How much time for the Holocaust Museum?
 

We're going to Washington, D.C. for a weekend in July and want to visit the Holocaust Museum, which we've never been to. Is two hours enough time to see everything, or should we allow more time? Thanks.

We visited it a couple of years ago, and I'd say 2 hours is about right. I'm assuming you know to get tickets ahead of time. They have timed tickets so that you're signed up to go in at a certain time.

I went a few years ago with my daughter. We took the time to see and read just about everything, and see the films, etc. and deal with the crowds. We were there at least three hours and could have used some extra time to see the small/free exhibit on the main floor. If you really want to cover the museum in depth, allow more than two hours.

I have a completely different opinion from the above posters. I have been there twice, and spent about 6 plus hours there both times. Didn't even stop for lunch. The museum is incredible. There is a lot to read, and many videos to watch. It is very moving and absolutely draining. But, the education is superb. I didn't dawdle, but read and saw just about everything. The museum starts at the top floor and then spirals down chronologically. Worth every second of the time you put into it.

Ann was posting at the same time that I was. She is more on target with the timing, IMO. It all depends on how interested you are in the details.

As usual, it depends on you level of interest and level of knowledge. Someone there actually told me how long it takes to read all the material. I can't remember, but I think it was at least 6-8 hours. Two to three hours will probably give you enough time to do justice to the museum. I spent about 2 1/2 hours there, reading the "exhibit" material (which is what I call the tags relating specifically to what is on display) and taking a fairly thorough look at the exhibits. I did not do much of the audio-visual part except for about 10-15 minutes watching the survivor testimonies at the end (a must in my opinion). I have a very strong education in the background of the Nazi period and the Holocaust, so I didn't read much of the material relating to the history of the period. From what I did read of it, it seemed very accurate, thorough, and educational. If you read all of this material, I am sure you could spend many more hours in the museum. Make sure to visit the shop and the Daniel exhibit on the entrance floor. I have a description of the museum on the Washington, D.C. part of my Web site at www.oneeyed.homestead.com. The museum has a great site at www.ushmm.org. You can order tickets ahead online or by phone if you know when you will be at the museum.

The answer to this question varies a lot depending on the individual. I probably spent about three hours when I visited, but could have stayed longer, but the group wanted to leave. <BR><BR>On the other hand, I dropped my parents off there once and I planned to meet them there after two hours. They were standing on the curb waiting, having finished in about 90 minutes. I don't think they liked the experience much.<BR><BR>My theory is that this museum disturbs some people, and they feel uncomfortable, so they cut their visit short. If you're deeply interested in the Holocaust, though, 2 hours might be a little short.

I think the biggest mistake that people make when visiting the Holocaust Museum is not allowing enough time at the end to watch the film of survivors' testimony. It is so moving. I have been to the museum twice. To me, it takes about 2 hours to see most of the museum, but then I like to stay and allow additional time to watch the film of survivors' testimony at the end for nearly an hour. It is the best part of the museum to me.

If you are going with kids, I'd stay closer to two hours. It's alot to absorb and most time is spent reading - something that kids lose interest in after about an hour. Also, the museum takes longer if you have a good level of knowledge of history and an interest in the subject going in. I have been with adults who do not care for history and who really want just the overview, which is fine, but frustrating if some in the group want to see it and read it all.

I was there for the first time last October; as I'd previously toured Auschwitz and the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, thought I might be disappointed. I was not. Probably spent 5+ hours there and could have stayed longer. An unbelievable amount of information to digest, allow as much time as you possibly can.