We want to visit the Anne Frank house when we are in Amsterdam in May. I want to buy the tickets online so that we don't have to wait in line. The 30 minute introductory program is offered at 9:45 and 16:45 on the day we can go, but unfortunately the earlier one is sold out. We already made plans for that afternoon that I would prefer not to change. So, if you've done the 30 minute introductory program do you feel that it added a lot to your understanding and experience?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Personally I thought it did but I also like live tour guides when other prefers to just go and look. I think it adds context, background, understanding and greater appreciate for the events.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I hope you'll have read her diary before you visit...
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
Yes. When you have returned home and think back over your trip, the Anne Frank House will stand out as one of the most impressive parts. Online purchase is a good idea - so it the program.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Amsterdam's WWII Resistance museum gives you a good historical background to the hiding of Jews during the war. If it's is possible to visit it the day before, it would make a good substitute. http://www.verzetsmuseum.org/museum/en/museum
Posted by
Madison, WI, USA
101 posts
Patricia- we went 2 years ago. I had read the diary & bought tickets in advance, but didn't know there was an introductory program, & still got a lot out of the experience. However, if I may make a suggestion, something that added an additional perspective to the whole thing, and was very interesting & meaningful in its own right was going to the Verzetsmuseum also known as The Dutch Resistance Museum: http://www.verzetsmuseum.org/museum/en/museum
As much as I had looked forward to the Frank house, if I could only do one museum in all of Amsterdam, the resistance museum would be my choice.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
34 posts
We echo the posts from Layni and Michael.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2728 posts
I didn't do the intro program, but did do the online ticket purchase - really wonderful to skip the line (make sure you go to the right door (to the left of the museum if you're facing it) - you buzz in and they let you in ahead of the line). I thought the video program (part of the museum experience) was sufficient for me, along with reading the diary again before I visited. The most amazing experience was visiting in the late evening (7 pm) and the place was PACKED with people, mostly Eastern Europeans, who were reverent in their approach to the place. It was humbling and overwhelming - and unforgettable.
Posted by
OP
Michigan USA
378 posts
Thanks everyone, you've convinced me! I bought the tickets last night for a visit with the 30 minute program.