Replica of Anne Frank’s Hidden Annex Opens in New York City
A poignant tribute to one of the most enduring symbols of resilience and tragedy in human history unfolded in New York City on Monday. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a full-scale replica of the secret annex where Anne Frank penned her now-iconic diary was unveiled at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan. This marks the first time the annex has been meticulously recreated outside of Amsterdam, where it serves as a cornerstone of the Anne Frank House museum.
Recapturing History in New York
Unlike the intentionally vacant original annex in Amsterdam, the New York replica immerses visitors in the five cramped rooms where the Frank family and other Jews hid from the Nazi regime during World War II. The space is meticulously furnished with period-appropriate furniture and personal belongings, including the very writing desk where Anne Frank captured her innermost thoughts and emotions in her diary.
Ronald Leopold, director of the Anne Frank House, emphasized the significance of furnishing the replica to create a more immersive experience for visitors. He stressed the educational value of the exhibit, particularly for those who may never have the opportunity to visit the Amsterdam museum and witness Frank’s original diary firsthand. Leopold articulated, “We very much hope that we will be able to touch people’s hearts here, because education is the focus of this exhibition. And education starts with empathy — empathy with what happened here, what happened in Amsterdam during those years, what was done to Anne Frank.”
History Revisited
The harrowing tale of the Frank family, who spent two years in hiding in the attic of Otto Frank’s office in Amsterdam before being discovered by the Nazis, resonates through the exhibit. Otto Frank was the sole survivor from the annex, with his daughters Anne and Margot perishing at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Post-war, Otto published Anne’s diary, a testament to her enduring spirit and wisdom. The exhibit not only showcases the recreated annex but also delves into the family’s journey from Germany to Amsterdam, their clandestine existence, and eventual capture.
Personal Reflections and Hope for the Future
As visitors navigate the exhibit, emotions run high. Hannah-Milena Elias, the granddaughter of Anne Frank’s cousin, expressed the overwhelming impact of experiencing the cramped living conditions endured by the hidden families. Her sentiment was echoed by her sibling, Leyb-Anouk Elias, who emphasized the importance of reflecting on past atrocities to prevent history from repeating itself. Leyb-Anouk urged visitors to contemplate the repercussions of discrimination and the significance of standing up against injustice.
A Multifaceted Experience
The New York exhibit is a sprawling 7,500 square feet, housing over 100 rare artifacts, including Anne Frank’s photo album, handwritten poetry, and a replica of her diary. The chronological presentation traces the Frank family’s journey from pre-war Germany to their tragic fate during the Holocaust. The exhibit also features nearly 80 translated editions of Anne’s diary and memorabilia such as the Oscar awarded to Shelley Winters for her role in “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
For young visitors like Henry Byrne, a high school student from Manhattan, the exhibit serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives lost during the Holocaust. Henry reflected, “It taught me a lot about how just because you see one story, walk into these rooms and all the beds and the tables, that’s just one person’s life. And there were millions that were lost.”
The New York exhibit will be open to the public until April 30, inviting visitors to step into the world of Anne Frank and reflect on the enduring legacy of her words. As the world grapples with ongoing challenges of discrimination and intolerance, the exhibit stands as a beacon of remembrance and a call to action for a more compassionate future.