Annex Prinsengracht 263, House museum and war memorial at Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This five-story hidden rear house is connected to the main building through a movable bookcase on the second and third floors. The rooms remain unfurnished and show their original structure with period details and historical marks still visible on the walls.
Between 1942 and 1944, eight people found shelter in this space while the front business operated above and around them. This period transformed the building into a witness to one of history's darkest chapters.
The building holds personal belongings, photographs, and diary entries that show how a family lived hidden during wartime occupation. The rooms speak to everyday moments, hopes, and fears that unfolded behind those walls.
Visit by advance online reservation only, with entry scheduled every 15 minutes to manage visitor flow through narrow corridors and stairways. Most floors are reached by steep, tight staircases, so plan for slow movement and take your time.
The rooms remain intentionally empty by the founder's request, creating space for visitors to fill with their own thoughts and reflection. This choice makes each person's visit a personal moment rather than a staged display.
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