Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located in Oświęcim, Poland, on the site of the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camps Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. It serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and honors the memory of over 1.1 million people—mostly Jews—who were murdered there.

Historical Background

• Established in 1940, Auschwitz initially functioned as a detention center for political prisoners. It later expanded into a network of camps, including Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which became the largest extermination site in Nazi-occupied Europe.

• The Red Army liberated the camp on January 27, 1945, finding around 7,000 surviving prisoners in dire conditions.

Creation of the Memorial

• In 1947, the Polish government established the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum to preserve the site and educate future generations.

• The museum includes original buildings, ruins of gas chambers and crematoria, personal belongings of victims, and extensive documentation.

Visiting Today

• The site is open to the public and offers guided tours, exhibitions, and educational programs.

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited Holocaust memorials in the world.

You can explore more or plan a visit through the official Auschwitz Memorial website