COVID Safety Protocols

To ensure Illinois Holocaust Museum is as safe as possible for visitors, volunteers, and staff, the Museum will require all guests ages 5+ to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter the building as of January 5, 2022. 

Masks and online tickets continue to be required for all visitors. 

Proof can include a physical vaccine card, a photocopy of the card, a digital record or app on your phone, or a printed record from a vaccine provider. Visitors ages 16+ also must show photo identification that matches proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

Vaccine exceptions apply for students ages 18 or under that are attending a school field trip. Teachers and school chaperones are not exempt from the vaccine requirement.

Accommodations for mask and vaccine policies must be requested in advance and are subject to Museum discretion.  

Fully vaccinated is defined as:  two weeks after a second dose in a 2-dose series with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after a single-dose series with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson.

Proof of vaccination can include:  

• A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
• An official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered or a photo/photocopy
• A third-party app (such as Bindle) reflecting the visitor’s name, vaccine brand, and dates administered 
• A digital or physical photo of a record that includes the individual’s name, vaccine brand name, and date the vaccine was administered.  

If none of the above are available, contact your vaccination provider to obtain a new copy, or use your state’s health department’s immunization information system to access a copy. 

Identification is required for visitors ages 16 and up and can include any official document bearing the name of the individual and a photograph (driver’s license, non-driver government ID card, passport, school ID card, etc.). 

Masks that fit snugly over the nose and mouth are required at all times for all guests ages 2 and up. Bandanas, gaiters, masks with vents, or face shields worn alone are not permitted.  

If you do not follow these guidelines, you may be asked to leave the Museum. As conditions change, we will continue to adapt our safety protocols. 

WHEN YOU VISIT

• Reserve your tickets online before arriving at the Museum. All visitors – including members and guests of members – must have a ticket to enter the building. Please call 847.967.4800 if you require assistance.
• Bring your face mask: All visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask over their nose and mouth.
• One at a time: Visitors will be admitted one party at a time. If you are visiting as a household group, please enter the Museum together.
• Leave your bags behind: Our coat check is temporarily closed. Please plan ahead and leave coats, backpacks, and large items at home or in your car.
• Plan ahead: Please note that we are open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am through 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm.

AT THE MUSEUM

Use our hand sanitizer – The Museum will provide hand sanitizer to all visitors upon entry. During your visit, feel free to use any of the additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the Museum.

Practice social distancing – We ask visitors to follow social distancing guidelines.

BYOM (Bring Your Own Map) – We are saving trees & staying safe by not offering printed materials at this time.

We offer digital versions of Museum maps, self-guided tour guide, and audio tours on the Illinois Holocaust Museum app, available in the App Store and on Google Play. Please bring your headphones or earbuds to take advantage of these self-guided tours during your visit.

There is FREE WiFi available in the Museum.

On-Site Program Guidelines

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all attendees is required.
  This can be your physical vaccine card, a photo of your vaccine card, or a digital wallet screen (such as Bindle) with your uploaded vaccine card.
  
• Masks are required for all participants (except for on-stage presenters).
  Masks must be worn covering the nose and mouth. If you do not have a mask, the Museum will provide you with an accepted mask before entry.
  
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for Museum staff, seasonal contractors, and presenters.

Entry will not be permitted to anyone who is unable to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.

Our Safety Commitment

The Museum has established a series of procedures to ensure the safety of all guests, volunteers, and staff.

• Our entire building has been treated with a powerful anti-microbial spray.
• We maintain high relative humidity levels in the Museum, which naturally inhibits the spread of COVID-19.
• Our air filtering system utilizes MERV 14 air filters. These filters exceed recommended standards and contribute to a hygienic environment.