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

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.