Anne Frank House in Amsterdam Unveils 'Who Is Missing?' Exhibition on Jewish Lyceum History
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is set to open a significant new temporary exhibition, 'Who Is Missing?' – The Jewish Lyceum 1941–1943, on January 27, 2026, coinciding with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This exhibition delves into the challenging two-year existence of the Jewish Lyceum, offering a poignant look at the lives of its Jewish pupils and teachers under Nazi occupation.
Exploring the Jewish Lyceum's Legacy at the Anne Frank House
The exhibition sheds light on a specific period when Nazi decrees mandated that all Jewish students attend Jewish-only schools after the summer of 1941. This measure was part of a broader strategy to isolate Jewish communities. Anne Frank and her sister Margot were among the many students who attended the Jewish Lyceum, located at Voormalige Stadstimmertuin 1 in Amsterdam, where they were taught by Jewish educators.
A Glimpse into Wartime Education in Amsterdam
For students like Anne and Margot, leaving their previous schools and adapting to the new environment of the Jewish Lyceum meant forming new connections while facing shared adversity. Despite the circumstances, some students found a sense of community. Albert Gomes de Mesquita, a former classmate of Anne's, recalled the experience of belonging, stating that he "skipped happily on my way there... because of the sense of belonging; we were all going through the same thing."
However, maintaining normalcy became increasingly difficult, particularly during the 1942–1943 school year. As teachers and pupils were arrested, deported, or forced into hiding, classrooms grew emptier. Yakov Arnon, a bookkeeping teacher at the Lyceum, later reflected on the daily question that arose: "who is missing?" rather than "who is still here?", highlighting the constant uncertainty and the devastating impact on the school community.
Anne and Margot Frank attended the Jewish Lyceum for one year before going into hiding in the Annex on Prinsengracht in July 1942. Anne later reflected in her diary on March 7, 1944, that "The carefree, happy schooldays will never return."
The Jewish Lyceum operated for two years, educating over 500 pupils with 44 teachers. Tragically, half of these pupils, including Anne and Margot, and 35% of the teachers, were murdered during the Holocaust. The 'Who Is Missing?' exhibition provides a vital historical account of this institution and its profound human cost.
Visitors planning to experience this powerful exhibition can gain deeper insight into a specific chapter of wartime Amsterdam and the personal stories connected to the Anne Frank House. For those interested in discovering more significant cultural sites and historical narratives in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can explore other profound museums or navigate the city's rich cultural landscape on our map.
