Amsterdam: The Jewish Quarter, Anne Frank Huis, and the Resistance Museum
In this post, I am covering Amsterdam’s significant Jewish historical sites. I am always shattered by the history of what happened to the Jewish people during World War II. I try to imagine what it was like – the fear, the daily resilience that one had to muster to survive, and the hoping against hope for survival.
I aim to share my experiences and offer an educational perspective and practical advice for visitors. For information on navigating Amsterdam’s public transportation and to learn more about where the best places to stay in Amsterdam, visit our comprehensive Practical Travel Guide to Amsterdam. In addition, our Spotlight section of our Destination Guide has a summary of all our Amsterdam related blog posts including a 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam, biking in Amsterdam, a blog focused on Rijksmuseum and the Museumplein, and all about the Van Gogh Museum. Here, we’re covering the history of the Jewish people by visiting the Jewish Quarter, Anne Frank’s House, and the Resistance Museum in the Artis.
In memory of the resistance of the Jewish citizens in 1940 -1945
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The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, or the Jodenbuurt, is located in the eastern part of the city center, bordered by the Amstel River to the west and the Plantage neighborhood to the east. This historic quarter was a focal point of Jewish life for centuries. From the 16th century, Jews fleeing persecution from Spain and Portugal found a haven in Amsterdam, creating a community that would significantly influence the city's economic and cultural landscape.
The 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, marked a period of prosperity for the Jewish community in Amsterdam. The erection of the Portuguese Synagogue in 1675, a stunning example of 17th-century architecture, stood as a symbol of the community's prosperity. But, as in any country, Jews faced societal restrictions, often limited to certain professions and residential areas within the Quarter.
The horrors of the 20th century, particularly during the Nazi occupation in World War II, brought untold suffering to the Jewish Quarter. The area became a center of Jewish persecution, with thousands of its residents deported and many neighborhoods left in ruins. The post-war era saw the Jewish Quarter struggling to regain its former vibrancy, yet the resilience and history of the community have been preserved through memorials and museums.
Oh, that my head were waters
And my eyes a fountain of tears
That I might weep day and night
For the slain of the daughters of my people.
Jeremiah 8:23 (Hebrew Bible)
Today, the Jewish Quarter is a lot quieter than how I imagined it during the Dutch Golden Age or even just before World War II. The flea market in Waterlooplein was once a bustling epicenter of community life, commerce, and culture. Now, the stalls that were once selling a wide array of items, from second-hand clothes and household goods to antiques and traditional Jewish foods, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who called the Jewish Quarter home, are replaced by modern vendors selling second hand books, bags, trinkets, used clothing, and other goods and wares.
Waterlooplein Flea Market.
I recommend taking a walking tour of the neighborhood to learn more about its historical significance and deeply moving experiences of those who once lived here.
Anne Frank Huis
The Anne Frank House, a 17th century canal house, is located on the Prinsengracht canal. This house once harbored Anne Frank, her family, and four other Jewish individuals in a hidden annex, has been transformed into a museum. Here you will learn about the poignant story of the Frank family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
It is important to book your tickets early and reserve online or purchase a tour through Viator or Get Your Guide. The line can be long during peak season, and there is a possibility that you can’t get in during a convenient time for you. Although I’m going to mention the museum here and its history, I was not able to go inside and visit during my stay in Amsterdam, precisely because the line was too long and I didn’t book my tickets early.
The Anne Frank House serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of World War II and the persecution of the Jewish people. Anne Frank's diary, a detailed account of her life in hiding, has touched millions worldwide with its insights, dreams, and reflections. The museum meticulously preserves the secret annex, the very space where Anne penned her now-famous diary. Visitors can walk through the concealed entrance behind a movable bookcase and explore the cramped living quarters where Anne and seven others lived in constant fear and hope.
Beyond the secret annex, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the broader context of the Holocaust and World War II. Exhibits include personal items belonging to the Frank family, historical documents, photographs, and multimedia displays that narrate the persecution of Jews, the resistance efforts, and the eventual fate of Anne Frank and her companions in hiding. The museum not only commemorates Anne's life but also serves as a powerful educational tool, emphasizing themes of tolerance, human rights, and the dangers of discrimination and hatred.
The Resistance Museum in the Artis (Verzets Resistance Museum)
The Resistance Museum, located in the eastern part of the city, near the Artis Zoo, offers a compelling look on the Nazi occupation, the years of Dutch resistance, and the aftermath. What I found fascinating is how quickly the Nazi occupation happened, in contrast to the years of incredibly courageous resistance of people from different walks of life bonded together by their collective efforts in protecting the Jews.
Through a curated collection of artifacts, personal letters, photographs, and interactive displays, the museum introduces visitors to the everyday realities of life under occupation. The exhibits are designed not only to educate but to inspire, highlighting acts of resistance that ranged from the covert distribution of anti-Nazi pamphlets to the daring efforts of hiding Jewish citizens.
One of the museum's strengths is its ability to convey the complexity of the resistance movement, illustrating that resistance came in many forms, not all of which were dramatic or violent. It goes into the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary citizens, the strategies of survival, and the quiet, yet powerful acts of defiance that collectively contributed to the Nazi occupation's eventual downfall. Personal stories of resistance fighters, hidden children, and ordinary families provide a human context to the historical events.
The museum also touches on the aftermath of the liberation. The exuberance and joy the Dutch people felt when they were liberated, as well as the anger and the reprisals visited upon those who were collaborating with the Nazis during occupation, and eventually the return to normalcy.
Anne Frank vs Resistance Museum
For visitors, the Resistance Museum offers an enriching and thought-provoking experience. While the Anne Frank Huis focuses on the experience of a single person, the Dutch Resistance zooms out and explores a wide range of stories of different lives courageously resisting the occupation. I recommend them both.
Practical Tips to Visiting These Sites
Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter, the Resistance Museum, and the Anne Frank House are more than just tourist attractions; they are gateways to understanding a crucial part of world history. Each site offers a unique perspective on the resilience, courage, and suffering of individuals during one of the darkest periods of the 20th century. Here are some tips for those planning to visit.
Book in Advance: Especially for the Anne Frank House, where wait times can be lengthy due to its global significance and visitor volume.
Take Guided Tours: To gain deeper insights and understand the historical context, consider joining a guided tour where available. Get Your Guide and Viator have a good selection of tours.
Plan Your Visit: Each site offers a wealth of information, allow sufficient time to fully engage with the exhibits.
Yours,
Zellie, your forever a traveler.
