10 Things to Do in Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, Krakow Poland
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Located in Krakow, Poland, it is one of the most visited sites in the world. Here are 10 things you can do when visiting this important memorial and museum.
1. Tour the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau Camps: Auschwitz I was the first concentration camp established by the Nazis in 1940. Auschwitz II-Birkenau was built in 1942 and was the largest and most notorious of all the Nazi concentration and extermination camps. Guided tours of the camps are available and will provide an in-depth look at the history of the camps and the atrocities that occurred there.
2. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: The museum is a living memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It houses permanent and temporary exhibitions that tell the story of the camps. Visitors can also view artifacts from the camps, including personal belongings of the prisoners, photographs, and documents.
3. Attend a Special Event: The museum regularly hosts special events, such as lectures, concerts, and educational programs. These events provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Holocaust and the experiences of the prisoners.
4. Take a Self-Guided Tour: The museum offers a self-guided tour that allows visitors to explore the camps at their own pace. The tour includes audio and video presentations, as well as interactive displays.
5. Visit the Memorials: The memorials at Auschwitz-Birkenau commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. The main memorial is located at the entrance of the camp and contains the ashes of the victims. Other memorials are located throughout the camp and commemorate the victims of various nationalities.
6. Take a Guided Tour of the Museum: Guided tours of the museum are available and provide an in-depth look at the history of the camps and the atrocities that occurred there. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide visitors with a comprehensive look at the history of the camps.
7. Visit the Memorial Gardens: The memorial gardens at Auschwitz-Birkenau are a peaceful place to reflect on the victims of the Holocaust. The gardens contain a variety of flowers and plants, as well as sculptures and other artwork.
8. Visit the Bookstore: The bookstore at the museum has a wide selection of books and other items related to the Holocaust. Visitors can purchase books, DVDs, and other items that will help them learn more about the history of the camps.
9. Take a Tour of the Town of Oświęcim: Oświęcim is the town where the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps were located. Visitors can take a tour of the town and learn more about the history of the area and the people who lived there during the Holocaust.
10. Visit the International Youth Meeting Center: The International Youth Meeting Center is located near the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps and serves as a place for young people to learn about and discuss the Holocaust. The center offers educational programs, lectures, and workshops, as well as other activities for visitors.
Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a powerful and moving experience. It is a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and a place to honor the victims. By taking part in one of the activities listed above, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history of the camps and the people who were affected by them.