In February 1993, the Museum of Tolerance opened to the public. It soon received acclaim from national and international leaders, and was described by newspapers and magazines worldwide as an extraordinary new museum. Within a few short months, it became a "must-see" attraction in Southern California. Today, the public has come to view the MOT not only as a symbol of society¿s quest to live peacefully together, but also as an important resource on how to achieve that goal. Over 250,000 people visit the MOT annually, including 130,000 students, and many major corporations, educators, police agencies, and professionals from throughout the region have experienced the MOT's specialized programs.