Centro Ana Frank Argentina
The Centro Ana Frank Argentina is a memorial and educational center dedicated to preserving Anne Frank’s memory and educating the public about the Holocaust, antisemitism, racism, discrimination, and human rights. It is in Buenos Aires; the center is described as being in the Coghlan neighborhood, while a visitor listing places it in the Belgrano district. Its address is Superí 2647. The Buenos Aires Legislature has declared it a site of cultural interest (Infobae).
The center uses Anne Frank’s diary to explore the consequences of discrimination and social exclusion, and to promote freedom, inclusivity, non-violence, and human rights. Its educational work addresses both historical events and present-day issues (ExpatPathways; Which Museum).
History and significance
The center was inaugurated on June 12, 2009, the date that would have been Anne Frank’s 80th birthday. It aims to educate young people and the general public through the legacy of her diary.
Its work also connects the Holocaust with Argentina’s history of human-rights abuses during the last military dictatorship. An exhibit on Argentina in the 1970s draws parallels between the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust and political repression in Argentina, inviting reflection on discrimination and persecution across different historical contexts (ExpatPathways; Welcome Argentina).
The center is part of a global network of Anne Frank centers and works closely with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House provided financial support for recent renovations, helping the center update its exhibits for contemporary audiences (Clarín).
What to see and do
Guided tours led by volunteers, often young people, introduce visitors to Anne Frank’s story and the wider historical context of World War II. Tours cover the rise of Nazi Germany, the persecution of Jews and other minorities, and the history of the Frank family. The exhibit includes images, dates, and fragments of testimonies.
On the ground floor, rooms reconstruct the timeline of Nazism and Anne Frank’s family life, with original objects and images. A replica of the secret annex is on the second floor. It recreates the place where Anne Frank and her family hid in Amsterdam from 1942 to 1944, including a secret door behind a bookshelf, rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Two rooms mirror photographs and descriptions of the original hideout (ExpatPathways; Welcome Argentina).
The center also displays historic documents and original photographs related to Anne Frank’s daily life in hiding (Turismo Buenos Aires). At the back of the house, the garden has a sprout from the chestnut tree Anne watched from her window, which she mentioned in her diary as a symbol of hope. The garden has also been redesigned and includes a mural of Anne Frank (Welcome Argentina; Clarín).
Renovations included a 3D model of Anne Frank’s house, new artifacts, modernized exhibits, and interactive displays. In June 2024, for its 15th anniversary, the center updated its façade and added technology, including digital content about the Holocaust and recent historical events (Clarín; Clarín).
The center offers guided tours, workshops, interactive exhibits, and didactic activities intended to encourage reflection on discrimination and persecution, particularly among younger visitors. These activities also make it an educational destination for school groups and families (Welcome Argentina).
Special events include “Museo Abierto,” with guided tours, survivor talks, and theatrical performances inspired by Anne Frank’s diary (Infobae). Its traveling exhibition “Anne Frank, a Story for Today” has been shown in more than 25 cities, drawing over 180,000 visitors and involving nearly 1,000 young volunteers as guides (ExpatPathways).
Practical visiting information
Hours and tours
The listed opening hours are Thursday to Sunday, from 2 PM to 7 PM. Another visitor-information source says hours may vary and recommends checking the center’s official website or contacting it directly for current information (Which Museum).
Guided tours are available in Spanish and English. They last approximately 60 minutes; visitors are advised to allow at least 60 minutes for the tour. Reserving tickets in advance through the center’s website is recommended to ensure availability.
Admission
The listed ticket prices are:
- General admission: $500
- Students and seniors: $300
- Children under 12: Free
Another visitor-information source says ticket prices are not readily available online and recommends contacting the center at [email protected] or checking its official website for admission details and any discounts (Which Museum).
Accessibility and facilities
The center is wheelchair accessible and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities. For specific accessibility needs, contacting the center in advance is advised.
Details about facilities are not provided; the center may have basic amenities such as restrooms and possibly a small gift shop selling books and memorabilia related to Anne Frank and the Holocaust (Which Museum).
Tips
Reserve tickets in advance online, wear comfortable shoes for walking through the exhibits, and allow at least 60 minutes for a guided tour. Check the center’s official website or contact it directly to confirm current hours and admission information.
Visitor reviews often praise the emotional impact of the exhibits and the dedication of the guides (Which Museum).
Nearby places
Nearby destinations include:
- Coghlan Railway Station
- Enrique Larreta Spanish Art Museum
- Chinatown in Belgrano
The center is accessible by public transportation (Which Museum).
Future plans
The center plans to continue expanding its educational programs and outreach, including its traveling exhibitions and community engagement initiatives. It also plans to keep updating exhibits and incorporating technology so that Anne Frank’s story remains relevant to future generations (Clarín).
FAQ
What are the Centro Ana Frank Argentina’s visiting hours?
The listed hours are Thursday to Sunday, from 2 PM to 7 PM. Hours may vary, so check the center’s official website or contact it directly.
How much do tickets cost?
- General admission: $500
- Students and seniors: $300
- Children under 12: Free
Is the center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The center is wheelchair accessible and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
How long does a guided tour last?
Guided tours last approximately 60 minutes.
