The exhibition highlights the life of Anne Frank (1929-1945) in the context of World War II and the persecution of Jews. Central is a full-scale recreation of the Annex, rooms fully furnished, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jews spent two years in hiding.
Chronological journey
Queen Máxima is shown around by Ronald Leopold, the executive director of the Anne Frank House. Arranged as a chronological journey, the exhibition features a photo exhibit tracing Anne Frank's childhood in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the rise of the Nazi regime and her family's move to Amsterdam, life in Amsterdam in 1940-1942, the period in hiding in the Annex (1942–1944), the Holocaust in Europe, and father Otto Frank's return to the Netherlands. It concludes with the publication of Anne’s diary and its adaptation for stage and film in the United States.
Antisemitism
The exhibition offers insight into the historical roots and evolution of antisemitism, the Holocaust and what it means for us today. There are video (projections), sound clips, photographs and more than a hundred original objects from the collection, including Anne Frank’s first photo album and handwritten verses by Anne en Margot in their friends' poetry albums. The Annex is furnished with authentic furniture from the time of hiding. The exhibition also describes the family's connection to the United States, particularly Otto Frank's ties to New York.
Curriculum for students
After the tour queen Máxima speaks with students from Great Neck North High School, NY, who are attending as part of their curriculum. Many schools in New York State incorporate Anne Frank’s story into their curriculum for students in middle and high school. With the primary goal of creating historical consciousness, preserving Anne Frank's story remains vital as educators work to encourage reflection on themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and equal rights for all.
The visit concludes with a brief meeting with the exhibition sponsors.
Anne Frank The Exhibition opened on January 27, 2025 honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the concentration and death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. The exhibition can be visited through October 31, 2025.