The first-of-its-kind in the United States, the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museums of Tolerance (MMOT) are free, traveling education centers utilizing innovative technology, interactive programs, and curricula to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of hate.
First launched in Illinois, the MMOT is based on the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) in Los Angeles, California, the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which challenges visitors to confront bigotry, anti-Semitism and prejudice, and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts.
The MMOT’s 32-seat wheelchair accessible vehicle serves as a self-contained classroom while also delivering a field-trip experience to its visitors. Led by a licensed Illinois educator, the MMOT uses immersive technology and facilitated dialogue to deliver its workshops. These carefully designed workshops cover difficult topics such as propaganda, discrimination, hate, and dehumanization in an age-appropriate manner. MMOT workshops teach visitors the dangers of the past in order to create a better future focused on tolerance, kindness, and empathy. All workshops are endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and are in alignment with Illinois learning standards and mandated curriculum.
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Rights' (IDHR) Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes, MMOT workshops empower participants with knowledge of the dangers of the past in order to create a better future. In addition to middle schools and high schools, the Mobile Museums of Tolerance visits college and university campuses, libraries, synagogues, churches, police stations, parks, and community centers.
Visit the MMOT
The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a Jewish global human rights organization researching the Holocaust and hate in a historic and contemporary context. The Center confronts anti-Semitism, hate, and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.
The Center’s Midwest Office manages the regional fundraising efforts, educational programming, and activism from our offices in Chicago, IL. As an NGO, we work closely with State and Local Elected Officials, the Illinois State Board of Education, law enforcement agents, and community leaders to further educational opportunities for students and professionals, alike. From traveling exhibitions to panel discussions, we have hosted educational events at the State Capitol, the Harold Washington Library, and Chicago City Hall. With partners across the professional spectrum, we have collaborated with the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, the DuSable Museum of African American History, Facebook, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, and other community activists.
In addition to our constant monitoring, tracking, and alerting authorities about the use of the Internet and social media by bigots and haters, we worked closely with faith leaders, their congregations, and college campuses to further educate the next generation.
Our latest and most audacious project is the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT), which we know continues our mission while elevating the level of access and tools needed to truly create a future generation void of hate.
Visit the Simon Wiesenthal Center
The Museum of Tolerance (MOT) is the educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an internationally renowned Jewish human rights organization. The only museum of its kind in the world, the MOT is dedicated to challenging visitors to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront all forms of prejudice and discrimination in our world today.
Established in 1993, the MOT has welcomed over five million visitors, mostly middle and high school students. Visitors become witnesses to history and explore the dynamics of bigotry and discrimination that are still embedded in society today. Through interactive exhibits, special events, and customized programs for youths and adults, the Museum engages visitors’ hearts and minds, while challenging them to assume personal responsibility for positive change.
Perhaps no other institution offers such a motivational mix of historical discovery and personal empowerment.
We invite you to learn about our history and vision, what people are saying about us, and news of current and future projects.
Visit the Museum of Tolerance