Our current special exhibitions include Memorial Without Witness in the Weinstein Gallery on the first floor, featuring a powerful series of black-and-white photographs taken by historian Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr. during his 1987 visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. In the Museum's Second Floor Gallery, visitors can experience Survivor Portraits, a series of striking black-and-white portraits of Holocaust survivors living in Richmond, Virginia, by acclaimed photographer Dean Whitbeck.
Now On Display in the Weinstein Gallery
Memorial Without Witness
In July 1987, historian Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr., who would later serve as Executive Director and Senior Historian at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, traveled to Frankfurt to speak at a public program. At the encouragement of his colleague, Professor Joachim Russek, he continued on to Poland to visit Auschwitz. There, he encountered the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in an unusually quiet and nearly empty state—an experience few visitors have ever known.
For several hours, Dr. Sydnor walked alone through the ruins of Auschwitz-Birkenau with only his camera. His striking black-and-white photographs capture the silence, emptiness, and haunting remnants of one of history's most notorious sites of mass murder.
Memorial Without Witness presents a selection of these photographs, enlarged into immersive, wall-sized panels that invite visitors to experience Auschwitz through Dr. Sydnor's eyes. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to reflect on memory, absence, and the enduring responsibility to remember the victims of the Holocaust.
Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau welcomes more than two million visitors each year. Yet on that summer afternoon in 1987, Dr. Sydnor walked its grounds alone, documenting what he would later call a "memorial without witness."
Dr. Sydnor passed away in 2025, but through these remarkable photographs, his legacy continues to inspire reflection, remembrance, and a deeper understanding of the Holocaust.
About the Photographer | Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr.
Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr. was a widely respected historian specializing in the Holocaust and World War II. Throughout his distinguished career, he provided expert historical testimony for the United States Department of Justice in more than twenty court cases involving former SS concentration camp guards and Nazi collaborators, including the landmark case against John Demjanjuk, who was convicted of being an accessory to the murder of 28,060 Jews at the Sobibór extermination camp.
Beyond his work as a scholar and expert witness, Dr. Sydnor served as Executive Director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum from 2013 to 2015. He passed away on November 28, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a lasting legacy of scholarship, justice, and Holocaust education.
Now On Display in the Second Floor Gallery
SURVIVOR PORTRAITS
By Dean Whitbeck
Originally displayed in 2015 | Returning by popular demand
Originally presented at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in 2015, Survivor Portraits returns by popular demand with a powerful collection of 20 large-scale black-and-white portraits by acclaimed photographer Dean Whitbeck. The exhibition features Holocaust survivors who made their homes in Richmond, Virginia, capturing their strength, resilience, and personal stories through Whitbeck’s striking photography.
When these portraits were first displayed, many of the survivors featured were still sharing their experiences with the community. Today, many have passed away, making these photographs an even more meaningful record of their lives, voices, and legacies.
Among the survivors featured are Jay Ipson, Halina Zimm, Inga Horowitz, Tommy Bare, and Alex Keisch. Through these portraits, visitors are invited to connect with the individuals behind the history and reflect on the importance of preserving survivor stories for future generations.
About the Photographer | Dean Whitbeck
Dean Whitbeck is an award-winning photographer, designer, and educator whose work focuses on using visual storytelling to highlight the dignity, resilience, and experiences of individuals and communities often overlooked or underrepresented.
For more than 15 years, Whitbeck has documented stories centered on social impact, human connection, and the power of personal narratives. Through his photography, he seeks to create meaningful encounters that encourage understanding, empathy, and reflection.
In Survivor Portraits, Whitbeck captures the strength and humanity of Holocaust survivors living in Richmond, Virginia, preserving their stories and ensuring that their experiences continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the Virginia Holocaust Museum feature new special exhibits?
The Virginia Holocaust Museum strives to present at least two new special exhibitions each year, though the number varies depending on exhibit availability, partnerships, and scheduling. Check this page regularly to see what's currently on display.
Are special exhibits included with museum admission?
Yes. All special exhibitions are included with regular museum admission—there is no additional fee to view them.
Are special exhibits appropriate for children and families?
Most of our special exhibitions are appropriate for families and older children, but content varies by exhibit. Some exhibitions may contain images or subject matter that younger visitors could find upsetting. If you're unsure whether a current exhibit is appropriate for your family, please review the exhibit description on our website or contact the museum before your visit.
How long does it take to view a special exhibit?
Most visitors spend between 15 and 30 minutes exploring a special exhibition, though you are welcome to spend as much time as you'd like.
Where are special exhibits located in the museum?
Beginning in 2026, special exhibitions are presented in the Museum's spacious Second Floor Gallery, providing more room for larger installations and an enhanced visitor experience. If you need assistance finding the current exhibition, our Guest Services team will be happy to help.
Will the current special exhibit still be on display during my visit?
Special exhibitions are available for a limited time. Visit this page before your trip or contact the museum to confirm which exhibition will be on view during your visit.
Past Special Exhibits
Explore our Past Special Exhibits to discover the powerful stories, traveling exhibitions, and unique collections previously featured at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
Visit The Museum
Special exhibits are included with museum admission. We invite you to explore our current exhibition alongside the Virginia Holocaust Museum's permanent exhibits for a meaningful and memorable experience.