The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands, preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the Holocaust and human resilience.
Anne Frank’s diary, written in hiding, has been translated into over 70 languages, making her a key historical figure. Visiting the museum offers a moving experience, allowing visitors to see where she lived and wrote.
This guide covers the history of the Anne Frank House, its exhibits, visit planning, and the relevance of her story today.
If you are planning a short visit, check out this 12-hour itinerary for Amsterdam to make the most of your trip.
Table of Contents
Who Was Anne Frank?
Anne Frank was born to a Jewish family in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 12, 1929. In 1933, after Adolf Hitler rose to power, her father, Otto Frank, moved the family to Amsterdam to escape persecution. When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Jewish families faced severe restrictions.
On her 13th birthday in 1942, Anne received a red-and-white checkered diary. Soon after, her family went into hiding to avoid deportation. While in hiding, she documented her experiences, fears, and hopes in her diary, which she called Kitty.
The only surviving family member, Otto Frank, published her diary, The Diary of a Young Girl, after the war. It became one of the most widely read books, shedding light on the Holocaust.
The Anne Frank House: A Hidden Refuge
On July 6, 1942, the Frank family moved into a hidden annex behind Otto Frank’s business at Prinsengracht 263. The van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer joined them, putting eight people in hiding.
The annex was concealed behind a movable bookcase, with only a few trusted employees providing food and supplies. The group had to stay silent during the day to avoid detection.
Life was difficult, with constant fear, limited food, and no fresh air. Anne found solace in writing, documenting daily struggles, small joys, and reflections on human nature. Her diary preserved a firsthand account of life in hiding.
Discovery and Deportation
On August 4, 1944, after two years in hiding, Anne Frank and the others in the secret annex were discovered by the Gestapo. The source of the betrayal remains unknown.
They were arrested and sent to Westerbork, then deported to Auschwitz on September 3, 1944, the last transport from the Netherlands.
In October 1944, Anne and Margot Frank were transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where overcrowding, starvation, and disease were rampant. Both died of typhus in early 1945, weeks before British forces liberated the camp.
Otto Frank was the only survivor of the eight in hiding. After the war, he returned to Amsterdam and found Anne’s diary, preserved by Miep Gies.
The Preservation of the Anne Frank House
After World War II, Prinsengracht 263 faced demolition. Otto Frank and others campaigned to preserve it, leading to the Anne Frank House Museum opening in 1960 to honor Anne’s memory and educate on antisemitism and intolerance.
The Anne Frank House has been renovated for visitors while preserving the secret annex. It attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually.
Exploring the Museum Today
What You’ll See Inside
A visit to the Anne Frank House Museum offers a profoundly moving experience. The main highlights include:
- The Secret Annex: The hidden rooms where Anne and the others lived for over two years.
- Anne’s Original Diary: The diary she wrote and other personal writings.
- Exhibits on World War II & the Holocaust: Historical context about Nazi occupation and Jewish persecution.
- Personal Belongings & Photographs: Items from Anne’s family and the others who lived in the annex.
A Powerful Experience
Our tour was emotional and thought-provoking. Seeing the small, dimly lit rooms where Anne spent her final years brings the reality of history to life in a way that books alone cannot.
Tickets, Tours, and Visitor Information
How to Visit the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is one of the most visited museums in the city, so it’s essential to plan your visit.
Ticket Prices and Booking Information
- Online Reservations Only: Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Anne Frank House website.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: €16.00
- Children (10-17 years old): €7.00
- Children (0-9 years old): €1.00
- Museumkaart holders: Free
Best Time to Visit
The museum can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid long wait times:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
Photography and Accessibility
- No photography is allowed inside the museum to preserve the atmosphere and respect its historical significance.
- The main museum areas are wheelchair accessible, but the secret annex is not due to its steep and narrow stairs.
Virtual Tours and Digital Experiences
For those who cannot visit in person, the Anne Frank House offers virtual experiences that bring her story to life online.
Anne Frank House Virtual Tour
The official website offers a 360-degree virtual tour, allowing users to explore the secret annex and see key exhibits.
The Anne Frank Video Diary
A modern YouTube series presents Anne’s story in video format as if she were filming a vlog. This unique approach helps younger audiences connect with her story meaningfully.
Anne Frank House Educational Resources
The museum provides interactive materials for students and teachers, including:
- Lesson plans on World War II and the Holocaust
- An online timeline of Anne Frank’s life
- Digital storytelling projects for classrooms
These resources make her story accessible worldwide, ensuring that her legacy continues to educate and inspire.
Takeaway
The Anne Frank House is a place of remembrance and reflection, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience history in a deeply personal way.
Through her diary, Anne Frank’s voice continues to educate and inspire future generations.
Whether you visit in person or explore the museum’s virtual resources, Anne’s story is a powerful call to action—to learn from the past and build a future based on tolerance, peace, and humanity.
FAQs
1. Where is the Anne Frank House located?
The Anne Frank House is at Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2. Can you take photos inside the museum?
No, photography is prohibited inside the museum to preserve the historical space and respect the site’s solemnity.
3. Is the Anne Frank House wheelchair accessible?
The modern part of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the original secret annex is not due to steep stairs and narrow spaces.
4. How long does a visit to the Anne Frank House take?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum and annex.
5. What languages are available for the tour?
The audio guide and exhibits are available in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, Spanish, and French.