Yes, the original Anne Frank family home at Merwedeplein in Amsterdam still exists. This house, where the Frank family lived before going into hiding, is preserved and serves a unique purpose today.
The Frank Family's First Home in Amsterdam
After fleeing Germany, the Frank family settled in a modest apartment at Merwedeplein 37-II in the Rivierenbuurt district of Amsterdam. This was their residence from 1934 until they went into hiding in 1942.
Current Status and Purpose
The house is currently inhabited and is not open to the public. It was acquired by the Anne Frank House organization in 2017. Far from being a traditional museum or a neglected relic, the property now plays a significant role in supporting literary freedom and human rights.
Key Details:
- Acquisition: The Anne Frank House acquired the property in 2017.
- Tenant: It is let to the Dutch Foundation for Literature.
- Current Use: Each year, the Dutch Foundation for Literature invites a new 'refugee writer' to live in the house. This initiative provides a safe haven and a place for inspiration for writers who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict or persecution. This continuity of purpose—offering refuge—resonates deeply with the history of the Frank family.
Why is it not a museum?
Unlike the Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 (the Secret Annex), which operates as a world-renowned museum, the Merwedeplein home is maintained as a private residence. This preserves its residential character while providing vital support to writers in need. Visitors interested in learning more about the Frank family's life at this home can explore digital resources, such as virtual tours, offered by the Anne Frank House: The Frank family home in 360 degrees.
This unique preservation strategy ensures the house remains a living testament to history while actively contributing to contemporary human rights efforts.
