Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most important and moving museums. This is the actual house where Anne Frank, her family, and four other people hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne wrote her famous diary here, making it one of the most significant historical sites in the world.

About the Museum

The Anne Frank House preserves the secret annex (Achterhuis) where Anne Frank lived in hiding from 1942 to 1944. The museum opened in 1960 and has since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.

What You'll See

• The Secret Annex - The actual hiding place, preserved as it was
• Anne's Room - Where she wrote her diary and pasted photos on the walls
• The Bookcase - The famous revolving bookcase that concealed the entrance
• Original Artifacts - Including Anne's actual diary
• Exhibitions - About WWII, the Holocaust, and discrimination today

The Story

The Frank Family

Otto Frank, Anne's father, was a German-Jewish businessman who moved his family to Amsterdam in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution. After the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1940, the situation became increasingly dangerous for Jewish families.

Going into Hiding

On July 6, 1942, the family went into hiding in the secret annex behind Otto's business premises. They were joined by:

• Hermann and Auguste van Pels and their son Peter
• Fritz Pfeffer (a dentist)

They lived there for over two years, relying on trusted employees for food and supplies.

Anne's Diary

During her time in hiding, Anne kept a diary that she named "Kitty." Her writing documented:

• Daily life in the annex
• Her thoughts and feelings
• Her dreams for the future
• Her observations about human nature

"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank

Discovery and Aftermath

On August 4, 1944, the hiding place was betrayed and everyone was arrested. Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in early 1945, just weeks before liberation.

Otto Frank was the only survivor. After the war, he published Anne's diary, fulfilling her wish to become a writer.

Visiting Information

Tickets & Booking

CRITICAL: The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions. Tickets sell out months in advance.

• Online booking required - Walk-ins not possible
• Book 2-3 months ahead - Earlier if visiting in summer
• Tickets released - Two months in advance at 10:00 AM CET
• Set your alarm - They sell out within minutes!

Ticket Prices:

• Adults (18+): €14.00
• Youth (10-17): €7.00
• Children (0-9): €1.00

Best Time to Visit

• Weekday mornings - Slightly less crowded
• Off-season - November to March (except holidays)
• Early or late slots - First/last entry times
• Avoid - Summer weekends, school holidays

Duration

Plan for:

• Minimum: 60-75 minutes
• Recommended: 90 minutes for full experience
• No time limit once inside

Inside the Museum

Ground Floor

Begin your visit with:

• Introduction video about Anne Frank
• Historical context about WWII and the Holocaust
• Information about the Frank family

The Office Building

Walk through:

• Otto Frank's office - Where the business operated as cover
• The warehouse - Where goods were stored
• The kitchen - Used by the helpers

The Secret Annex

The emotional heart of the museum:

1. The Movable Bookcase The famous entrance to the hiding place, designed to look like a normal bookcase.

2. Anne and Margot's Room The small room shared by the sisters. Photos Anne pasted on the walls remain visible behind plexiglass.

3. The Parents' Room Where Otto and Edith Frank slept.

4. The Common Living Area Where the families spent their days, including meals and quiet activities.

5. Peter's Room The attic room where Peter van Pels lived and where Anne often visited him.

6. The Attic Where they could get fresh air through a small window.

Modern Extension

After the annex:

• Original diary - Anne's actual diary in a protected display
• Video testimonies - From people who knew Anne
• Modern connections - How Anne's story relates to today
• Reflection space - For contemplation

Visitor Guidelines

What's Not Allowed

• ❌ Photography/video - Strictly prohibited throughout
• ❌ Large bags - No coat check available
• ❌ Food and drinks - Not permitted inside
• ❌ Touching displays - For preservation

Accessibility

• ⚠️ Steep stairs - The annex has very narrow, steep stairs
• ❌ Not wheelchair accessible - Due to historic building constraints
• ✅ Virtual tour available - On the website for those unable to visit
• ✅ Service dogs allowed - With advance notice

What to Bring

• ✅ Valid ticket (print or mobile)
• ✅ ID for youth tickets
• ✅ Small bag only
• ✅ Tissues (it's an emotional experience)

Tips for Your Visit

Before You Go

1. Book as early as possible - Set reminders for ticket release dates
2. Read Anne's diary - It makes the visit more meaningful
3. Watch the documentary - "The Diary of Anne Frank" (available online)
4. Plan extra time - For reflection after
5. Check the weather - You'll wait outside briefly

During Your Visit

• Start with the video - Provides essential context
• Read everything - The displays are very informative
• Take your time - Don't rush, especially in the annex
• Be respectful - Remember this is a memorial
• Stay quiet - It's a somber place

After Your Visit

• Visit the nearby Westerkerk - Where Anne heard the bells
• Walk along Prinsengracht - The canal in front of the house
• Stop at a café - To process what you've seen
• Visit the Holocaust Memorial - In the Jewish Quarter

Educational Programs

The museum offers:

• Workshops for schools - Educational programs for students
• Teacher resources - Materials for classroom use
• Online exhibitions - Digital content and virtual tours
• Research services - For historians and journalists

The Anne Frank Legacy

Impact of the Diary

Anne's diary has:

• Been translated into 70+ languages
• Sold 30+ million copies worldwide
• Inspired countless books, plays, and films
• Become a symbol of hope and resilience

The Foundation's Work

The Anne Frank House foundation:

• Preserves the building and Anne's memory
• Educates about the Holocaust
• Fights discrimination and antisemitism
• Supports human rights initiatives worldwide

Nearby Attractions

Within 5 Minutes

• Westerkerk - Where Anne heard the bells
• Homomonument - Holocaust memorial
• Amsterdam Canals - Beautiful photo spots
• Jordaan neighborhood - Charming area to explore

Within 10 Minutes

• Begijnhof - Historic courtyard
• Amsterdam Museum - City history
• Royal Palace - On Dam Square
• Nine Streets - Shopping area

Practical Information

Getting There

By Tram:

• Lines 13, 17 to Westermarkt (1-minute walk)

By Bus:

• Lines 170, 172 to Westermarkt

By Bike:

• Limited bike parking nearby
• Use bike parking at Westermarkt

By Foot:

• 10 minutes from Dam Square
• 15 minutes from Central Station

Arrival Time

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your time slot
• Queue forms outside
• Security check at entrance

During Your Visit

• No lockers - Travel light
• Restrooms available - Ground floor only
• Museum shop - Books, souvenirs (entry not required)
• Café - Next door for before/after

Important Notes

Emotional Preparation

This is an emotionally challenging visit:

• Be prepared for strong emotions
• Younger children may find it overwhelming
• Recommended age: 10+ years
• Support available - Staff trained to help

Respect

This is a:

• ✅ Memorial site - Not just a museum
• ✅ Sacred space - For many visitors
• ✅ Educational place - To learn from history
• ✅ Call to action - Against discrimination

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do tickets go on sale? 2 months in advance, online only at www.annefrank.org

Can I buy tickets at the door? No, online booking is mandatory.

Is it suitable for young children? The content is emotionally mature. Recommended for ages 10+.

How long does the visit take? Allow 60-90 minutes.

Can I take photos? No, photography is not permitted anywhere in the museum.

Is it wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately no, due to steep stairs in the historic building.

Contact & Information

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam Phone: +31 (0)20 556 7105 Email: info@annefrank.org Website: www.annefrank.org

Opening Hours:

• Daily: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Extended hours in summer
• Closed: Yom Kippur

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The Anne Frank House is more than a museum - it's a powerful reminder of the horrors of discrimination and the resilience of the human spirit. Anne's words continue to inspire millions to create a better, more tolerant world.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank