Amsterdam Museums 2

We visited the Anne Frank House Museum, which is located where the family hid for nearly two years at the back of the business where her father had worked.

Like many museums, we could not take photos. We did take advantage of the 30 minute introduction where the guide explained this time line, giving the context of the times. Above the running line of the years are photos of Anne’s family. Below the years’ line are photos of the development of Nazism and anti-semitism.

The museum is just as the Frank family left their hiding place. Anne’s father Otto was the only survivor and founded the museum so that future generations would not forget.

The photo above is of the “stumbling stones” of the Frank family. These are located in the sidewalk in front of their actual home about a 15-minute walk away from the museum. The museum is the site where they hid, not their family’s home. Stumbling stones are usually made of brass and can be found all over Europe especially in cities’ Jewish quarters. They commemorate where Jews lived before they were deported. Great effort is made to provide accurate facts as to dates, where they were taken, and sometimes when they died. It is incredibly sobering to walk down a street and find them in front of nearly every building for blocks. 

On our last day of visiting Amsterdam museums, we went to the Van Gogh Museum. Walking from our hotel, we took the quickest route through the breezeway of the Rijks Museum above, which is covered in the previous post: Amsterdam Museums 1. 

Taking photos is not allowed in the Van Gogh Museum, so these are from postcards I bought. Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, 1887. 

Garden with Courting Couples: Square Saint-Pierre, Paris, 1887 

Seascape near Les Saintes-Maries-de-La-Mer Arles, 1888. We learned so much about Vincent Van Gogh through the audio tour and exhibits. So interesting! 

Lunch at the museum cafe. Brian had some kind of macaroni and cheese. 

I had tomato soup garnished with a big basil leaf. 

After our visit at the Van Gogh Museum, we walked back toward the Rijks Museum through a large park. Final view below of the Rijks Museum with a closeup of its beautiful architecture.

The four museums we visited in Amsterdam were all top notch. We purchased tickets online months ahead of time. In most cases, that is the only way to gain admission. So plan ahead, and you won't be disappointed.