Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre

Table of Contents

Introduction

Genocide and mass atrocities are among the most devastating events in human history, causing untold suffering and loss of life. The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre (JHGC) is a place of memory, education, and lessons for humanity, exploring the history of genocide in the 20^th century with a focus on the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. By examining the connections between genocide and contemporary human rights issues, the JHGC urges visitors to understand the consequences of prejudice, discrimination, and othering, and to prevent the recurrence of mass atrocities and genocide in all its forms.

About the Centre

NEAR BY: Accommodation: Johannesburg | Restaurants Issy’s (<1km) | Other Attractions: Johannesburg Zoo (1km)

The JHGC was founded in 2008 and officially opened to the public in March 2019 as a public-private partnership with the City of Johannesburg. Together with its sister Centres in Cape Town and Durban, the JHGC forms part of the association, the South African Holocaust & Genocide Foundation. The Centre’s permanent exhibition, standing at over 420 m², explores the history of the Holocaust and genocide in the 20^th century through a thematic lens. The exhibition features nine dedicated spaces, including collections of photos, testimonies, films, multi-media, and unique artefacts from the Holocaust and the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, with generous contributions from survivors and families based in Johannesburg.

The JHGC also offers engaging and dynamic educational programs for learners, educators, and adult groups from a variety of backgrounds and age groups. The educational programs strive to provide accurate historical knowledge, highlight moral and ethical issues, encourage a commitment to the protection of human rights, diversity, and social activism, as well as develop empathy and compassion.

Interesting Facts

The JHGC is one of only a few Holocaust and genocide Centres in Africa.
The Centre’s permanent exhibition was designed by exhibition designers from the United States, Germany, and South Africa.
The JHGC received the 2018 European Museum of the Year Award and was a finalist for the 2020 Africa Architecture Awards.
The Centre has an extensive collection of Holocaust and genocide survivor testimonies, artefacts, and documents, many of which were donated by survivors and their families in Johannesburg.
The JHGC is part of a network of Holocaust and genocide Centres around the world, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre is an important institution that reminds us of the horrors of the past and the need to promote human rights, diversity, and social activism. By educating visitors about the history of genocide and its consequences, the Centre aims to prevent future atrocities and build a more just and peaceful world. Whether you are a student, educator, or member of the public, a visit to the JHGC is an eye-opening experience that will stay with you for a long time.