Building the Anne Frank Collection
After the war, Otto Frank was set on acquiring original documents and objects from Anne and the other people in hiding. He transferred the items to the Anne Frank House. Over the years, the collection has been extended with purchases, gifts, and loans.
Procurement policy
In our procurement policy, we distinguish between collections A and B. Collection A consists of original objects connected to the Frank family, the other people in hiding, and the helpers, as well as objects that are tied to the building at Prinsengracht 263 or Otto Frank’s companies.
These original items form part of our national heritage. The Anne Frank House acquires collection-A pieces, which are managed and opened up in conformity with general museum standards.
Collection B contains, among other things, audio and video recordings of eyewitness accounts regarding the Frank family history, the first editions of the diaries in other languages, posters and programmes from major performances of the play, and correspondence with eyewitnesses.
We also acquire artistic expressions. This ‘Resonance collection’ consists of objects that were inspired by Anne Frank.
Recent acquisitions
Over the last few years, the Anne Frank House has been able to add various interesting pieces to its collection.
The Schildkraut Collection
In 2012, the Schildkraut Collection was acquired. It was part of the estate of Joseph Schildkraut, the actor. He corresponded with Otto Frank to prepare for his role as Otto in the first American stage adaption of Anne’s diary. Later on, he played the same role in the film The Diary of Anne Frank, directed by George Stevens (1959).
Joseph Schildkraut and Otto Frank exchanged letters until Otto’s death and their correspondence has been preserved. The Anne Frank House managed to acquire this collection thanks to a contribution from the BankGiro Loterij.