El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center

A visit to this site in downtown El Paso leaves a profound impression on every guest. The Holocaust Museum and Study Center is more than just an exhibition space; it is a powerful educational platform in the USA, dedicated to preserving the memory of tragic historical events and combating intolerance in modern society.

The museum is notable for being one of the few independent institutions of its kind in the country and the only fully bilingual Holocaust museum, where all information is presented in both English and Spanish. Spanning over 4,000 square feet, immersive exhibits guide visitors through a timeline of events—from the pre-war life of Jewish communities to the liberation of the camps.

The center's mission is to use historical artifacts and personal survivor stories to inspire people to take an active stand against prejudice. Through the use of advanced technology, such as Dimensions in Testimony, visitors can virtually "converse" with holographic images of eyewitnesses, making the learning process incredibly vivid and meaningful.

To contact the museum administration or inquire about group tours, you can use the official details provided below. The following table contains basic contact information.

Inside the museum's galleries, visitors can take an emotional journey into the past, starting with reconstructed interiors that tell the stories of families before the tragedy. The exhibits feature authentic artifacts: family photographs, Shabbat candles, and personal items like glasses and medals, which help reveal the real people behind the historical facts.

The Remember Me: Children of the Holocaust exhibition is particularly noteworthy. Designed for young visitors aged 6 and up, it shares the stories of children through their diaries and drawings, encouraging reflection on compassion. Guests can also see installations dedicated to Kristallnacht and life in the ghettos, which create an immersive sense of historical context.

A unique experience is participating in the Dimensions in Testimony program, where modern technology allows you to ask questions to holograms of survivors and hear their answers in real-time. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions focused on the stories of the Righteous Among the Nations and El Paso locals who lived through those harrowing years.

Located in the heart of the downtown Museum District, the complex is easily accessible for tourists. The exact address is 715 N Oregon St. If you are traveling by car, there is ample municipal parking nearby, and navigation systems will easily guide you to the building.

For those arriving via El Paso International Airport (ELP), the trip by taxi or rental car takes about 15–20 minutes via I-10. The museum is also conveniently reached by El Paso’s mass transit system buses, with stops located just a few minutes' walk away on Oregon Street or adjacent blocks.

Thanks to its central location, many visitors prefer to reach the museum on foot or by bicycle, combining their visit with a stroll through the historic center and stops at popular local hotels and restaurants.

The history of this site began in 1984 with a single small room in a Jewish community center. It was founded by Henry Kellen, a Holocaust survivor who believed that his personal story should serve as a lesson for future generations. His sincere commitment to preservation transformed a modest display into a significant educational institution.

The journey to the museum's modern form was not without challenges: in 2001, a serious fire caused by faulty electrical wiring broke out in the building. However, the tragedy did not halt their work—while restoration was underway, staff members conducted outreach lessons in schools using special educational kits. This brought the local community together, raising the necessary funds to construct a new, state-of-the-art building.

In January 2008, the museum reopened its doors in the city's Museum District. Today, it preserves not only the general history of the tragedy but also the unique testimonies of local residents, such as Albert Bela Eger or Karl Fiedler Hochmann, who survived the camps and found a new home in Texas. A special place in the archives is dedicated to American soldiers from Fort Bliss who participated in the liberation of concentration camp prisoners.

To thoughtfully explore all the materials and truly absorb the atmosphere, a typical visitor will need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is enough time to walk through the main thematic galleries, examine the personal belongings of survivors, and watch video testimonies.

If you plan to attend an interactive Dimensions in Testimony session, be sure to set aside extra time, as interacting with the holographic images and hearing their responses takes about 30–40 minutes. The museum encourages a contemplative pace, so it is not recommended to rush your visit.

When planning your visit, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays. On weekdays (Tuesday–Friday), the doors are open from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays, the complex operates on a shortened schedule from 13:00 to 17:00.

Please pay attention to the schedule for the special Dimensions in Testimony interactive exhibition sessions: they take place Tuesday through Friday at 10:00 and 13:00, and on Saturday at 14:00 and 15:00. It is recommended to check the official website for current opening hours before your trip, as the schedule may change during holidays.

Exploring the area surrounding the memorial center can significantly enrich your travel experience. Within walking or driving distance of the museum, you will find educational venues as well as places for active family recreation.