The Anne Frank House is a moving museum in Amsterdam that preserves the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. You can walk through the Secret Annex, see Anne’s original diary, and explore exhibits about her life, the Holocaust, and human rights. The museum offers a deeply personal look at history, making it both educational and reflective.
Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
The museum sits along Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal in the Jordaan neighborhood. It’s close to Westerkerk and a short walk from central tram stops, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
Closest attraction: Embassy of the Free Mind (350m)
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Once a theater, this site became a deportation center during World War II. The memorial inside remembers the Jewish families who were taken from Amsterdam, offering a solemn and powerful connection to the past.
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The Jewish market area shows streets and shops where Jewish life thrived before the war. Walking here gives a sense of everyday life, culture, and community in historic Amsterdam.
The statue of Anne Frank stands close to her former hiding place. It captures her thoughtful expression and serves as a reminder of her courage, her story, and the importance of remembering her life.
The building that houses the museum was a typical 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam. In 1942, Anne Frank, her family, and others went into hiding here to escape Nazi persecution. They remained hidden for two years before being discovered in 1944. Anne’s diary, written during this time, became one of the world’s most famous firsthand accounts of the Holocaust. In 1960, the Anne Frank House opened as a museum, preserving the Secret Annex and sharing Anne’s story with millions.
The canal house at Prinsengracht 263, which contains the Anne Frank House and the Secret Annex, was originally built in 1635 by Dirk van Delft. It was designed as a typical Amsterdam canal house of the period. While the structure has seen renovations and expansions over the centuries, notably a rear annex addition in 1740, Dirk van Delft is credited with its initial construction.
The Anne Frank House was originally built in the early 1600s by Dirk van Delft as a typical Dutch canal house. Its tall, narrow façade, large windows, and classic design reflect the style of Amsterdam at that time. Inside, the hidden annex was cleverly created behind a movable bookcase, showing the care and ingenuity needed to stay hidden. Original wooden beams and floors are still in place, giving a real sense of life in the 17th century. Today, the building is carefully preserved as a museum, honoring Anne Frank’s story and drawing visitors from around the world.
It is famous for Anne Frank’s diary and the preserved hiding place that tells a deeply personal story of the Holocaust.
You can see the Secret Annex, view Anne’s original diary, explore historical exhibits, and learn about human rights.
Tickets can be booked online in advance for a timed entry, which is highly recommended due to high demand.
Yes, children can visit, though some exhibits are emotionally heavy. Educational programs are designed to engage younger audiences respectfully.
A typical visit lasts about one to two hours, depending on interest in the exhibits and multimedia presentations.
Photography inside the Secret Annex is not allowed to preserve the historical integrity and maintain a respectful atmosphere.
Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter and allow for a more reflective visit with fewer crowds.
Yes, guided tours are available and provide deeper insights into Anne Frank’s life, the Holocaust, and the museum’s exhibits.
The museum has lifts and ramps for visitors with mobility issues, although the hidden annex may require some steps.
Anne Frank Story and World War II Small-Group Walking Tour
Combo (Save 36%): Anne Frank Walking Tour + 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Anne Frank Walking Tour with Jewish Quarter, Synagogue & Museums Visit