Virginia Holocaust Museum
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Location
Richmond, Virginia
Neighborhood
Shockoe Bottom
Admission
Adults 18+: $10; free for children, students, active military, and members
Typical visit
About one hour
In Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, the Virginia Holocaust Museum presents Holocaust history through exhibits, survivor stories, and a distinctly Virginia-centered perspective. Founded by Holocaust survivor Jay Ipson, the museum connects a history of persecution and mass murder to the people who survived, came to Virginia, and rebuilt their lives here.[1]
Plan for a thoughtful, emotionally demanding visit rather than a casual museum stop: the museum says the subject matter can be challenging, especially for younger children. Most visitors spend about an hour, though time in the galleries, special exhibits, or research spaces can add to that. Check current admission, hours, and exhibits before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to Virginia Holocaust Museum
Why visit?
The museum’s focus is both historical and personal. Its exhibits address the Holocaust and its consequences while bringing forward the experiences of survivors, rescuers, liberators, and witnesses connected to Virginia. That local lens gives visitors a way to encounter the past through individual lives as well as broader history.[3]
The museum also serves as a place for education and research. Its collections include photographs, documents, objects, and personal effects, and its Carole Weinstein Holocaust Research Library and Barbara and Fred Kort Foundation Reading Room offer resources for people who want to explore the subject further.[4]
Start here
Allow about an hour for a general visit, then add time if you plan to attend a presentation or use the museum’s research resources. The museum recommends that adults consider a child’s maturity before visiting, as the material can be emotionally challenging.[5]
If you’re especially interested in survivor testimony, ask at Guest Services about Dimensions in Testimony. The experience lets visitors ask questions and hear responses drawn from recorded survivor interviews. The museum says presentations are scheduled during the day, seating is limited, and reservations are required; confirm details when you arrive or before your visit.[6]
What to see and do
Look for the ways the museum connects the history of the Holocaust with the experiences of survivors and others who came to Virginia. The local stories add a personal dimension to the wider history.
Ask about Dimensions in Testimony, an interactive theater experience built around recorded interviews. Its schedule and reservation requirements may affect how you plan your visit, so check ahead.
Rotating exhibitions bring additional perspectives on Holocaust history, remembrance, and survivor experiences. Check the museum’s current exhibition listings before visiting, since displays change.
The museum’s library, archives, and reading room support deeper research into Holocaust history and individual stories. Contact the museum about research access and assistance.
History and significance
The Virginia Holocaust Museum was founded in 1997 by Mark Fetter, Jay Ipson, and Al Rosenbaum. It first operated in a repurposed building at Temple Beth-El in Richmond. As attendance grew, the museum moved to a former American Tobacco Company warehouse at 2000 East Cary Street; the building dates to 1899. Following renovation, the museum reopened there in 2003.[7]
The museum’s mission centers on preserving Holocaust history and honoring victims, survivors, and those who resisted or helped others. Its education programs and collections extend that work beyond the galleries, supporting teachers, researchers, and the wider public.[8]
Planning a visit
The museum is at 2000 East Cary Street in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom neighborhood. It lists free off-street parking across East Cary Street from the museum. Current opening hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; holiday closures and occasional changes may apply, so confirm before traveling.[9]
The museum lists admission as $10 for adults 18 and older, with free admission for children, students, active military personnel, and museum members. Its special exhibitions are included with regular admission. Check the museum’s website for current prices, hours, exhibit details, and any special-program requirements before your visit.[10][11]
Nearby attractions
American Civil War Museum
Explore Civil War history at another of Richmond’s museums.
Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Visit a museum devoted to the writer’s life and literary legacy in Richmond.
Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
Discover exhibits and programs on Black history and culture in Virginia.
The Valentine
Learn about Richmond’s history through the museum’s city-focused collections and exhibitions.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ About the Virginia Holocaust Museum: Mission, Vision, and History, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Dimensions in Testimony: A Holographic Theater Experience at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ About the Virginia Holocaust Museum: Mission, Vision, and History, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ About the Virginia Holocaust Museum: Mission, Vision, and History, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Special Exhibits at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum. Retrieved October 24, 2026.