What’s happening:
In 2023, the Auschwitz Memorial Museum documented a remarkable increase in visitation, with over 1.67 million individuals, marking a 41% rise from the previous year. The rise signifies a rebound from the lower visitation rates experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it matters:
The increasing visitor numbers at the Auschwitz Memorial Museum are significant as they underscore the enduring commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education amidst a troubling rise in global antisemitism. These visits serve as a potent reminder of the past atrocities and the ongoing need to combat hate and prejudice.
By the numbers:
Visitors from Poland constituted the majority, with significant numbers also arriving from the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, the United States, Italy, France, Slovakia, and the Netherlands.
The big picture:
The Auschwitz Memorial is not only increasing in physical visitation but is also enhancing its digital presence. The museum is launching “Auschwitz in Front of Your Eyes”, an immersive online tour experience offered in 20 languages, which is expected to broaden its educational reach internationally.
On the ground:
Director of the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust (ICEAH), Andrzej Kacorzyk, highlighted that in 2023, the museum conducted over 930 educational events. The ICEAH continues to focus on educational initiatives, hosting conferences and seminars aimed at integrating new technologies in teaching about Auschwitz and the Holocaust.
The significance of in-person visits:
Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński, the Museum’s director, emphasizes the profound influence of visiting the memorial. He notes that the majority of visitors engage with educators to enhance their historical knowledge, leading to a deep, personal understanding of the events and the formation of their own moral outlook. This interaction is pivotal in shaping an ethical response to ideologies of hatred and prejudice.
A groundbreaking educational tool:
Highlighting the museum’s innovative approach to Holocaust remembrance, Cywiński praised the new online platform. Providing live guided tours virtually, the museum allows people worldwide to gain knowledge and personal experience through authentic post-camp space.
In context:
As incidents of antisemitism and Holocaust denial persist globally, the role of educational centers like Auschwitz Memorial Museum becomes ever more crucial in fostering historical awareness and moral responsibility.
This story was first published on jpost.com.