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What Is the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam?
The Anne Frank House is a historic house museum located on Prinsengracht in Amsterdam.
It preserves the concealed annex where Anne Frank, her family, and four others lived in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.
Today, the site functions as both a museum and a place of remembrance.
It documents Anne Frank’s life, the history of Jewish persecution under Nazi rule, and the lasting impact of her diary, which remains one of the most widely read books in the world.
Where Is the Anne Frank House Located?
The Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht 263, along one of Amsterdam’s central canals, on the edge of the Jordaan district.
The area is within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station and sits close to several well-known landmarks, including Westerkerk and the Nine Streets shopping area.
Who Was Anne Frank?
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl born in Frankfurt in 1929. Her family moved to Amsterdam in 1933 after Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany.
On her thirteenth birthday, Anne received a diary. Two years later, in July 1942, her family went into hiding to avoid arrest.
While concealed in a hidden annex behind her father’s business premises, Anne wrote extensively about her daily life, thoughts, and fears.
Her diary was later published by her father, Otto Frank, the only member of the family to survive the war.
What Was the Secret Annex?
The secret annex was a series of rooms hidden behind a movable bookcase at the rear of the building.
Eight people lived there between 1942 and 1944:
- Otto, Edith, Anne, and Margot Frank
- Hermann, Auguste, and Peter van Pels
- Fritz Pfeffer
The group depended entirely on trusted helpers for food, supplies, and news.
Movement had to be kept to a minimum during working hours to avoid detection.
How Were the People in Hiding Discovered?
On 4 August 1944, the hiding place was raided by German authorities. All eight occupants were arrested and deported.
They were first sent to the Westerbork transit camp and later to Auschwitz.
Anne and her sister Margot were eventually transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
How Did Anne Frank Die?
Anne Frank died in Bergen-Belsen in early 1945, shortly before the camp was liberated.
She and her sister Margot both contracted typhus during a widespread outbreak caused by severe overcrowding, hunger, and poor sanitation.
Anne was 15 years old at the time of her death.
How Was the Anne Frank House Preserved?
After the war, the building was at risk of demolition. Otto Frank worked with supporters to protect the site and ensure that the annex was preserved.
The Anne Frank House opened as a museum in 1960. Since then, it has undergone careful renovation to allow public access while maintaining the original condition of the annex rooms.
What Can You See Inside the Anne Frank House?
The museum combines preserved spaces with historical exhibitions. Key elements include:
- The original secret annex rooms
- Anne Frank’s diary and additional writings
- Exhibits on the Holocaust and Nazi occupation
- Personal photographs, letters, and documents
The rooms in the annex are intentionally unfurnished, reflecting Otto Frank’s wish to show the space as it was found after the war.
How Do Tickets for the Anne Frank House Work?
All tickets must be purchased online in advance through the official Anne Frank House website. There are no ticket sales at the entrance.
Ticket prices:
- Adults: €16
- Youth (10–17): €7.00
- Children (0–9): €1.00
- Museumkaart holders: free admission
Timed entry slots are strictly enforced.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Anne Frank House?
Early morning and late evening time slots are generally quieter.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and school holiday periods.
Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes inside the museum.
Is the Anne Frank House Accessible?
The modern exhibition areas are wheelchair accessible. However, the original secret annex is not accessible due to its steep and narrow staircases.
Photography is not permitted anywhere inside the museum.
Audio guides and written materials are available in multiple languages.
Are There Virtual Ways to Experience the Anne Frank House?
For those unable to visit in person, the Anne Frank House offers several digital resources:
- A detailed 360-degree online view of the secret annex
- The Anne Frank Video Diary project
- Educational materials for schools and educators
These resources provide historical context while respecting the seriousness of the subject matter.
What Is Near the Anne Frank House?
The museum is situated in a historically rich area of Amsterdam.
Nearby places of interest include:
- Westerkerk, whose bells Anne mentioned in her diary
- The Jordaan canals and residential streets
- The Nine Streets shopping district
FAQs
Q. Where is the Anne Frank House located?
Prinsengracht 263, in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam.
Q. Can visitors take photos inside?
No. Photography is prohibited throughout the museum.
Q. Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The modern sections are accessible, but the secret annex is not.
Q. How long does a visit take?
Most visits last between one and one and a half hours.
Q. Do tickets need to be booked in advance?
Yes. Tickets are sold online only.
Why Is the Anne Frank House Important?
The Anne Frank House stands as a preserved historical site that connects visitors directly to one of the most personal accounts of life under Nazi persecution.
It serves as a reminder of the consequences of intolerance and the enduring power of a young girl’s written words.
Visiting the museum offers historical understanding while honouring Anne Frank’s legacy and the millions of lives affected by the Holocaust.
Want to Learn More About Anne Frank Herself?
While the Anne Frank House explains where Anne Frank lived in hiding and how the site is preserved today, her personal story extends beyond the walls of the museum.
For a detailed overview of Anne Frank’s life, her family background, the historical circumstances of her diary, and how her writing came to be published after the war, you can read our dedicated guide on Anne Frank.
This additional resource focuses on Anne Frank as an individual rather than the museum, providing a deeper historical context that complements a visit to the Anne Frank House.