The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum reopened on Nov. 2, showcasing a new 36,000-square-foot structure that was four times larger than the previous facility, which was located on the lower level of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis building. It had been closed for two years during construction.

Now the museum is marking its first milestone, 100 days of operation.

Since Nov. 2 the museum has:

• Welcomed over 4,500 total visitors
• Engaged with 1,600 students from around the region
• Coordinated group tours for 30 schools
• Reached over 400,000 individuals on social media
• Recruited over 700 new members, including its Guardians of Remembrance Society
• Added nearly 80 new names to its list of survivors in its Survivors’ Gallery

“When we opened this museum just a few short months ago, we knew we were sharing something very special with the community. And we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received,” said Amy Lutz, marketing and communications manager at the Holocaust museum.

The Reflection Wall

One of the more impressive public responses has been at the museum’s Reflection Wall.

“At our Reflection Wall, we encourage visitors to leave a message reflecting upon their experience at the museum asking, ‘How has your visit to the museum impacted you?’” said Lutz.

Thousands have left messages. Here are a few examples:

• “This museum makes me realize we need change and I need to be part of that change.”
• “This museum is an incredible tribute to the Holocaust victims and survivors and an important testament to the need to combat hatred still today. Every individual has dignity and worth.”
• “Powerful. This experience will impact my actions and choices each day.”

Up Next

Yom HaShoah 2023
April 16

United Hebrew Congregation

Save the date! The Holocaust museum’s annual Yom HaShoah commemoration is back in person at United Hebrew Congregation this year. The community is invited to join this important program to honor the survivors of the Holocaust and remember the victims of the Shoah. Stay tuned for more information.