While the Museum of Tolerance has been closed throughout the pandemic, it is set to reopen to visitors on August 12.
“We have been planning for a while how to provide the valuable experience of the MOT to our public visitors, as soon as it is safe to reopen,” said Michele E. Alkin, Director of Global Communications for the museum. “As other museums were opening to the public, with MOT staff grateful to return to work and increasing inquiries from eager visitors, a limited schedule of museum operations was welcome at this time.”
When COVID-19 hit, the MOT went online. People could experience the public programs virtually, and according to Alkin, they will remain virtual for the time being.
Admission includes access to the Social Lab and Holocaust Exhibit, the Anne Frank Exhibit, and Para Todos Los Niños, live personal testimonies and temporary exhibitions. The museum also plans to hold several film screenings and discussions, weekly testimonies by Holocaust survivors followed by Q&As, and distinguished author presentations.
“During the pandemic, MOT exhibits have been updated to remain current, relevant and meaningful,” said Alkin.
To keep everyone safe, the MOT will require guests to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, which is in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines. Additionally, the museum has improved central air filtration and enhanced cleaning protocols, as well as installed touchless restroom faucets.
To keep everyone safe, the MOT will require guests to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, which is in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines.
“The mission and work of the MOT are even more crucial as we emerge from an intense period of unprecedented challenges,” said Alkin. “The MOT provides [a] stimulating and safe space to have the difficult conversations around the serious issues with which we are grappling, including the alarming increase in antisemitism and hate.”
Since the museum opened in 1993, 7.5 million visitors have experienced it, and the institution has left an indelible mark on LA, said Alkin. With its reopening, the MOT can continue its work of educating both Jewish and non-Jewish communities about the Holocaust while tackling the discrimination and prejudice that are still prevalent in our society.
“The Museum of Tolerance has impacted millions of people around the world and visitors have discovered that the museum is a life-changing experience unmatched by any other museum in the world today,” said Alkin. “The powerful exhibits and immersive experience of the MOT challenge us to reflect, from an historic and contemporary perspective, on what is happening in our world and our role in it. We are better informed and empowered to assume responsibility and make a positive difference.”
The Museum of Tolerance opens August 12 and will have limited hours: open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Kylie Ora Lobell is a writer for the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles, The Forward, Tablet Magazine, Aish, and Chabad.org and the author of the first children’s book for the children of Jewish converts, “Jewish Just Like You.”
