Anne Frank is one of the most well-known victims of the Holocaust, and her diary has inspired millions of people around the world. During the Second World War, she and her family, along with others, hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam. Today, you can retrace the story of Anne Frank and her family at various locations throughout the city. Join us as we take you through the key landmarks and places that played an important role in her life.
The Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht is perhaps the most famous location in Amsterdam connected to Anne Frank's life. The secret annex, where Anne and her family hid for two years to escape the Nazis, is now a museum. It was here that Anne wrote her famous diary, detailing her life in hiding and her thoughts on the war.
What to see: The museum offers a deep insight into the lives of Anne and the other people in hiding. The annex is preserved in its original state, including the famous bookcase that served as the secret door. You can walk through the small rooms where Anne wrote, dreamed, and hoped. There are original documents, photographs, and Anne’s famous diary on display.
Tip: The Anne Frank House is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, so it is advisable to book your tickets online in advance. Audio tours are available in multiple languages, allowing you to follow Anne's story in your own language.
Merwedeplein: The Frank Family Home
Before the Frank family went into hiding, they lived in an apartment on Merwedeplein in Amsterdam-Zuid. This is where Anne spent much of her childhood before the war broke out. The apartment where they lived is not open to the public, but Merwedeplein itself is worth a visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Anne's life before going into hiding.
What to see: The square is a quiet residential area, and it is poignant to think that Anne once walked here as a young girl, going to school and playing. There is a memorial plaque in honour of Anne Frank and her family. In 2005, the apartment where the Frank family lived was restored and now serves as a writers' residence for authors who cannot work freely in their own countries due to censorship or persecution.
Tip: Take a walk around the neighbourhood to get a sense of the peaceful life Anne led here before the war changed her world forever.
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in the heart of the old Jewish quarter of Amsterdam is another key place to visit. Although the museum is not solely about Anne Frank, it offers a deep understanding of Jewish culture and the history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, before, during, and after the Second World War. The Jewish history of Amsterdam is closely tied to the story of Anne Frank and her family.
What to see: The museum features exhibitions about the lives of Jewish residents of Amsterdam during the war and the persecution of Jewish families, including Anne Frank's family. There is also a special children's exhibition called "The Treasure Room", which explains Jewish culture and history in an accessible way for younger visitors.
Tip: Also visit the nearby Portuguese Synagogue, one of the largest and oldest synagogues in Europe, further highlighting the rich Jewish heritage of Amsterdam.
The Hollandsche Schouwburg: A Memorial of Remembrance
During the Second World War, the Hollandsche Schouwburg was used as a deportation centre for Jews, including families like the Franks, who were captured after their time in hiding. This former theatre is now a memorial site and museum that honours the victims of the Holocaust.
What to see: Inside the building, you will find a memorial wall bearing the names of the victims, along with exhibitions documenting the lives of Jews during the occupation. The Schouwburg is a place of reflection, where the horrors of the Holocaust are remembered.
Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the Plantage neighbourhood, where many Jewish families lived, to get a fuller sense of what life was like in this area during the war.
Directly across from the Hollandsche Schouwburg, you will find the National Holocaust Museum. This museum tells the story of the persecution and destruction of Jews in the Netherlands during the Second World War. While the museum does not specifically focus on Anne Frank, it offers a broader context of the Holocaust, in which her story and those of many other victims took place. The museum is housed in a building that was used during the war to save Jewish children by secretly sending them to hiding places.
What to see: The museum features rotating exhibitions about the Holocaust and the memories of its victims. Personal stories, photos, and artefacts from Jewish families who endured the horrors of the war are on display. It provides a deep insight into the events that led to the genocide of Jews in Europe.
The Westerkerk, located just a short distance from the Anne Frank House, played an important role in Anne Frank's daily life. From the secret annex, Anne could see the tower of the Westerkerk, and she often wrote about the sound of the bells in her diary. The church is one of the most famous churches in Amsterdam and serves as a reminder of the environment where Anne spent her last free years.
What to see:The church is free to visit and offers a quiet place for reflection. You can climb the bell tower for a beautiful view over the city, including the Anne Frank House and the surrounding canals.
Tip: Climb to the top of the Westerkerk for a unique view of the secret annex, just as Anne once saw it.
Anne Frank Statue
Near the Anne Frank House, on the Westermarkt, stands a statue of Anne Frank. This simple but powerful statue was erected in honour of her courage and the legacy she left behind. It is a place where many people pause to remember her.
Address:Westermarkt, Amsterdam
What to see: The bronze statue shows Anne Frank in a moment of reflection, and it is a popular place to lay flowers or simply take a moment to think about her story.
Tip: Visit the statue after a trip to the Anne Frank House and take a moment to reflect on the life of this extraordinary young girl.
Conclusion: Anne Frank in Amsterdam
The story of Anne Frank lives on in the city of Amsterdam. By visiting the various locations connected to her life and the Second World War, you will gain a deep understanding of her story and the impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish community in Amsterdam. From the Anne Frank House, where she wrote her famous diary, to the Westerkerk and the streets of the Jewish quarter, the city is steeped in memories of her life and legacy.
Come and discover Anne Frank'sAmsterdam, and be inspired by her unforgettable story.
