The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Today, it is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, offering a powerful reminder of the Holocaust and a profoundly moving visitor experience.
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Quick Visitor Info
Here’s a snapshot of everything you need to know before your visit:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Prinsengracht 263, Jordaan, Amsterdam |
| Tickets | Adults €16 · Youth (10–17) €7.00 · Children (0–9) €1.00 · Museumkaart free |
| Booking | Online only via the official website |
| Opening Hours | Daily 9:00–22:00 (varies by season) |
| Nearby Attractions | Jordaan canals, Westerkerk, Nine Streets |
Who Was Anne Frank?
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II. Born in Frankfurt in 1929, she moved with her family to Amsterdam in 1933 after Hitler rose to power. On her 13th birthday, she received a diary that would later become one of the most famous books in the world.
In July 1942, Anne and her family went into hiding in the secret annex behind her father’s office. For two years she documented her fears, hopes, and daily struggles until their arrest in 1944. Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in early 1945. Otto Frank, her father, was the sole survivor and later published her diary.
The Secret Annex: A Hidden Refuge
The secret annex at Prinsengracht 263 was concealed behind a movable bookcase. Eight people lived in cramped conditions: the Frank family, the van Pels family, and Fritz Pfeffer. They relied on trusted employees for food and news. Life in hiding was marked by fear and silence, but Anne poured her heart into her diary, creating a record that still moves millions.
Discovery and Deportation
The hiding place was discovered on August 4, 1944. The group was arrested and deported to Westerbork, then Auschwitz. Later, Anne and Margot were moved to Bergen-Belsen, where they died of typhus. Their exact betrayal remains unknown. Otto Frank returned to Amsterdam after the war, where Miep Gies gave him Anne’s preserved diary.
Anne Frank’s Death
Anne Frank died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in early 1945, only weeks before liberation. Conditions in the camp were horrific, with overcrowding, starvation, and disease. Both Anne and her sister Margot contracted typhus and died within days of each other. Anne was just 15 years old. Her father, Otto, the only survivor of the family, ensured her diary was published so her voice could live on.
The Preservation of the Anne Frank House
The building was saved from demolition after the war thanks to Otto Frank’s efforts. The Anne Frank House Museum opened in 1960 and has since welcomed over a million visitors annually. Renovations made it accessible to the public while preserving the secret annex in its original state.
What You’ll See Inside the Museum
A visit to the Anne Frank House is an emotional journey. The main highlights include:
- The Secret Annex – The hidden rooms where eight people lived in hiding.
- Anne’s Original Diary – Her famous red-and-white checkered notebook and other writings.
- WWII & Holocaust Exhibits – Historical context on Nazi occupation and Jewish persecution.
- Personal Belongings – Photos, documents, and items from the Frank family.
Tickets and Visiting Tips
Tickets to the Anne Frank House must be purchased online in advance. There are no on-site sales.
- Prices: Adults €16 · Youth (10–17) €7.00 · Children (0–9) €1.00 · Museumkaart free.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Visit Duration: Most visits take 1–1.5 hours.
Accessibility and Rules
The modern museum is accessible, but the original annex is not. Its steep, narrow stairs make it unsuitable for wheelchairs. No photography is allowed inside to preserve the solemn atmosphere. Exhibits are available in multiple languages via audio guide.
Virtual Tours and Digital Resources
If you can’t visit in person, the Anne Frank House offers rich digital experiences:
- A 360-degree virtual tour of the secret annex.
- The Anne Frank Video Diary, reimagining her story as if filmed on video.
- Educational tools for schools, including timelines and lesson plans.
The Anne Frank House in Context
Visiting the Anne Frank House places you in the heart of the Jordaan neighbourhood. After your tour, you can explore:
- The Westerkerk, where Anne heard bells during her time in hiding.
- The Jordaan canals and boutique shops.
- The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) shopping district.
FAQs
Where is the Anne Frank House located?
The Anne Frank House is at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district.
Can you take photos inside?
No, photography is prohibited inside the museum.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The modern museum is accessible, but the original secret annex is not due to the steep stairs.
How long does a visit take?
Most visits last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, all tickets must be purchased online at the official website.
The Anne Frank House is not only a museum, it is a place of remembrance and reflection. Visiting allows you to experience history firsthand while honouring Anne’s enduring voice for tolerance and humanity.