Secret Annex

Overview

Deep within the heart of Amsterdam, behind a movable bookcase in a 17th-century canal house, lies the profound and poignant ‘Secret Annex’. This unassuming space, known in Dutch as the ‘Achterhuis’, served as the hiding place for Anne Frank, her family, and four other individuals during the dark days of World War II. For 761 harrowing days, from July 1942 to August 1944, these eight people lived in concealed confinement, a testament to resilience amidst unimaginable fear. Today, preserved as part of the Anne Frank House museum, the Secret Annex stands as a powerful memorial, inviting visitors to bear witness to the Frank family's story and the millions affected by the Holocaust.

History & Cultural Background

The building at Prinsengracht 263, where the Secret Annex is located, has a history stretching back to 1635, a product of Amsterdam's flourishing Golden Age. The annex itself dates from 1739. Otto Frank, Anne's father, rented the entire premises in 1940 for his pectin and spice businesses. The decision to go into hiding was made swiftly in July 1942, after Anne's elder sister, Margot, received a call-up to a Nazi labor camp. The Frank family – Otto, Edith, Margot, and Anne – were soon joined by Hermann, Auguste, and Peter van Pels, and later by Fritz Pfeffer, bringing the total number of people in hiding to eight.

Their sanctuary was ingeniously concealed behind a specially constructed revolving bookcase on the office's upper floors, a secret known only to a handful of trusted employees who became their devoted helpers. These courageous individuals risked their lives daily to provide food, news from the outside world, and other vital supplies to those in hiding. Tragically, on August 4, 1944, their hiding place was betrayed, and everyone was arrested and deported to concentration camps. Of the eight, only Otto Frank survived the war.

After the war, Otto Frank returned to Amsterdam and, with the help of citizens who wished to preserve the site, established the Anne Frank House museum in 1957. The museum opened its doors to the public on May 3, 1960, dedicated to telling Anne's story and combating prejudice.

What Makes It Special

The Secret Annex is more than just a historical location; it is a place imbued with the spirit of Anne Frank's diary. What makes it profoundly special is its raw authenticity. Otto Frank requested that the rooms remain unfurnished after the war, leaving them empty to convey the sense of loss and the forced exodus of its inhabitants. This deliberate emptiness creates a powerful atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel the claustrophobia and silent fear that defined life in hiding.

Visitors walk through the very rooms where Anne penned her immortal diary, offering an intimate connection to her thoughts, hopes, and struggles. Her diary entries, displayed throughout the museum, transform the empty rooms into vivid spaces filled with her observations. The museum's design guides visitors on an emotional journey, moving from the everyday world of the front house to the unbearable confinement of the Annex, ultimately expanding to address broader issues of persecution and discrimination.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Life in the Secret Annex was governed by strict rules to avoid detection. During the day, absolute silence was paramount, as warehouse workers operated directly below their hiding place, unaware of their presence. The eight inhabitants developed a precise daily routine, with scheduled times for using the bathroom, studying, and even taking afternoon naps. Sundays offered a slight reprieve, often dedicated to cleaning.

Anne famously described the narrow, steep stairs within the building as 'Dutch bone breaking stairs', a small detail that offers a glimpse into her daily experiences. The original annex, constructed in 1739, was built in the backyard of the main house, a common architectural solution in Amsterdam to create more space in the city's narrow plots. These annexes were often not visible from the street, making them ideal for clandestine activities.

The selfless acts of the helpers, including Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl, are integral to the Annex's story. They not only provided sustenance but also a crucial link to the outside world, bringing books, news, and a semblance of normalcy to the hidden inhabitants. Their bravery highlights the immense risks taken to protect others during wartime.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Secret Annex is often described as a deeply emotional and sobering experience, leaving a lasting impression on countless individuals. The museum consciously immerses visitors in the atmosphere of the past, starting from the entrance and leading them through the offices to the hidden living quarters. Photography is strictly prohibited inside, encouraging visitors to fully absorb the environment and reflect without distraction.

Due to the historical architecture, including the steep and narrow staircases, the Secret Annex is not wheelchair accessible. It is highly recommended to plan your visit well in advance, as tickets are only available online with a specific time slot and frequently sell out weeks in advance due to high demand. A typical visit lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, providing ample time for quiet contemplation and absorption of the powerful history held within these walls.