ROM Announces Free Admission Weekend for Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.

TORONTO, January 21, 2025 – Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, ROM is offering free visitor admission to the exclusive Canadian presentation of the featured Museum exhibition Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.

Guests can receive complimentary access to this important internationally touring exhibition on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2025 – just prior to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, which falls on Monday, January 27, 2025. 

"Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. is an exhibition of unprecedented scale and scope that helps people make sense of one of the darkest chapters in human history," said Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO. "So, we are pleased to announce that thanks to the support of the Ontario government, this must-see exhibition will be free for all visitors the weekend of January 25-26."

This powerful exhibition runs until September 1, 2025, and presents more than 500 objects that reveal both the history and legacy of Auschwitz, the most significant site of the Holocaust. Guests can secure up to four free tickets for January 25 and 26 online through ROM’s website here. Tickets are limited and include timed entry to the exhibition as well as access to all of ROM’s permanent galleries and collection spaces.

"In the face of rising antisemitism at home and around the world, this exhibition offers a sobering reminder of the horrific realities of the Holocaust and the perpetual need to uphold our pledge of 'never again,'" said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. "Recognizing the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by providing free admission to this important exhibition on January 25 and 26 is part of our government’s commitment to stand up against hate wherever it is found, and work to foster understanding, unity and respect across all our communities."

Students receive free admission to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. when participating in organized visits from Ontario-based schools throughout the duration of the exhibition’s run.

"Antisemitism and hatred continue to haunt our communities, and education plays a key role in combating both," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. "I urge teachers and schools to seize this opportunity to take students to see Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., which will help them reflect, learn, and understand the history that still impacts us today. I’m confident seeing this exhibition will be incredibly meaningful for students and truly complement mandatory Holocaust learning in Ontario schools."

Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away was created by Musealia and co-produced with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The exhibition marks the first time a collection this immense has come together to tell the story of Auschwitz. In addition to the hundreds of authentic items from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, special loans are also included from over 20 other major institutions and private collections around the world, including artifacts with direct Canadian connections.

ROM opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with last admissions to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. at 4:15 p.m. Visitors are invited to arrive via the Weston Entrance on Queen’s Park.

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Image credit: Installation view, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Photo: Paul Eekhoff, © ROM.

 

This exhibition is also generously supported by the Royal Exhibitions Circle.

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Visiting ROM: See the online Visitor Guidelines for more information.

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About ROM 

Opened in 1914, ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the world and across the ages. Today, ROM houses more than 13 million objects, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary sculpture, from meteorites to dinosaurs. ROM is the most visited museum in Canada and one of the top ten museums in North America. It is also the country’s preeminent field research institute, with a diverse range of experts who help us understand the past, make sense of the present, and shape a shared future. Just as impressive is ROM’s facility—a striking combination of heritage architecture and the cutting-edge Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, which marks the Museum as an iconic landmark and global cultural destination.  

We live on in what we leave behind.

About Musealia

Musealia is an independent Spanish company that creates and manages global touring exhibitions, which inspire us all to explore the past, understand the present, and shape our collective future. With more than 20 years of international experience, our exhibitions are characterized by their strong narrative character, their historical rigor, educational value, and emotional impact. More than 70 museums and institutions in countries such as the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, South Africa or Australia have hosted our exhibitions.

About the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Fulfilling the wish of survivors, on July 2, 1947, the Polish parliament created the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum on the site of two preserved parts of the former German Nazi camp: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The Memorial today includes Archives and Collections, and undertakes research, conservation, and publishing activities. It is, above all, an education center that teaches visitors about the history of Auschwitz. More than 2 million people visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum every year.