The Illinois Holocaust Museum launched its temporary campus in Chicago’s Loop on August 26, 2024, as part of a significant renovation project at its Skokie facility. Governor JB Pritzker attended the grand opening ceremony, highlighting the museum’s crucial role in combating hate and educating the public about the Holocaust.
The Skokie location is currently undergoing extensive renovations, including a new visitor welcome center and a redesigned auditorium, making it temporarily unavailable for visitors for approximately one year. The new exhibit is situated at 360 North State Street in Chicago, designed to bring awareness and education to a broader audience during this period.
During his speech, Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of the museum’s work in addressing rising antisemitism and hate. “The Illinois Holocaust Museum does a critical service in educating our people on the most horrific tragedy in human history and empowering us to fight against the rising tide of hate and antisemitism,” he stated.
The temporary campus features a collection of artifacts and personal mementos from Holocaust survivors, alongside photograph exhibits and a virtual reality film experience. One of the highlights will be the interactive “conversations” with survivors presented in the Holography Theater, providing visitors with unique insights into personal experiences during this dark chapter in history.
Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of the Illinois Holocaust Museum, also spoke at the event, reinforcing the significance of historical education in the face of increasing hate. “At the time of increasing antisemitism and other forms of hate, lessons from history are as important as ever,” he remarked.
The temporary exhibit aims to ensure that the stories and lessons of the Holocaust remain accessible to the public while the Skokie site undergoes its transformative renovations. This initiative reflects a commitment to continuous education and remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of those who suffered is never forgotten.
For further details about the temporary exhibit and its offerings, interested individuals can visit the museum’s official website.
