Anne Frank House

Amsterdam, NL

Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House
Location
Amsterdam, NL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
52.3751472, 4.8840398
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum and memorial located on the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam. It is situated in the 17th-century canal house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people during World War II. Since its opening on May 3, 1960, the museum has preserved the 'Secret Annex' (Achterhuis), keeping it empty at the request of Anne’s father, Otto Frank, to symbolize the void left by those who never returned. Visitors can expect a somber, educational experience that utilizes original documents, photographs, and personal belongings to provide a chronological account of the events that took place here between 1942 and 1944. As one of the most significant places to visit in the city, the museum serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of antisemitism and discrimination. For those looking for local attractions that offer deep historical insight, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the Holocaust through a singular, personal lens. The experience concludes with an exhibition on the global impact of Anne’s diary, which has been translated into over 70 languages.

General information

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum and memorial located on the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam. It is situated in the 17th-century canal house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people during World War II. Since its opening on May 3, 1960, the museum has preserved the 'Secret Annex' (Achterhuis), keeping it empty at the request of Anne’s father, Otto Frank, to symbolize the void left by those who never returned. Visitors can expect a somber, educational experience that utilizes original documents, photographs, and personal belongings to provide a chronological account of the events that took place here between 1942 and 1944. As one of the most significant places to visit in the city, the museum serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of antisemitism and discrimination. For those looking for local attractions that offer deep historical insight, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the Holocaust through a singular, personal lens. The experience concludes with an exhibition on the global impact of Anne’s diary, which has been translated into over 70 languages.

Did you know

  • The original diary of Anne Frank is on permanent display in the museum.
  • The movable bookcase that hid the entrance to the Secret Annex is still in its original position.
  • Otto Frank was the only one of the eight people in hiding to survive the Holocaust.
  • The museum is one of the most visited sites in the Netherlands, welcoming over 1.2 million visitors annually.

History

The building at Prinsengracht 263 was constructed in 1635. In 1940, Otto Frank moved his business, Opekta, to this location. On July 6, 1942, the Frank family went into hiding in the concealed annex of the building to escape the German occupation. They remained there for 761 days until they were discovered and arrested on August 4, 1944. After the war, the building faced demolition in the 1950s, but a public campaign led to the establishment of the Anne Frank Foundation in 1957. The museum opened its doors in 1960. Throughout the decades, the site has undergone several restorations to accommodate the high volume of visitors while preserving the fragile historical structure of the annex.

Cultural significance

The Anne Frank House is a global symbol of the struggle against tyranny and the resilience of the human spirit. Anne Frank’s diary, 'The Secret Annex,' is one of the most widely read books in the world and is included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The museum functions not only as a memorial but also as an educational center that promotes tolerance and human rights. It serves as a physical witness to the Holocaust, transforming a private space of suffering into a public space of reflection and learning. Its cultural impact is immense, shaping how successive generations understand the personal toll of war and the importance of standing up against prejudice.

Geography and landscape

The museum is located in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, situated along the Prinsengracht, one of the city's three major canals that form the Grachtengordel (Canal District). The architecture is typical of the Dutch Golden Age, characterized by narrow facades and steep gabled roofs. The complex consists of the original 17th-century house and a modern wing added in the 1990s to house the museum's entrance and educational facilities. The surrounding area is a dense urban environment, reflecting the historic layout of Amsterdam's 17th-century expansion, where residential and commercial spaces were closely integrated along the waterway.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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