Permanent Exhibits
Follow a chronological narrative of the Holocaust from pre-war to the present day at the Permanent Exhibit.Permanent Holocaust Exhibition
The Permanent Holocaust Exhibition offers a chronological narrative of the Holocaust from pre-war to the present day, showing museum visitors the history of the Holocaust through an extensive collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and film footage. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are deeply moved by personal objects and the powerful eyewitness testimonies of individual Holocaust survivors, creating a profound and immersive experience that brings the events of this tragic era to life.
The Permanent Exhibit: An Overview From Start to Finish
See the exhibit from start to finish as it traces the history of the Holocaust in chronological order, from the rise of Nazi Germany to the aftermath for survivors.
Founders Hall
Founder’s Hall honors the individuals and organizations who helped establish the Museum, with special recognition of our local survivor community whose resilience inspires our mission.
Opening Film: Memories of Life Before
This short film introduces the vibrant and diverse lives of Jewish communities before the Holocaust, offering a glimpse into a world forever changed by the events to come.
Evolving Hatred: A History of Antisemitism
Explore the roots and evolution of antisemitism, tracing its historical impact and the dangerous ideologies that led to the Holocaust.
A Gathering Storm: Rise of Nazism
Learn how political instability and propaganda fueled the rise of the Nazi regime, setting the stage for one of history’s darkest chapters.
Fear and Intimidation: Nazis Take Control
Discover how the Nazis consolidated power, using fear, intimidation, and discriminatory policies to oppress Jews and other targeted groups.
Brutal Expansion
Follow the Nazi regime’s aggressive territorial expansion across Europe and the devastating impact it had on millions of lives.
Onset of Mass Murder
Witness the harrowing escalation of violence as the Nazis began the systematic mass murder of Jews and other marginalized communities.
Unimaginable: Encountering the Camps
Explore the liberation of concentration camps by Allied and Soviet forces and the testimonies of those who witnessed the unimaginable atrocities. This section also highlights post-Holocaust justice through war crimes trials and other legal efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Roles & Perspectives
Examine the roles played by individuals during the Holocaust, including bystanders, collaborators, resistors, liberators, and victims. Reflect on the choices made in the face of hatred and oppression.
Displacement & Uncertainty
Understand the struggles of survivors and refugees as they navigated a post-Holocaust world, grappling with loss, displacement, and the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
St. Louis Survivors Speak
Hear the personal testimonies of Holocaust survivors who settled in the St. Louis area, preserving their stories for future generations.
Closing Film: From Generation to Generation: The Survivors’ Legacy
This powerful film honors the enduring legacy of Holocaust survivors, inspiring visitors to carry forward their stories and lessons for a more just and compassionate world.
Permanent Holocaust Exhibition Tour Options
Take a guided public tour or self-guided tour of the Permanent Holocaust Exhibition for a profound and educational experience.
Self-Guided Tour
This is a self-guided experience estimated to last at least 90 minutes. This is a timed-entry ticket. Admission will be allowed up to ten minutes prior to the requested time slot and up to thirty minutes after the requested time slot.
Guided Public Tour
A trained museum educator will lead visitors on a guided tour of the Permanent Holocaust Exhibition. Upon the tour’s completion, visitors are welcome to explore the exhibition further on their own.