Museum of Tolerance050

The Museum of Tolerance is a high tech, hands-on, experiential museum that focuses on two themes through unique interactive exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust - the ultimate example of man's inhumanity to man.

In the Holocaust section visitors are led back in time to become witnesses to the events of World War II. Each visitor receives a different photo passport with the story of a child whose life was changed by the events of the Holocaust. Throughout the tour, the passport is updated, and at the end, the ultimate fate of the child is revealed. This is a wonderful, enlightening experience for older children and adults, and truly brings history to life.

Highlights of the Holocaust Section include a re-creation of a street in 1930's pre-war Berlin (at a cafe, people are discussing their concerns over the impending Nazi takeover of Germany); a reenactment of the famous Wannsee Conference where Nazi leaders met to decide on "The Final Solution of the Jewish Question" - the destruction of European Jewry; and the Hall of Testimony, where visitors can see and hear unforgettable stories of the courage and sacrifice of Holocaust survivors.

The Multimedia Learning Center houses over 30 work stations to provide each visitor unprecedented access to the history of world War II and the Holocaust.

Touch screen technology encourages personalized research in over 6,000 entries, 50,000 photos, video testimonies, maps and documents. Kids studying the Holocaust in history class will find the museum an invaluable resource.

Think that was all over at the end of WWII? Take the kids back down to the "museum level" and visit The Other America exhibit, which features a wall-sized, computer interactive map documenting and locating the more than 250 hate groups in the United States.

We recommend the Museum to families with older children due to its mature themes. Teenagers and middle schoolers will especially like the hands-on Tolerancenter which includes exhibits that invite exploration. Noteworthy are the Point of View Diner, a complete replica of a 50's diner with real booths and video juke boxes, and the Millenium Machnine, a high tech time machine educating visitors on abuses of civil rights.

A dramatic 16-screen video wall further details the struggle for civil rights in America, and other interactive exhibits engage visitors in real-life situations that help to identify their own existing and potential prejudices.

On a brighter note, the new Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves exhibit showcases the diversity within the personal histories of several noted Americans: poet, best-selling author, historian and educator Dr. Maya Angelou; award-winning actor, comedian and director Billy Crystal; multiple Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana; and National League MVP and Manager of the four-time World Series Champions, the New York Yankees, Joe Torre.

The Museum Cafeteria, located on the 4th floor, provides light meals and snacks.

Family Membership is $65/year and includes a personalized membership card, free admission to the museum (spouse or guest and children under 18 also free), free commemorative poster, museum newsletter and calendar of events, discounts on films, workshops, lectures, classes and seminars, and on purchases at the Museum shop or through catalog, advance notice of special exhibits and events, and opportunities for volunteer service in support of ongoing museum programs.