Anne Frank in Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum is currently showing an exhibit about Anne Frank entitled, "Let Me Be Myself - The Life Story of Anne Frank" which was supported by The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand. This exhibit is free if you are an Auckland resident (you just have to have a proof of address like an Auckland Library Card, phone bill or any identification with your address in it like your Driver's License) or if you purchase a Museum Entry Fee of NZD 25 for International Visitors or if you donated any amount for New Zealand Residents. It is accessible from 10am up to 5pm when the museum also closes. For the parking, there are numerous free parking spaces in Auckland Domain but for a certain time period. There are also paid parking areas ranging from NZD 6 to NZD 30 depending how long you park your car. If you want to see Anne Frank's exhibit make sure to head the museum on or before May 13, 2018.

Sainsbury Horrocks Gallery where Anne Frank Exhibition was located. It is in the  top level of the Museum.  Exhibit started last February 9 up until May13, 2018.

The exhibit tells about Anne Franks struggle of growing up during the time the Nazis invaded Germany and the surrounding countries. I was able to read the book when I was a little girl. It gave me goosebumps The exhibit provided some pictures and facts of what was going on during the time Anne Frank was writing the diary. It gives us an idea why Anne wrote this and that because the exhibit related the story with history. It was like reminiscing all the pages of the book that I turned and turned when I was little and understanding it now completely because a person's story combined with history makes you have a good 360 degree overview. It tells the horrifying events that the Nazi government performed under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. It narrates stories of discrimination, prejudice and bullying. Visiting this exhibit makes us aware of the past so that we will learn from it and not commit the same mistakes that our ancestors did.

263 Prisengratch - Business Premise and Hiding Place (Annex)

I found the Annex very fascinating because it is really a good hiding place. It was a business building of Otto Frank, Anne's Father. In front, you will think that it was a just a normal building but surveying the architectural design you will see how the hiding place was not really concealed outside. It is just when you are inside the building that you will think why are their fewer floors and you get confused as to why. 

The Annex - one with color. The Annex is accessible to a hidden door behind a sliding bookshelf.

The eight people that are hiding inside the Annex

Hiding in a small premise with eight people is so hard. I cannot absolutely believe how did they survive there for more than two years. In this Annex, Anne developed feelings for Peter who is also one of the people living there. I absolutely love it when Anne writes about him in her diary. Although their love story did not blossomed because both of them died, I hope they were able to continue that in heaven. 

In August 1944, everyone in the Annex was arrested because of a phone call received by the German  Security Police. Anne died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in the year 1945. Only Otto Frank, Anne's father, survive to live the tell and to make Anne's wish of publishing her library and become a writer come true.

This exhibit provides insight, stir emotions, gives knowledge and makes you human. I recommend it. Anne Frank will always be part of our history, of the world's history.

Website of Auckland War Memorial Museum on Anne Frank's exhibit: http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/exhibitions/let-me-be-myself