Florida Holocaust Museum, St. Petersburg

This museum is very nice and well done. The majority of what you are going to see is on the first floor. It has many exhibits and a train that was used in the transportation of Jews to the concentration camp. There are many displays that give you the history of the Jews and ultimately the racism they encountered through the years. It also gives you a good perspective of the concentration camps. I have just returned from Auschwitz last month and there were many things that this Museum also shows. One thing I would recommend is to sit by the train there is a Heroes gallery that Scrolls through the stories of different Heroes who helped Jews during World War II and saved many lives . The second floor has an art display but more importantly in the corner is a room that houses a dimensions in testimony exhibit. This I think is one of the best parts of this whole museum. You click a mouse and ask a question and through artificial intelligence the person responds back to your question in video. The person I was interacting with was Mary and I even asked her to say a few words in Polish and she did I was thoroughly amazed. You can ask her questions such as what is her Legacy or how did she survive or how was the ghetto that she lived in and she answers the questions and it's really quite amazing. The third floor has more exhibits that are more art. There are several displays and a almost like classroom area.

I cannot properly put into words how incredible my experience was here. I was greeted by Ms. Kay-Lynne Taylor, who was so kind, helpful, and provided me with a wealth of information. During our conversation, I let her know I decided to become a member and that I am a teacher. She then provided me with brochures and cards and talked about next steps for field trips and who to talk to for resources for my students. Additionally, I brought my 2-year old daughter, which I was hesitant to do, for obvious reasons. This museum deserves reverence and somberness. However, Ms. Taylor did not show any kind of negativity towards a toddler being in the museum. It was the total opposite. She was so sweet to her, and when we parted ways and started to go into the museum, my daughter gave her a hug, which is something she doesn't usually do to people she doesn't know. It made me want to cry (in a good way). The museum itself has an outstanding collection, and it is put together so well. There are photos, documents, bricks from Auschwitz, prisoner clothing, the boxcar, the room with a boxcar, the story behind the boxcar, artwork, shoes, a letter from Einstein...like I said, an outstanding collection. I could spend hours in there and will be going back as soon as I can. The staff do a phenomenal job of maintaining the memories to make sure this generation and future generations never forget the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. The Florida Holocaust Museum is worth the trip, time, and any kind of financial donation you can give. You will be met with some of the most brilliant staff who care about you and your experience. My only recommendation...expand the gift shop so museum patrons can purchase and support in more ways!

The museum was extremely informative. There was so much information and I enjoyed reading all the displays. The staff were nice. The interactive conversation on the second floor was great. You were able to ask questions and Mary Wygodski, a holocaust survivor, would respond to preset questions. I would come back again.

The museum was very informative, and given the subject matter, you expect to be sad. I teared up on several exhibits, it is difficult not to. I would recommend this museum. Bring ear buds or be prepared to have your phone to your ear as they provide an excellent free audio tour of the bottom level (in addition to everything you can view and read). That's if you want to do the free audio tour, I was the only one in my group that did. The others in my party, that didn't do the audio tour, were just as impressed with the museum without it. Our tickets were only free as we checked them out at our local library. I believe regular ticket price is about $16 per adult. Parking was free for museum visitors.

Very informative with lists of artifacts including a box car. Staff was very pleasant. I was surprised to see a remembrance/prayer room at the end where you could reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Upstairs was an art gallery as well as an interactive Q&A with survivors that was previously taped. Gift shop was smaller, but seemed to have something for everyone.