About

Our History and Vision

The Museum of Tolerance challenges visitors to confront bigotry, antisemitism, and hate, and encourages a deeper understanding of the Holocaust within both historical and contemporary contexts. Since the Museum opened in February 1993, it has hosted over 8 million visitors. More than 3.5 million students and 200,000 adults have participated in Museum programming.

OUR EDUCATION MISSION

The Museum of Tolerance transforms history into action with immersive exhibits, values-based education, and dialogue to equip individuals to confront antisemitism, challenge prejudice, and engage in the ongoing work of social justice. As a dynamic space of reflection and responsibility, we activate the lessons of the Holocaust and other histories of intolerance to inspire empathy, civic engagement, and enduring acts of chesed—loving kindness—in communities around the world.

 

WHAT WE SEEK TO CREATE IN THE WORLD

The Museum of Tolerance is not just a space to witness history: it is also a catalyst for social change. Through storytelling, dialogue, and education, we merge individual and collective histories to foster introspection and accountability. We ensure that the lessons of history are not just remembered but actively shape a more just and equitable future. With unwavering effort, we create a space for exploring oneself, others, and the systems that shape our world.

 

HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM

“...it is crucial for all of us to give new meaning to the word ‘tolerance’ and understand that our ability to value each and every person is the ethical basis for peace, security, and intercultural dialogue. A peaceful future depends on our everyday acts and gestures. Let us educate for tolerance in our schools and communities, in our homes and workplaces and, most of all, in our hearts and minds.”

– Federico Mayor, Director General of UNESCO from his address at the dedication of the Museum of Tolerance
February 8, 1993

The Museum of Tolerance was founded by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a renowned Jewish human rights organization honoring the legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, the legendary Nazi hunter. Dedicated to justice and tolerance, the Center created the Museum to address growing Holocaust denial and foster tolerance. Rather than a traditional museum of artifacts, the Museum of Tolerance was designed as an interactive space to inspire action. It utilizes interactive media and animated walk-through exhibits to engage visitors and initiate conversations about injustice and oppression. 

The Museum opened in 1993, in Los Angeles, about a year after the city saw an explosion of social tensions related to questions of race and racism. Over the years, the Museum developed several exhibits, purchased important documents, and extended its reach beyond Los Angeles and California.

PROGRAMMING
temp-image-high-five

Content Slider (Beta)

Learn tips & tricks on how to use the all-new Content Slider module here.  Have feedback on an awesome feature we should add to this module or discover a bug? Pop right over here to submit your ideas.

temp-image-high-five

Content Slider (Beta)

Learn tips & tricks on how to use the all-new Content Slider module here.  Have feedback on an awesome feature we should add to this module or discover a bug? Pop right over here to submit your ideas.

temp-image-high-five

Content Slider (Beta)

Learn tips & tricks on how to use the all-new Content Slider module here.  Have feedback on an awesome feature we should add to this module or discover a bug? Pop right over here to submit your ideas.

temp-image-high-five

Content Slider (Beta)

Learn tips & tricks on how to use the all-new Content Slider module here.  Have feedback on an awesome feature we should add to this module or discover a bug? Pop right over here to submit your ideas.

temp-image-high-five

Content Slider (Beta)

Learn tips & tricks on how to use the all-new Content Slider module here.  Have feedback on an awesome feature we should add to this module or discover a bug? Pop right over here to submit your ideas.