SKOKIE, IL — The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will temporarily close its Skokie facility starting this July as it undergoes a year-long renovation project, museum officials confirmed this week.
The renovation plans include major updates to enhance visitor experience, including a redesigned auditorium, a brand-new welcome center, and updated security, ticketing, and restroom facilities.
Exhibits Paused, But Programming Continues
While all exhibitions will be closed starting Monday, the museum will continue to offer public programs and educator trainings through the end of June.
Officials said the closure is expected to last approximately 12 months, during which time construction will take place to modernize the space and better serve the museum’s growing number of visitors.
Exhibits Moving Downtown During Closure
To maintain public engagement and educational access, some of the museum’s most popular exhibits will be on display at a temporary location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
This pop-up exhibit site will be hosted on State Street, allowing downtown visitors to continue interacting with the museum’s core messages of remembrance and human rights.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum is known for its immersive exhibitions including:
- The award-winning Take A Stand Center
- Auschwitz artifacts and survivor stories
- Youth-focused tolerance programming
Why This Matters
The Skokie-based museum is one of the most significant Holocaust education institutions in the country. Since opening in 2009, it has hosted more than 2 million visitors and serves as a national leader in genocide awareness and anti-hate education.
Museum representatives say the upgrades are meant to strengthen the institution’s mission of fostering human rights through education, especially amid rising concerns around antisemitism and intolerance.
Museum Programs in June
Despite the exhibit closures, the museum will continue running several events and trainings throughout June. Topics include:
- Virtual survivor testimony presentations
- Teacher workshops on tolerance education
- Community engagement sessions
A full list of June programming is available at the museum’s official site.
Have you visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum recently, or plan to see its exhibits in River North? What are your thoughts on this renovation effort? Share your experience and views in the comments section.
