A full-scale replica of Anne Frank’s hidden annex is heading to New York, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The replica, built in the Netherlands, will be transported to the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan for an exhibition titled “Anne Frank The Exhibition”.
The exhibition will feature a meticulous recreation of the secret annex where Anne Frank, her family, and four other Jews hid for over two years to escape Nazi capture during World War II. This immersive experience aims to engage visitors and educate them about Anne Frank not just as a victim but as a multifaceted individual – a teenage girl, a writer, and a symbol of resilience.
Anne Frank, at the age of 13, along with her family and others, went into hiding in the annex in July 1942. They remained hidden until 1944 when they were discovered and sent to concentration camps. Anne and her sister ultimately died in the Bergen-Belsen camp, while their father, Otto Frank, survived and published Anne’s diary after the war.
The New York exhibit, set to open on January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, will not include Anne’s original diary due to its fragility. However, it will showcase 125 other exhibits from Amsterdam, including photos, albums, artefacts, and even the Best Supporting Actress Oscar won by Shelley Winters for her role in “The Diary of Anne Frank”.
Amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitism globally, the Anne Frank House aims to use this exhibition as a response to educate people about the atrocities of the past and stand against hatred. The exhibition will provide a comprehensive look at Anne’s life and the historical context that influenced her, serving as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and understanding in today’s world.