Remembering the Past to Protect the Future
The Virginia Holocaust Museum is an essential cultural institution located in a historic warehouse in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom. Through 28 galleries and hundreds of artifacts, it documents the history of the Holocaust with a focus on local survivors. The museum’s mission is to educate the public and promote tolerance through the powerful lessons of the past.
Surrounding Areas
- Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground: This sacred site honors the enslaved and free African Americans buried here in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a significant memorial located in what was once the center of the domestic slave trade in Richmond.
- Main Street Station: A restored 1901 French Renaissance-style train station that is one of Richmond’s most recognizable landmarks.
- 17th Street Market: One of the oldest public markets in the country, it has been transformed into a modern pedestrian plaza. It hosts a variety of festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor performances throughout the year in the heart of Shockoe Bottom.
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum: Located in the “Old Stone House” the Richmond’s oldest standing residential building—this museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Poe’s manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings, celebrating his life in the city where he grew up.
- Libby Hill Park: Known as the park that gave Richmond its name due to the view of the James River resembling Richmond upon Thames in England. It offers one of the city’s most famous panoramic vistas and is a perfect spot for photography and history enthusiasts.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
- Jefferson Hotel
Richmond’s most iconic luxury hotel, commissioned in 1895 by Lewis Ginter. This Beaux-Arts landmark is famous for its grand “Gone with the Wind” style staircase, opulent Edwardian Baroque lobby, and its status as a AAA Five Diamond destination that has hosted presidents and celebrities for over a century. - Maymont
A sprawling 100-acre estate that was gifted to the city in 1925. It serves as a comprehensive historic site featuring a Romanesque Revival mansion, the Robins Nature Center with James River wildlife, and a working farm. In 2026, it stands as a centerpiece of Richmond’s public green space, offering self-guided audio tours and seasonal festivals. - Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1785, this architectural masterpiece was the first American state capitol built in the form of a classical Roman temple. It houses the oldest legislative assembly in the Western Hemisphere and features an original life-sized statue of George Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon. - Altria Theater
Originally built as a Shriner “Mosque” in 1927, this breathtaking venue is one of the ten largest theaters in the U.S. Known for its towering minarets and desert-inspired murals, it currently hosts major Broadway in Richmond productions, world-class comedians, and legendary musical performers.
History of the Virginia Holocaust Museum
The museum was founded in 1997 by survivor Jay Ipson and others to ensure the stories of the Holocaust were never forgotten. In 2003, it moved to its current location in a former American Tobacco Company warehouse. Since then, it has expanded to include major exhibits like the Nuremberg Courtroom recreation and the “I’m Still Here” gallery. In 2026, the museum continues to serve as a vital educational resource, providing tours and programs that reach thousands of students and visitors annually.
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