On Prinsengracht in central Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House preserves the canal house and hidden annex where Anne Frank, her family and four other people lived in hiding during the Nazi occupation. The visit follows their story through the rooms, historical displays and Anne’s original diary and manuscripts. The annex is reached behind a hinged bookcase; its bare rooms and the narrow stairs give a sense of the confined space. Timed tickets must be booked online, so plan ahead before setting out.
The house on Prinsengracht
The Anne Frank House is at Westermarkt 20, beside Prinsengracht in central Amsterdam. The museum occupies the canal house where Anne Frank and her family went into hiding during the Nazi occupation. Anne, her parents and sister shared the concealed annex with four other people. They remained there for more than two years, from 1942 until the hiding place was discovered in 1944.
The building had been used for Otto Frank’s business. The annex was hidden behind a hinged bookcase, out of sight from the offices at the front. Anne wrote about life in hiding in her diary, which later became known around the world. The museum opened in 1960 to preserve the place and tell the story of Anne and the others who hid there, alongside the history of Jewish persecution during the war.
Inside the annex
The route takes you through the old building and into the secret annex. The rooms are largely bare of furniture, but original details remain. Magazine pictures Anne put on her bedroom wall are still there, and the bookcase that concealed the entrance shows how the hidden rooms were reached. The narrow stairs and confined spaces are part of the visit, so the route may be difficult for anyone who cannot manage steep steps.
The museum also displays Anne’s original diary and other manuscripts. Exhibitions use photographs, documents and interactive displays to place the family’s experience within the wider history of the war. They also address human rights and the consequences of prejudice and discrimination. Allow time for these displays as well as the rooms of the annex.
Planning your visit
Entry is organised by timed tickets booked online. Demand is high, so arrange a slot well before your intended visit and arrive on time. Check the museum’s official website for current ticket details before making plans.
The audio tour is available in several languages and provides context as you move through the museum. It does not narrate inside the secret annex, where the rooms themselves form part of the experience. Photography is prohibited inside the hidden house, though it is permitted in designated areas such as the visitor centre. The subject matter is difficult, and the visit is often especially meaningful for people familiar with Anne’s story.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets for the Anne Frank House?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket booked online. Tickets can sell out, so arrange your visit well in advance.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about one to two hours to see the annex and the exhibitions.
Can you take photos inside the Anne Frank House?
Photography is not allowed inside the hidden house. Photos are permitted in designated areas, including the visitor centre.
Is the secret annex accessible to wheelchair users?
The annex has steep, narrow stairs, so it is not accessible to wheelchair users.
