The Illinois Holocaust Museum is branching out from its Skokie roots to bring a slice of history and education to Chicago's Loop with a new pop-up exhibit, "Experience 360." Kelley Szany, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Education at the museum, emphasized the depth of the storytelling that visitors will encounter, telling NBC Chicago, "You’re seeing survivors not only of the Holocaust but of other genocides." She further delineated the potency of these narratives and their ability to forge links to broader lessons and connections.
Tracing its origins back to the 1977 neo-Nazi march threat in Skokie, which galvanized the survivor community to combat hate through education, the museum has continually evolved. Szany recalled the museum's beginnings in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago, indicating a history of resilience and activism. While the Skokie location is slated to remain closed for a year due to renovations, their "Experience 360" pop-up is strategically placed at 360 North State Street to capture the bustling Chicago audience. Szany hopes to attract passersby who can quickly immerse themselves in the powerful exhibition, potentially even during a mere lunch break.
The temporary exhibit does not solely focus on the past; rather, it offers a synthesis of history with interactive technology. The innovative draw of "Experience 360" lies in its first-person holographic accounts from Holocaust survivors, providing an illuminating educational perspective in a modern, immersive package. This high-tech angle, coupled with arresting protest imagery and survivor stories, seeks to deepen the understanding of genocide's impact.
Expected to open its doors on August 26, according to ABC 7 Chicago, "Experience 360" has generated interest for its promise to offer a moving encounter with history. The goal is to engage a wide audience, underscoring the significance of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering other genocides. In the face of renovation, the museum has managed to find a means to grow its presence and to continue disseminating crucial narratives of survival and resilience.
Tickets for the pop-up are to be available at the door and online, offering both accessibility and convenience for those wishing to visit. "Experience 360" isn't just a temporal fill-in during the Skokie renovation; it represents a strategic expansion into new spaces and audiences, underlined by the museum's steadfast commitment to educating on the perils of hatred and the virtues of tolerance.
