Museum of Memory and Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance and Memory faces the Alameda Central, in the same complex as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Relations. Opened in 2010, it’s one of the leading human rights museums in the hemisphere.

The focus in the consequences of indifference, discrimination and violence, and it’s an important addition to the cultural line-up that makes the city a fascinating place to visit. The museum’s multiple galleries provide a tour through some of the most important events in the history of religious, ethnic, and other forms of intolerance. A channel of expression for understanding cultural diversity, the museum is also a step towards eventually eradicating the hatred and genocide that have tormented humankind for generations.

The museum is sub-divided into on Memory and Tolerance. The first showcases extreme cases of loss of human life, massacres, the plight of the Jews and others during the World War II. Also covered are some lesser known tragedies such as those of the indigenous people in Guatemala.

A section on Tolerance then addresses issues like dialogue, discrimination, human rights, the power of the media, and the benefits of diversity, among other larger themes. Temporary exhibitions focus on similar, and often unique struggles among the peoples of the world, including many that are complex in history, but equally compelling.

• A virtual tour, here, also provides important background and deeper understanding. 

The museum library and book store also makes much of the research that goes into each exhibit available to scholars from around the world. An information center, reading room, and the internal loans division go further to provide archival and documentary material, always in the hope of furthering the museum’s mission. A frequent host to students from around the country and region, it’s a sobering but important stop no matter what initially calls the attention of guests.