Melbourne Holocaust Museum
- Jewish Holocaust Centre
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History
The Melbourne Holocaust Museum (MHM) was founded in 1984 by a group of Holocaust survivors with a profound mission to honor the memory of the millions of Jewish people who perished during the Holocaust, preserve their stories, and ensure that the world never forgets. Despite initially wanting to leave the past behind, survivors realized the importance of sharing their experiences with future generations. The museum, initially run entirely by volunteers and survivors, aimed to collect and preserve Holocaust experiences and educate the community about the atrocities of discrimination. Survivors trusted the MHM with their personal collections and testimonies, contributing to the museum's unique living history. Over the years, the MHM expanded its facilities and professionalized its operations, receiving recognition and awards for its remarkable efforts. Today, the museum continues to educate and inspire, housing thousands of survivor testimonies and historical artifacts while serving as a vital resource for learning and remembrance.
Mandates/Sources of Authority
Built by a community of survivors, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum is dedicated to you – the next generation. Inside this museum we hope to ignite your sense of humanity; and empower you to champion kindness, bravery, and fairness wherever you go.
As custodians of truth, the MHM is committed to honouring the lives of survivors and the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Within these walls, we house their stories. Under this roof, we raise their voices. And when you leave, we ask that you carry their memory forward.
Together we have a shared responsibility to not only preserve the fragments of the past but transmit their lessons too. As it’s these personal stories which act as a catalyst to spark entire generations to better themselves, each other and the world.
Records Management and Collecting Policies
Our artefacts are carefully conserved and preserved. They are professionally handled and housed. We are working hard to digitise our collection, to increase and promote access for researchers and families worldwide.
Archival and Other Holdings
The Melbourne Holocaust Museum collects artifacts spanning the rise of Nazism, the Holocaust/WWII era, and the immediate post-war period. This includes items that reflect various aspects of Jewish life before the 1930s, documenting, digitizing, and preserving them in conservation-grade facilities. The museum accepts a wide range of items, such as official documents, historical artworks, letters, diaries, photographs, and objects from concentration camps and ghettos, including uniforms and identifiers. While Nazi-related artifacts are accepted only through consultation and are encouraged to be removed from public circulation, they may still be utilized for educational purposes. Additionally, the MHM collects unpublished and published memoirs and encourages donors to contribute historical documentation of their family's items, while also recording survivor testimonies.
Opening Times
Tues, Wed, Thursday: 2pm-6pm
Sunday: 10am–6pm
Closed Mon, Fri & Saturday + Public & Jewish Holidays
Conditions of Access
The MHM is easily accessible by public transport. You can access the museum via:
- The Sandringham train line (Elsternwick Station)
- The Route 67 tram line (stop at Elsternwick Station)
The train station and tram stop are both a three-minute walk away. Bus services also stop at the Elsternwick Train Station. Visit the Public Transport Victoria website to explore your options and plan your journey.
Parking: there are free 2-hour, 4-hour and all-day car parking spots in the streets and car parks surrounding the MHM. As parking is limited, we recommend taking public transport when possible.
Accessibility
The MHM has the following services:
- Accessible toilets on all public access levels
- Lift access
The museum has wheelchair access and MHM staff and volunteers are happy to assist. Please view the museum map for further accessibility information. If you have specific access requirements, or wish to learn more about accessibility, please contact reception@mhm.org.au ahead of your visit.
Research Services
Consultations to research and to donate are available by appointment. Email collections@mhm.org.au or call 03 9528 1985.