Amsterdam must-visit… Anne Frank’s house

For over two years, Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis in a house in Amsterdam during the Second World War.

s Today, this famous house has been transformed into a museum to commemorate Anne Frank who wrote her famous diary there. Sharon Preston visited there recently…

W henever I think of Amsterdam, Anne Frank’s House is the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, her story is a sad one, but it is also a story of hope. And to see that small space, just a few empty rooms hidden in an annex to the house on Prinsensgracht, will certainly make an impression on you. It’s hard to believe that two families lived like that for two long years, in such close proximity.

Actually, not only Anne and her family stayed in that annex. The Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer also hid there with them. You will be able to see how the doorway to the annex was hidden behind a specially built moveable bookcase. Interestingly enough, the people who worked in the office knew about the hiding place – they actually assisted the eight people who were in hiding by supplying them with food and news about the outside world.

Sadly, on August the fourth in 1944, someone betrayed those who were in hiding. They were found and deported to various concentration camps. In fact, only Otto Frank, Anne’s father, survived the war. Anne Frank was only 15 years old when she died. She was put to death in the German concentration camp called Bergen-Belsen.

The original diary by Anne Frank is on display here too, as part of the museum’s permanent exhibition. You will also be able to see other items on display that will give you an idea of what it was like for those who were in hiding. You will see excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary, as well as a number of images and historical documents, plus items that belonged to those who lived there, and those who worked in the offices in front. You can even experience a ‘virtual journey’ through multimedia of the house itself.

Today Anne Frank’s spirit lives on through her diary and also through the millions of people who come to the museum to learn about her short life. It’s hard to believe that over 100 000 people were deported from the Netherlands and died in concentration camps during World War Two. This museum serves as a memorial to all those people who died.

Anne Frank’s touching, honest diary has kept her memory alive. It remains one of the most widely read books in the world. It’s also served as the basis for numerous plays and movies. Next time you’re in Amsterdam, make sure you visit this little house.