The Anne Frank Centre is in the Hackescher Markt area of Berlin-Mitte. It is a partner organisation of the more famous museum in Amsterdam.
As well as the centre, the historical Schwarzenberg House contains the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind Museum. There is also an independent cinema, cafe and bar, and art gallery behind the graffiti-covered walls.
Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who fled from Frankfurt, Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands with her family in 1933. There, the family lived in hiding between 1942 and 1944 during which time, the young Anne kept a diary.
A mural of the famous young Jewish diarist marks the entrance to the Anne Frank Centre in Berlin's Hackescher Markt. Photo taken in October 2017.
Foundation of the centre dates back to 1994 when Berlin hosted an international travelling exhibition on the topic. This marked the 50th anniversary of liberation from the Nazis. Similar Anne Frank Centres in the UK and USA offered guidance and a cooperation agreement was completed with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The centre in Berlin opened on 12th June 1998 and moved to its present location in September 2002.
A permanent exhibition titled “Anne Frank: Here and Now” tells the story of Anne, connecting to the world she lived in and the world today. It opened on 4th November 2006.
Anne Frank: Here and Now
Some artifacts dating back to World War Two including the yellow Star of David and a copy of the world-famous diary published by Otto Frank.
Much of the exhibition focuses on the young girl’s now-famous diary. Young people in Berlin today also have their say through video and audio listening stations. This helps connect the story of Anne to today’s Germany. There are many photos illustrating Anne’s life in Germany and Netherlands. Stories come to life through her writing as well as interviews with her father, school friends, and helpers.
The exhibition is suitable for both adults and young people. Guided tours are available for school children and youth groups. The centre is worth a visit for those interested in the story of Anne Frank or for those wishing to explore issues around contemporary discrimination or anti-Semitism.