‘Dimensions in Testimony’ exhibit uses holographic technology to talk to Holocaust survivors

Ninety-seven-year-old Holocaust survivor Renee Firestone has answered more than 10,000 questions about her life and now wants everyone to come to the Holocaust Museum LA (HMLA) to hear her responses. 

In partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation, people can now visit Firestone —  virtually —  at the museum’s new permanent exhibit “Dimensions in Testimony,” located at Pan Pacific Park. HMLA is one of eight locations to host “Dimensions in Testimony” technology, the others located in Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Sweden.

Firestone, whose Holocaust testimony was recorded over the course of several days in 2015, can answer an array of questions, from her favorite color and her life as a fashion designer, to her recollections of entering Auschwitz and how, in the 1990s, she confronted the doctor who experimented on her 16-year-old sister. 

Up to four people at a time can ask Firestone questions within a 30-minute time slot. Questions are posed using a special microphone and Firestone responds instantly via pre-recorded videos. Her virtual presence breathes, nods and moves around, as if she is in the room with you. There also is a list of suggested questions for her. In the event that she doesn’t have an answer to your question, she’ll let you know that, too. 

“Since 2010, we have been using high-tech to blend primary sources and archival history to teach Holocaust education,” said Jordanna Gessler, vice president of education and exhibits.

The museum itself was founded by local Holocaust survivors, and features their first-hand documents, artifacts and archived history. Firestone, who came to Los Angeles in 1948, is a former museum board member and continues to be a speaker, even giving Zoom tours during the pandemic. Parts  of her life story also are displayed throughout the museum. 

“With ‘Dimensions in Testimony,’ countless future generations of visitors and students can hear those stories from the survivors and learn directly from those who were there, even when they are no longer with us,” CEO Beth Kean said.

The museum is open Thursdays-Mondays. Tours are free to California residents and students with an I.D. Tickets are available here.