Anne Frank House, Amsterdam 
Canal view from the porch of the Anne Frank House.
See many more photos in our Anne Frank House Photo Gallery.
Anne Frank's bedroom, cheered up with photos of royals and film stars.
Identity card of Otto Frank, Anne's father.
Bookcase hiding the secret annex; Anne Frank statue near the house.
Location map and aerial view of the Anne Frank House. For a larger
view see our Amsterdam Map or get our free Google Earth download.
In summer there can be a long wait to see the Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) in Amsterdam, but the experience is worth the wait.
History
During World War II, eight people from three families lived together in this house in near total silence for more than two years.
The hiding place found by Otto Frank kept them safe until, tragically close to the end of the war, it was discovered by the Nazis. Its occupants were deported to concentration camps and Anne was one of those who died there.
It was in this house that Anne Frank kept her famous diary as a way to deal with the boredom, dreaming it might be published one day. The thoughts she recorded had as much to do with personal relationships as with the Nazi terror raging outside the house. Visiting the rooms where Anne and her family were hiding is a moving experience that brings her familiar words to life.
What to See
The rooms of the building, which was an office and warehouse at that time, are still as bare as they were when Anne's father returned, the only survivor of the eight onderduikers (hiders). Very little has been changed since then; only a few adjustments to prepare the site for visitors such as protetive Plexiglass panels over the walls of Anne's room.
Anne's room is like that of any young girl, with photos, clippings and drawings decorating the walls. Among the photos are portraits of her favorite actress, Deanna Durbin, and of the English princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.
The visitor route also includes the offices and warehouses of Otto Frank's business, a small living area and kitchen, a tiny bathroom (with quite a beautiful porcelain toilet), and several rooms containing artifacts and other exhibits relating to the secret annex.
Relevant passages from Anne Frank's diary are printed on the walls throughout the house in both Dutch and English, and some of the rooms have short videos on the Nazi occupation and of the recollections of Miep Gies, one of the office workers who helped hide the family.
The museum includes a nice cafe and large gift shop. Once outside, look for a modern bronze sculpture of Anne at nearby Westermarkt.
Quick Facts
| Address: | Prinsengracht 263, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Location: | At Westermarkt |
| Phone: | 020/556-7105 |
| URL: | www.annefrank.nl |
| Tram: | 6, 13, 14, or 17 to Westermarkt |
| Hours: | Apr-Aug daily 9am-9pm; Sept-Mar daily 9am-7pm; Jan 1 and Dec 25 noon-7pm; May 4 9am-7pm; Dec 16, 31 9am-5pm. Closed Yom Kippur. |
| Cost: | 7.50€ adults, 3.50€ children 10-17, children under 10 free |
| Tip: | Get to the Anne Frank House as early as you can to save some waiting time - or better, go in the evening, as it is invariably quiet then. |
| Photography: | Prohibited. |
Travel Resources
- Amsterdam Map - our interactive city map plus links to more maps
- Amsterdam Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and day trips
- Amsterdam Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Amsterdam Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews and price comparisons
- Amsterdam Car Rentals - explore Holland with your own wheels
- Amsterdam Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Amsterdam
Sources
- Personal visit (November 2006).
- Frommer's Amsterdam
- Fodor's Amsterdam
