In summer there can be a long wait to see the Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) in Amsterdam, but the experience is worth the wait.

History of Anne Frank House

During World War II, eight people from three families lived together in this house in near total silence for more than two years.

The hiding place found by Otto Frank kept them safe until, tragically close to the end of the war, it was discovered by the Nazis. Its occupants were deported to concentration camps and Anne was one of those who died there.

It was in this house that Anne Frank kept her famous diary as a way to deal with the boredom, dreaming it might be published one day. The thoughts she recorded had as much to do with personal relationships as with the Nazi terror raging outside the house. Visiting the rooms where Anne and her family were hiding is a moving experience that brings her familiar words to life.

What to See at Anne Frank House

The rooms of the building, which was an office and warehouse at that time, are still as bare as they were when Anne's father returned, the only survivor of the eight onderduikers (hiders). Very little has been changed since then; only a few adjustments to prepare the site for visitors such as protetive Plexiglass panels over the walls of Anne's room.

Anne's room is like that of any young girl, with photos, clippings and drawings decorating the walls. Among the photos are portraits of her favorite actress, Deanna Durbin, and of the English princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

The visitor route also includes the offices and warehouses of Otto Frank's business, a small living area and kitchen, a tiny bathroom (with quite a beautiful porcelain toilet), and several rooms containing artifacts and other exhibits relating to the secret annex.

Relevant passages from Anne Frank's diary are printed on the walls throughout the house in both Dutch and English, and some of the rooms have short videos on the Nazi occupation and of the recollections of Miep Gies, one of the office workers who helped hide the family.

The museum includes a nice cafe and large gift shop. Once outside, look for a modern bronze sculpture of Anne at nearby Westermarkt.

Quick Facts on Anne Frank House

Site Information
Names:	Anne Frank House
Country:	Netherlands
Categories:	historic houses
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	52.375268° N, 4.884209° E
Address:	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Lodging:	View hotels near Anne Frank House

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Personal visit (November 2006).
2. Frommer's Amsterdam
3. Fodor's Amsterdam

More Information

• Photos of Anne Frank House - here on Sacred Destinations