The museum was founded in 1979 by a group of Holocaust survivors residing in Montreal.
The collection features more than 13,000 objects donated primarily by local survivors and their families.
It maintains a specialized library and archives containing thousands of documents related to the Holocaust and the subsequent emigration of survivors to Canada.
The institution is a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Many of the oral histories in the collection were recorded as part of specific projects documenting the personal experiences of survivors who settled in Quebec.
The museum is actively working toward relocation to a new downtown site to accommodate larger crowds and expand its permanent exhibition space.
The Montreal Holocaust Museum (Musée de l'Holocauste Montréal) serves as a primary educational institution dedicated to Holocaust history, human rights, and the fight against antisemitism, racism, and hatred. The permanent exhibition utilizes historical artifacts, rare photographs, and survivor testimonies to chronicle the history of Jewish communities before, during, and after the Holocaust. Visitors engage with personal narratives, including objects donated by local survivors who rebuilt their lives in Montreal. The museum operates as a non-profit organization focused on promoting respect and diversity through educational programming and guided tours. Its collections include over 13,000 artifacts, ranging from personal letters to wartime ephemera. The museum is currently preparing for a transition to a new, larger facility in downtown Montreal, scheduled for completion in the coming years. It remains a key resource for school groups and researchers examining the social and political mechanisms of genocide.
The memorial plaque area near the entrance provides a dignified setting for photography.
Contact the museum in advance to inquire about guided tour availability, which provides significantly more historical context than a self-guided visit.
Set aside extra time to listen to the recorded audio testimonies, as they are central to the museum's pedagogical approach.
Check the museum's online calendar before your visit to see if special temporary exhibitions or guest speaker events are scheduled.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the current status of their relocation project, as operations may shift during the transition to the new site.
Closed on Saturdays in observance of Shabbat and closed on certain Jewish and statutory holidays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor throughout the galleries; food and drink are prohibited inside the exhibition areas.
