Explore hidden places in Amsterdam that tell Anne Frank’s story.
Amsterdam holds a wealth of history tied to Anne Frank, beyond the well-known Anne Frank House. These lesser-known locations offer a deeper understanding of her life and the world she lived in before going into hiding. Here are five places in Amsterdam that connect to her story, each with its own unique perspective.
- Merwedeplein 37-2: This was the Frank family’s home from 1933 until they went into hiding in 1942. Located in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood, this apartment is where Anne wrote much of her diary before the Secret Annex. The building remains a residential space, but its exterior is marked with a small plaque commemorating Anne’s time there. Visiting offers a glimpse into her everyday life before the war.
- Jewish Lyceum: Anne attended this school, established in 1941 for Jewish students barred from other institutions under Nazi occupation. Located at Voormalige Stadstimmertuin 1, the school was a hub of resilience for young Jewish students. Though the building has changed, its significance as a place of learning during dark times remains powerful.
- Montessori School (6th Public Montessori): Before the Jewish Lyceum, Anne studied at this school on Niersstraat 41-43, where her love for writing began to flourish. The school still operates, and its courtyard features a statue of Anne, a quiet tribute to her early years. It’s a place to reflect on her childhood joys before persecution intensified.
- Bookshop Joods Boekhuis: Located at Van Woustraat 135, this bookstore was a cultural hub for the Jewish community in Anne’s neighborhood. While not directly tied to her, it represents the vibrant Jewish culture of pre-war Amsterdam that shaped her early life. It’s a spot to explore books on Jewish history and Anne’s legacy.
- National Holocaust Museum: Situated at Plantage Middenlaan 27, this museum (still under development in 2025) offers context on the Jewish experience in Amsterdam during the war. It includes exhibits on families like the Franks, with artifacts and stories that deepen the understanding of Anne’s world.
These places weave together a fuller picture of Anne Frank’s life, from her home and school to the community around her. Walking these streets, you’ll feel the weight and hope of her story in a new way.