How Many Flights of Stairs in Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a poignant reminder of the Holocaust and a testament to the power of human spirit. One of the most frequently asked questions about this historic site is: how many flights of stairs are there in the Anne Frank House?

Before delving into the staircases, let's briefly explore the history of the Anne Frank House. Originally built in 1635, the building served as an office and warehouse for the company Opekta, owned by Otto Frank, Anne's father. During the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, the Frank family, along with four other people, hid in the secret annex behind the building's bookcase for over two years. Anne's diary, which she kept during this time, has since become one of the most famous accounts of the Holocaust.

The Secret Annex

The Secret Annex, where the Franks and the others hid, was accessed via a steep, narrow staircase. This staircase was the only way in or out of the annex, making it a critical part of the hiding place's layout.

However, the staircase in the Secret Annex is not the only one in the Anne Frank House. The building itself has several staircases that visitors can explore today.

Staircases in the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House has a total of three flights of stairs. Two of these are located in the main part of the building, while the third leads up to the Secret Annex.

The first flight of stairs in the main building is a wide, grand staircase that leads to the first floor. This staircase is part of the original 17th-century building and is one of the few remnants of the building's past as a warehouse. The second flight of stairs in the main building is a narrower, more modern staircase that leads to the attic, where the Secret Annex is located.

The Staircase to the Secret Annex

The staircase to the Secret Annex is the most significant of the three. It is a narrow, steep staircase that winds up to the attic. This staircase was built specifically to provide access to the Secret Annex, which was constructed in the attic to hide the occupants from the Nazis.

Today, visitors to the Anne Frank House can walk up this staircase and enter the Secret Annex, providing a tangible connection to the past and the courageous people who hid there. It's a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Anne Frank House Today

The Anne Frank House is now a museum that welcomes over a million visitors each year. It serves as a reminder of the Holocaust and a tribute to Anne Frank's life and diary. The museum offers a deep dive into Anne's life, the history of the Secret Annex, and the broader context of the Holocaust.

Visitors can explore the entire building, including the Secret Annex, and learn about the Frank family's experiences during the war. The museum also houses a collection of Anne's personal belongings, including her diary, and offers educational programs and exhibitions.

Visiting the Anne Frank House

If you're planning to visit the Anne Frank House, it's important to note that tickets must be purchased in advance online due to the high demand. The museum offers guided tours in several languages, as well as audio guides. Visitors are encouraged to spend at least an hour and a half exploring the museum to fully appreciate its significance.

For those unable to visit in person, the Anne Frank House offers a virtual tour on its website. This allows visitors from all over the world to explore the museum and learn about Anne Frank's life and the Secret Annex.

In the heart of Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of storytelling. Its three flights of stairs, each with its own story to tell, are a poignant reminder of the past and a call to action for the future. Whether you're a history buff, a literature lover, or simply someone who believes in the power of human resilience, the Anne Frank House is a must-visit destination.