Anne Frank House
Anne Frank Huis
The Prinsengracht hiding place where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during the Second World War. The secret annex behind the bookcase is kept empty as it was, making it one of the most moving museums in the world.
The Anne Frank House is a canal house at Prinsengracht 263. From July 1942 to August 1944, 13-year-old Jewish girl Anne Frank, her family and four others hid from Nazi persecution in the “Secret Annex” (Achterhuis) at the back of her father Otto Frank’s company. Here Anne wrote the diary that was later translated into more than 70 languages. In August 1944, they were betrayed and arrested. Of the eight people, only Otto survived. The house opened as a museum in 1960. The route passes through the company’s warehouse and offices, then through a revolving bookcase into the secret annex. In keeping with Otto’s wishes, the rooms are unfurnished, preserving only the film-star photos Anne pasted on the walls and the height markings on the door frame. The following exhibition rooms display the original diary, video materials and the family’s history. The visit takes about 1 hour. The atmosphere is solemn, and photography is not permitted. Admission costs about €16. Tickets are sold only through the official website, annefrank.org. Every Tuesday at 10:00 Amsterdam time, tickets for the whole week six weeks ahead are released. Popular dates sell out within minutes, so plan ahead and be ready to book on time. Guided “introduction” tickets are slightly more expensive. Before you visit, it is highly recommended to read The Diary of a Young Girl, as the experience will feel entirely different. The house sits at the edge of the Jordaan district, beside the Westerkerk (where Rembrandt is buried, and whose tower can be climbed). Take tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt stop. After your visit, stroll along Prinsengracht. Nine small streets and the cafés of the Jordaan are close by. The stairs are steep and narrow, so the house is not suitable for people with limited mobility, and large bags cannot be brought in.
Opening hours
09:00–22:00 (some winter days until 19:00); reservation required
Nearby sights
- Westerkerk
- Canal Ring & Jordaan
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam
- Begijnhof
- Dam Square
- Leidseplein
- Bloemenmarkt
- Oude Kerk