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A complete guide to what's inside the Anne Frank House

A biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank and her life, the Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. Anne, her family, and others lived here in hiding for almost two years under Nazi occupation during the Second World War. After Otto Frank, the sole survivor, returned from Auschwitz, the house was converted into a museum containing the personal belongings of all those in hiding, including an exhibition that traced the power of Hitler before the Franks moved to the Netherlands.

One of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands, the Anne Frank House, stands as a stark reminder of the unjust treatment of Jews and their experiences during WWII.

What’s inside the Anne Frank House

anne frank house inside

Secret Annex

In 1942, on July 6, the Frank family went into hiding at Prinsengracht 263. Besides the Franks, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer, in hiding, stayed on the top floors of the secret annex in the back house. When Otto returned from Auschwitz, the Secret Annex was stripped bare by the Nazis and was later opened as a museum in 1960.

Anne Frank house inside

Anne Frank's room

Anne shared a room with Fritz Pfeffer, which led to regular arguments about their shared space, especially the desk that Anne wanted for writing her diary. She wrote her thoughts in her diary and hung picture postcards and her movie star collection to brighten her room.

Anne frank house inside

Diary room

While hiding, Anne wrote in her diary and notebooks, which she had received on her 13th birthday. When she heard diaries were being collected after the war, she rewrote her diary. Her rewritten version of 215 loose sheets is displayed alternately in the museum. In addition, the Beautiful Sentences Book with quotes and the Story Book with her short stories are also displayed.

Visitor tips

  • The Anne Frank House has a cloakroom to store your coats, umbrellas, and small bags. However, large bags are not prohibited, so travel light.
  • Arrive at the Anne Frank house or the meeting point in case of walking tours at least 5-10 minutes prior.
  • Book an introductory program to explore the Anne Frank House’s history.
  • The Secret Annex is not wheelchair accessible. However, you can still explore the other parts of the museum.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited at the museum, so keep your phones and cameras away.
  • Consider buying the walking tour tickets to explore and learn about the Jewish Quarter and other significant monuments nearby.
  • If you do not want to purchase the introductory program when you visit the Anne Frank House, consider booking an audio guide that will allow you to explore the museum independently.
  • Pick a combo ticket with an hour-long Amsterdam Canal Cruise to make the most of your time on a limited budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about what’s inside the Anne Frank House

Is entry to the Anne Frank House included with my walking tour?

Entry is only included in the Anne Frank Neighborhood Walking Tour. Other walking tours may pass by the Anne Frank House, but do not include access to the museum.

Are there any special exhibits inside the Anne Frank House?

Yes, in addition to the preserved rooms of the secret annex, there are rotating exhibitions inside the Anne Frank House that delve deeper into the themes of the Holocaust, human rights, and anti-Semitism. These exhibits often include personal artifacts, historical documents, and multimedia presentations that provide further context to Anne's story.

Is the Anne Frank House accessible for visitors with disabilities?

The Anne Frank House is partially accessible. While the ground floor, museum café, and bookshop are accessible, the narrow and steep staircases leading to the secret annex are not suitable for wheelchairs. However, the museum offers a virtual reality tour and other accommodations to ensure that all visitors can engage with Anne's story.

Is there a recommended route to follow inside the Anne Frank House for the best experience?

Yes, the museum is laid out in a one-way route that guides you through the different rooms in chronological order, starting from the front of the house and leading up to the secret annex. This route ensures that visitors fully grasp the story of Anne Frank and her family as they moved into hiding.

Is Wi-Fi available inside the Anne Frank House?

Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the museum, such as the café and bookshop, but not inside the annex itself. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the historical experience without distractions.

How long should I plan to spend inside the Anne Frank House?

Visitors typically spend about an hour to an hour and a half inside the Anne Frank House. This time allows for a thorough exploration of the annex, exhibitions, and time for reflection.

Can I visit the Anne Frank House multiple times in one day with the same ticket?

No, the Anne Frank House operates on a strictly timed entry system to manage the flow of visitors, so your ticket is only valid for a single entry at the designated time.

Are there any areas inside the Anne Frank House that require special tickets?

No special tickets are required for specific areas inside the Anne Frank House. The general admission ticket grants you access to the entire museum, including the secret annex and the various exhibitions.

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