History buffs and those moved by Anne Frank’s legacy will soon have a remarkable opportunity to step inside history. Starting January 27, 2025—on International Holocaust Remembrance Day—New York City will host Anne Frank The Exhibition, a full-scale recreation of the Secret Annex where Anne Frank hid during World War II. For the first time ever, visitors can explore an immersive replica of the hiding place, furnished as it was when Anne wrote her famous diary.
The exhibit, housed at the Center for Jewish History, will feature over 100 artifacts from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, many of which have never been displayed publicly in the U.S. These include Anne’s first photo album, personal notes, and other memorabilia that capture her vibrant spirit despite the darkness surrounding her.
Designed to bring the Annex experience to those who may not be able to travel to Amsterdam, this exhibit also aims to deepen the public’s understanding of the Holocaust, especially against the backdrop of rising antisemitism. Ronald Leopold, Executive Director of the Anne Frank House, emphasized the importance of preserving Anne’s memory and using her story as a reminder of the dangers of hatred and discrimination: “Anne Frank’s words resonate and inspire today, a voice we carry to all corners of the world, nearly eight decades later. As a custodian of Anne’s legacy, we have an obligation to help world audiences understand the historical roots and evolution of antisemitism, including how it fueled Nazi ideology that led to the Holocaust.”