The Anne Frank House, known in Dutch as the Anne Frank Huis, stands as a poignant writer's house and biographical museum, meticulously dedicated to the memory and legacy of Anne Frank, the Jewish wartime diarist whose powerful voice continues to resonate across generations. Nestled on the picturesque Prinsengracht canal, a quintessential Amsterdam waterway, and located in the historic heart of the city, just a stone's throw from the iconic Westerkerk, this unassuming 17th-century canal house holds a history both heartbreaking and profoundly significant.

During the harrowing years of World War II, as Nazi persecution swept across Europe, Anne Frank, her family, and four other individuals found refuge within the hidden confines of this very building. They lived in secret rooms located in the rear section of the house, an annex that would later become universally known as the Secret Annex, or the Achterhuis in Dutch. For over two years, from 1942 to 1944, these eight people lived in constant fear, dependent on the bravery of their helpers, enduring cramped conditions and the ever-present threat of discovery. Tragically, Anne Frank did not survive the war, perishing in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. However, her indelible spirit and profound observations were preserved in her diary, which was published posthumously in 1947, becoming a global phenomenon and a testament to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The story of the Anne Frank House as a public institution began a decade after the diary's publication. In 1957, the Anne Frank Foundation was established with a crucial mission: to safeguard this irreplaceable piece of history from the hands of developers who had plans to demolish the entire block. This grassroots effort ensured that the physical space where Anne Frank's story unfolded would be preserved for future generations. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 3, 1960, transforming a place of hidden suffering into a beacon of remembrance and education.

Today, the Anne Frank House meticulously preserves the Secret Annex, allowing visitors to walk through the very rooms where Anne and her family hid, offering a tangible connection to their past. Beyond the hiding place itself, the museum features a compelling permanent exhibition that delves into the life and times of Anne Frank, exploring the broader historical context of the Holocaust and World War II. It also dedicates significant exhibition space to addressing all forms of persecution and discrimination, underscoring the enduring relevance of Anne's story in promoting tolerance and human rights in the contemporary world. The museum’s profound message and historical significance draw a vast audience; in 2013 and 2014 alone, it welcomed 1.2 million visitors, solidifying its position as the 3rd most visited museum in the Netherlands, a testament to its powerful impact, surpassed only by the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Anne Frank House

What is the Anne Frank House?

The Anne Frank House, or Anne Frank Huis, is a biographical museum in Amsterdam dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. It preserves the actual hiding place where Anne, her family, and four others lived in secret during World War II.

Where is the Anne Frank House located?

It is situated on the Prinsengracht canal in central Amsterdam, the Netherlands, not far from the Westerkerk, making it a prominent landmark in the city's historic core.

What is the historical significance of the building?

The building served as the hiding place, known as the Secret Annex (Achterhuis), for Anne Frank, her family, and four other Jewish people from Nazi persecution during World War II, from 1942 until their betrayal in 1944.

When did the Anne Frank House open as a museum?

The museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 3, 1960, after the Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1957 to prevent the property from being demolished by developers.

What can visitors expect to see at the museum?

Visitors can explore the preserved Secret Annex, gaining a solemn insight into the cramped and hidden living conditions. The museum also hosts a permanent exhibition detailing Anne Frank's life and the historical context of the Holocaust, alongside exhibitions addressing contemporary forms of persecution and discrimination.

Why is Anne Frank's story and the museum still important today?

Anne Frank's diary and the museum serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. They promote universal values of tolerance, human rights, and the importance of speaking out against injustice, making her story eternally relevant.

How popular is the Anne Frank House?

It is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands. In 2013 and 2014, for instance, it welcomed 1.2 million visitors, ranking as the 3rd most visited museum in the country, after the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.