the Holocaust. 

The walls are covered in the names of victims, and the room is filled with the gentle sound of water trickling from the ceiling. 

Whether you’re someone who lost family members to war and genocide or not, this space will be particularly meaningful to you. It’s a place where you can pay your respects and honor the memory of those who were lost.

The Interactive Displays 

As soon as you enter the museum, you are transported back in time to the early 20th century and are greeted by the sounds of propaganda music and video footage from Nazi Germany.

One of the most impactful exhibits is the Holocaust section, which tells the story of the persecution and genocide of Jews and other minority groups during World War II. 

The museum uses interactive displays to show visitors how the Holocaust unfolded and the devastating impact it had on millions of people.

One exhibit that stood out to me was the interactive map of Europe, which showed the progression of Nazi occupation and the deportation of Jews to concentration camps. 

You can see the dates and locations of major events during the Holocaust, such as the invasion of Poland and the liberation of concentration camps.

Another exhibit that left a lasting impression on me was “Dimensions in Testimony”, which allows visitors to have virtual conversations with Holocaust survivors. 

These conversations are recorded and projected onto a screen, and visitors can ask questions and hear firsthand accounts of what it was like to live through the Holocaust.

The Tolerance Gallery 

The Tolerance Gallery is a multimedia exhibit that explores the themes of diversity, inclusion, and empathy. It consists of several interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to reflect on their own beliefs and biases.

One of the exhibits that particularly resonated with me was the “Walk in My Shoes” display. It featured a row of shoes, each representing a different individual’s experience with discrimination. 

Visitors are encouraged to choose a pair of shoes and listen to the audio recording that tells the individual’s story. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in promoting tolerance.

Another exhibit in the Tolerance Gallery is the “What Would You Do?” display. It presents visitors with hypothetical scenarios and asks them to consider how they would respond. 

For example, one scenario involves witnessing a friend making a racist comment. Visitors are asked to choose between confronting the friend, ignoring the comment, or laughing along. 

This exhibit encourages visitors to think critically about their own behavior and the role they play in promoting tolerance and inclusivity.

The Audio Guide 

Upon arrival, I suggest picking up an audio guide. It provides a wealth of information about the exhibits and is available in several languages. 

The guide allows visitors to explore the museum at their own pace, and it’s easy to use. You simply scan the QR code at each exhibit to access the corresponding audio clip.

The Gift Shop

No visit to the museum is complete without a stop at the gift shop. Here you’ll find a wide selection of books, documentaries, and other educational materials. 

You can also pick up gifts and souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, and postcards, with all proceeds going to support the museum’s ongoing work.

The Educational Programs 

The museum offers several educational programs, including tours for school groups, teacher workshops, and online resources for educators. These programs help ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust and human rights are never forgotten. 

Also, to inspire their students to become informed and engaged global citizens. 

Interesting Facts about Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum features a unique architectural design and a focus on human rights. It highlights local connections to the Holocaust and offers education programs for students and teachers. 

While many may know about the museum’s mission to educate visitors about the Holocaust and promote human rights, there are still some interesting facts that many people may not know. Here are five of them:

The Museum’s Unique Design 

One of the most striking things about the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is its unique architectural design. 

The building was designed by architect Ralph Appelbaum, who also designed the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. 

The museum’s structure is meant to evoke the feeling of being trapped and imprisoned, with narrow corridors and low ceilings. It’s a powerful reminder of the cramped and dehumanizing conditions that many Holocaust victims endured.

A Focus on Human Rights 

While the museum’s primary focus is on the Holocaust, it also emphasizes the importance of human rights and encourages visitors to become active in promoting them. 

The museum has exhibits on a wide range of human rights issues, including genocide, immigration, and racial inequality. 

By exploring these topics alongside the history of the Holocaust, the museum encourages visitors to see the connections between past and present struggles for human rights.

Local Connections 

Many people may not realize that Dallas has a significant connection to the Holocaust. During World War II, a group of Jewish refugees was temporarily housed at a camp in nearby Fort Ontario, New York, before being relocated to Dallas. 

The museum has a special exhibit on these refugees, called “The Story of the Dallas Holocaust Survivors,” which includes artifacts and personal testimonies from survivors who settled in the area.

A Commitment to Education 

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is committed to education and outreach. 

The museum offers a variety of educational programs for students and teachers, including guided tours, workshops, and online resources. 

By reaching out to young people and educators, the museum ensures that the lessons of the Holocaust and human rights continue to be passed on to future generations.