Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) displays the heart-rending existence of a German-Jewish girl on the precipice of womanhood living in Amsterdam and hiding from the Nazis during World War II - a girl we all know from her famous diary. Bringing her pages to life, a visit to Anne Frank House Museum is a sobering and must-see experience.
Housed in the 1635-era canal house where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis with the Van Pels family and dentist Fritz Pfeffer, the focal point of the museum is the Secret Annexe (achterhuis), a flat concealed behind a hinged bookcase where the families hid and now displays salvaged documents and items belonging to the eight people. The actual annexe remains the same as when it was stripped of furnishings and other items for a stark reminder of what was lost. The front area of the house is decorated in the style of the era Anne was hidden. The exhibition showcases original objects, papers and photos as well as screening three short films. Next-door to the museum is where Anne Frank's original diaries and writings are permanently displayed along with two exhibition galleries.
Sadly, for those not aware of the Anne Frank story, the Gestapo raided the annexe and all the occupants were sent to camps. Anne's father Otto Frank was the only survivor of those hiding in the Secret Annexe. Anne's wish was for her diary to be published after the war, which Otto honoured, and then devoted himself post-war to working for human rights and mutual respect among people.
Visitors should be aware that Anne Frank House is a popular attraction with long queues and a waiting period of up to 45 minutes. It's recommended to purchase tickets online for a reserved time to avoid the lines. Adult tickets are €9, children aged 10 to 17 are €4.5 and nine and under enter for free. To get to Anne Frank House, trams 13, 14 and 17 stop at nearby Westermarkt stop. From here, it's a three-minute walk down Westermarkt and right onto Prisengracht.
