While it is a sobering experience, visiting the Anne Frank House while you’re in Amsterdam is a must. Stand within the same walls as the Frank family, who hid here at Prinsengracht 263 on July 6, 1942. Learn the full story of the Frank family as you explore the house museum, where there’s a palpable sense of history.
During World War II, the Franks, Van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer lived here for more than two years before being captured. Three years later, only Otto Frank returned from Auschwitz in June 1945. Otto requested that the museum, which opened in 1960, keep the annex. Today this spot that hid eight people remains empty.
A Step Back in Time
As you move through the Anne Frank House, you can view photos and videos, examine original items from the house and read stirring quotations. Visit the annex where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary. The next room is where the group cooked and ate and where Mr. and Mrs. Van Pels slept.
Anne is undoubtedly the most compelling of the home’s inhabitants during that period. In the Diary Room, you can view the original red-checked book Anne received a month before her family went into hiding.
She rewrote her entries in 1944 after learning that the governments would collect personal diaries after the war. Also, you can find her “Favourite Quotes Book” and her book of original short stories, the “Tales Book.”
Special Collections
Photo credit: Allard Bovenberg / Anne Frank House Collection
The Anne Frank House, with the help of Otto Frank, has amassed a collection of original items that are connected to the history of Anne Frank. See sheets of portraits of the Frank family, an invitation to a film screening at Merwedeplein, Anne’s metal marble tin, a wedding photo of Otto and Edith, the revolving bookcase that hid the entrance to the Secret Annex, and more.
The Anne Frank House, with the help of Otto Frank, has amassed a collection of original items that are connected to the history of Anne Frank. See sheets of portraits of the Frank family, an invitation to a film screening at Merwedeplein, Anne’s metal marble tin, a wedding photo of Otto and Edith, the revolving bookcase that hid the entrance to the Secret Annex, and more.
For those deeply interested in World War II history, consider a museum visit and an Anne Frank House tour. A docent will further illuminate the Frank house history in the context of World War II. And don’t miss the “Reflections on Anne Frank” exhibit, open to all, a film that documents the thoughts of more than 20 writers, actors, and people who knew Anne.
Plan Ahead
If you would love to visit Amsterdam consider making it the start or end point of a river cruise. No matter how long your stay in Amsterdam, we highly recommend a few hours at this important historical monument. We can help arrange your tickets ahead of time, as admission is available only with an online ticket for a certain time slot. Tickets are released two months in advance, although some day-of tickets may also be available. To ensure that you can visit, we recommend planning and booking well ahead of time.