The Memory and Tolerance Museum stands on Avenida Juárez in Centro, Mexico City, and opened in October 2010. It has two parts. The Memory area covers the genocides of the twentieth century, with the Holocaust at its center. The Tolerance area looks at human rights, discrimination and the cultural diversity of Mexico. Rooms combine video, text, sculpture and photographs. The Holocaust room holds an original train car from the World War II transports. The visit is heavy and takes about two hours. Take the audio guide, because the wall text is in Spanish.
Two areas, two kinds of visit
The museum opened to the public in October 2010. Its stated aim is to spread the importance of nonviolence, memory and human rights. The building is seven stories of reinforced concrete and steel, and the route runs over several floors.
The Memory area is an exhibition on the genocides of the twentieth century. The Holocaust is the main subject, and other genocides of recent memory are covered too, including Darfur. The Tolerance area is more reflective. It asks visitors to think about dialogue, human rights, discrimination, the influence of the media on society and the cultural diversity of Mexico.
The exhibitions are multimedia and surround you from room to room. The subject is difficult, so allow a quiet moment between the two areas.
The Holocaust room and the train car
The Holocaust room is the part of the museum most often remembered afterward. It shows part of what was done under German rule during World War II. Among the displays is one of the original train cars used to carry prisoners to the concentration camps.
The museum also has a strong art element. The Jewish section in particular is put together with care, and its artworks are an important part of how the story is told.
Rotating exhibits and access
Alongside the permanent rooms, the museum runs rotating exhibits on current social problems. One covered violence against women. It used videos, written text, sculpture and photographs together, so the message reached you through several senses at once.
That exhibit also included a video with sign language interpretation, simplified written text, braille, and a link to English descriptions. The building has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot, plus an assistive hearing loop and assisted listening devices. Restrooms include gender-neutral ones.
The museum also hosts live performances and private events, and it has a restaurant, a coat check and a paid parking lot.
Language and planning
The wall text is in Spanish. The audio guide supplies translation, including English, and the museum provides headphones for it. A visitor who needs stronger hearing support should ask staff about the listening devices rather than rely only on the standard headphones.
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is a few minutes on foot from the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, so it combines easily with a day around Reforma and the historic center. Plan around two hours inside.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee at the Memory and Tolerance Museum?
Yes, admission is charged. Check which ticket option covers all exhibits, since the featured temporary exhibit can be separate. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
How long do you need at the Memory and Tolerance Museum?
Plan on about two hours. The subject is heavy, and many visitors prefer to go slowly and take few photos.
Is the museum in English?
The wall text is in Spanish. The audio guide, with headphones provided, carries English translation. Use it if you do not read Spanish.
Which day is the museum closed?
It is closed on Mondays and open the rest of the week. The museum's page shows current hours.
Is the Memory and Tolerance Museum accessible?
Yes. It has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot, plus a hearing loop and assisted listening devices. One exhibit included sign language video, simplified text and braille.
