Perhaps the most well-known victim of the Holocaust…
Diarist Anne Frank was born in Frankfort, Germany in 1929. During World War II she and her family were living in Amsterdam when they were forced into hiding to escape persecution by the Nazi’s. The room, known as the Secret Annex, was located at the rear of a warehouse where her father worked. The room was concealed by other nearby buildings and it offered an ideal hiding space for Anne, her parents, her sister and four other individuals who were seeking refuge. Warehouse workers helped keep the room secret and the family was able to stay hidden for two years before they were discovered and forced into a concentration camp. Only Anne’s father, Otto, survived.
source: annefrank.org
After Anne’s father was set free he was given Anne’s infamous diary and other papers that had been saved by warehouse workers. The book was eventually published and when it was, the room at the back of the warehouse became a point of interest for tourists. Visitors wanted to see the secret room and experience what the family had living in the 500 square foot space. In 1955 the company moved and sold the entire block of buildings to a company who intended on demolishing it to build a factory. A campaign was started to save the building and have it listed as a historically protected landmark.
The Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1953 with the purpose of raising funds to keep the building but before they could, it was gifted to them as a gesture of goodwill and shortly thereafter opened to the public as a museum. The collections include a recreation of her secret room, newspapers that told the story of Anne and her family, photos of movie stars that Anne had in her bedroom, and other exhibits related to Anne and those who suffered through the Holocaust.
Hours of operation and ticket prices vary throughout the year. It is suggested that guests refer to the website or call ahead when seeking to purchase tickets.
Typically November 1 through March 31, the Museum is open from 9am-7pm daily, with extended hours on Saturday. April 1 through October 31, it is open 9am-9pm, with extended hours on Saturday.
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