Holocaust Museum Houston is an educational institution and history museum located in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. Established in 1996, the museum is dedicated to remembering the victims of the Holocaust and educating the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society. It serves as a memorial to the six million Jews and millions of other victims who perished during the Holocaust, while also addressing contemporary issues related to genocide and human rights.
The museum was founded through the efforts of local Holocaust survivors. In 2019, the facility completed a significant $34 million expansion and renovation, reopening as the Lester and Sue Smith Campus. This expansion increased the museum’s size to approximately 57,000 square feet, making it one of the largest Holocaust museums in the United States.
The museum's permanent exhibits include "Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers," which documents the Holocaust through the personal stories and artifacts of survivors who settled in the Houston area. Two of the museum's most prominent historical artifacts are an authentic World War II-era German railcar, of the type used to transport victims to concentration camps, and the Hanne Frank, a Danish fishing boat used during the rescue of Danish Jews.
In addition to its focus on the Holocaust, the museum features galleries dedicated to human rights and other historical genocides. The "And Still I Write: Young Diarists on War and Genocide" exhibit explores the experiences of children and young adults living through conflict. The facility also houses the Boniuk Library, which contains more than 10,000 volumes and extensive archival materials for research and educational purposes.
Holocaust Museum Houston provides a variety of public programs, including teacher training, student tours, and guest lectures. The museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums and frequently collaborates with international organizations on human rights education.
