UPDATE: The Illinois Holocaust Museum has officially launched its urgent new satellite location, Experience360, in downtown Chicago, with a mission to educate visitors about the Holocaust and ongoing genocides. The opening ceremony took place on August 25, 2025, coinciding with International Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day.
Museum CEO Bernard Cherkasov emphasized the critical need for education on these subjects, stating, “This is the 80th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and World War II. The world is in desperate need of lessons from that dark part of our history.”
Experience360 is located at 360 N. State St. and opened to the public on August 26, 2025. Governor JB Pritzker, who attended the ceremony, remarked on the museum’s role in combating rising hate and antisemitism globally. “This space will educate thousands every year about the horrors that result from indifference,” he stated, highlighting the urgent relevance of the museum today.
The temporary location features state-of-the-art holograms of Holocaust survivors, immersive films, and historical artifacts. Visitors can engage in interactive conversations with holographic representations of survivors, including Rodi Glass and Marion Deichmann, as well as Kizito Kalima, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This is a first for the museum, showcasing stories beyond the Holocaust to educate about ongoing global atrocities.
Kalima, present at the opening, expressed his commitment to sharing his story to prevent future genocides. “They need to prevent it or call it out as soon as they see the signs,” he warned, underscoring the significance of education in recognizing and responding to early signs of violence.
The museum’s innovative holographic theater offers interactive interviews that allow visitors to learn directly from survivors’ experiences. Cherkasov highlighted the importance of these narratives, stating, “We will continue to grow… to tell the story of genocide in Rwanda through the lens of a survivor.”
The satellite location combines new exhibits with permanent collections, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Cherkasov noted that the museum’s Skokie location is undergoing renovations, which include a new visitor welcome center and expanded facilities, set to partially reopen in January 2026.
Despite the museum’s focus on historical atrocities, the need for education remains critical as violence persists around the world. Current genocide emergencies are reported in countries like Darfur, Nigeria, and Myanmar. Kalima emphasized the role of education in preventing future violence, stating, “If we can educate them… to look at the signs, that will be a blessing to everyone.”
Experience360 is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with general admission priced at $12. For more information, visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org.
This initiative not only aims to preserve memory but also strives to inspire action against hatred and discrimination in today’s world. Share this important development and support the mission of learning from the past to shape a better future.
