New Exhibition at Anne Frank House in Amsterdam Chronicles Otto Frank’s Journey Home
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam has opened a new temporary exhibition titled "From Auschwitz to Amsterdam. Otto Frank’s Long Journey Home." This exhibition commemorates the 80th anniversary of Otto Frank's return to Amsterdam on June 3, 1945, detailing his arduous three-month journey after surviving the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp.
A Three-Month Odyssey: Otto Frank's Return from Auschwitz
On January 27, 1945, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz, leaving behind approximately 7,000 critically ill prisoners, including Otto Frank. After regaining some strength, he embarked on a lengthy and complex journey back to the Netherlands, a path filled with detours due to ongoing conflict across Europe. During this time, he learned of his wife Edith’s death in Auschwitz, but remained unaware of the fate of his daughters, Margot and Anne.
Otto Frank traveled with a group of about 800 Dutch individuals, comprising Jewish survivors, former forced laborers, and liberated prisoners of war. Their route took them through various cities including Katowice, Chernivtsi, Odesa, and Marseille. Soviet soldiers and local inhabitants offered assistance along the way. Notably, the warm welcome received in France stood in stark contrast to the less enthusiastic reception upon their arrival in the Netherlands.
Arrival in Amsterdam and Exhibition Highlights
Otto Frank reached Amsterdam on June 3, 1945. His first stop was the home of Miep and Jan Gies, his former employees who had bravely sheltered him and his family during their time in hiding. He resided with them for an extended period. The following day, Otto visited his company and the Annex at Prinsengracht 263, the very place where they had hidden for over two years. His diary entries from these days provide a poignant record: "½ 10 aankomst bij Miep" (9:30 arrival at Miep) on June 3, and "kantoor" (office) on June 4.
The "From Auschwitz to Amsterdam. Otto Frank’s Long Journey Home" exhibition brings this significant period to life through various testimonies. Visitors can view original diaries from fellow travelers, historical photographs, and video footage. A standout feature is an interactive map of Europe that visually traces the journey. The exhibition also includes powerful photographs by Arnhem photographer P.J. de Booys, depicting survivors awaiting their journeys home, with Otto Frank potentially among them.
This exhibition offers a crucial insight into the immediate aftermath of World War II and the personal struggles of survivors, deepening the visitor's understanding of the context surrounding the Anne Frank story.
To discover more about historical sites and cultural experiences in the city, explore other museums in Amsterdam on Musemap (musemap.art).
