The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is one of the most powerful and moving museums in the world. It preserves the hiding place where Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl, wrote her famous diary during World War II. Visiting this museum offers a deep insight into the horrors of the Holocaust, the effects of war, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is not just a museum, but a place of remembrance, reflection, and education.
How to Reach Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht 263-267, in the center of Amsterdam. It is easy to access by public transportation or on foot:
- By Tram: Take tram 13 or 17 and get off at the Westermarkt stop, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
- By Bus: Bus numbers 170, 171, and 172 also stop near the Westermarkt.
- From Amsterdam Central Station: It’s about a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute ride by tram or bus.
- By Bicycle: Amsterdam is a bicycle-friendly city, and there are bike racks near the museum.
Weather Around Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is an indoor museum, so it can be visited all year round regardless of the weather. However, knowing the general weather conditions of Amsterdam helps in planning your day:
- Spring (March to May): Mild and comfortable weather; temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and popular with tourists; temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and often rainy; temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and gray, but fewer crowds; temperatures around 2°C to 7°C.
Timings to Visit Anne Frank House
The museum is open seven days a week, including holidays.
- Opening Hours: Usually from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds
Why Famous for Anne Frank House, Amsterdam?
The Anne Frank House is famous because it was the secret hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived in fear for more than two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Anne documented her daily life in her now-famous diary, which has since become one of the most widely read books in the world. The museum is visited by millions each year who want to understand her story, honor the victims of the Holocaust, and promote tolerance and human rights.
Entry and Visit Details
- Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance. Adults: €16, Ages 10–17: €7, Under 10: €1
- Online Booking: Required. No tickets sold at the door.
- Visit Duration: Most people spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in the museum.
- Accessibility: The old house is not wheelchair accessible, but the modern annex with exhibits is accessible.
- Photography: Not allowed inside to respect the historical setting and privacy.
History and Architecture
The Anne Frank House was originally a canal-side building built in the 17th century. During World War II, it served as the secret annex where Otto Frank, his wife Edith, their daughters Anne and Margot, and four others hid from the Nazis. The hidden rooms are located behind a movable bookcase in Otto Frank’s office building.
After the war, Otto Frank, the only survivor from the group, made it his mission to publish Anne’s diary and preserve the hiding place. In 1960, the museum officially opened. The original structure has been carefully preserved, and a modern extension was added to host exhibitions and educational programs. Visitors can walk through the secret annex, climb the steep stairs, and feel the silence and tension of those who lived there in fear.
Things to Do at Anne Frank House
- Tour the Secret Annex: Walk through the original hiding space where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
- View the Exhibits: Learn more about the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and Anne’s life through photos, videos, and personal items.
- See the Diary: Anne’s original red-checked diary is on display and is one of the museum’s most moving exhibits.
- Visit the Bookshop: Buy books in many languages, including “The Diary of a Young Girl.”
- Attend Lectures: Educational programs and presentations are offered, especially for students.
Interesting Facts
- Anne Frank wrote her famous diary from age 13 to 15 while hiding in the annex.
- The museum receives over 1.2 million visitors each year.
- Otto Frank, Anne’s father, was the only person from the annex who survived the concentration camps.
- The secret annex was hidden behind a movable bookshelf built by trusted colleagues.
- The diary has been translated into over 70 languages and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
Tips for Visiting Anne Frank House
- Book Early: Tickets sell out quickly, often weeks in advance. Book online at the official website.
- Prepare Emotionally: The museum is deeply moving and can be emotional, especially for young visitors.
- Arrive on Time: Entry is based on timed slots, and late arrivals may not be allowed in.
- No Bags: Large bags are not allowed inside. Use the lockers provided.
- Read the Diary: Reading Anne’s diary before your visit can help you connect more deeply with the experience.
A visit to the Anne Frank House is much more than a museum tour. It’s a journey through history, a lesson in humanity, and a reminder of the importance of tolerance, freedom, and justice. It’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Amsterdam, especially those who value human rights and want to keep Anne’s memory alive.
