Amsterdam - Amsterdam Bruges and Brussels - page 54

lamps, Egyptian pharaohs, and exotic gold lettering over the door.
Inside (lobby is free), the sumptuous decor features red carpets,
nymphs on the walls, and semi-abstract designs. Grab a seat in the
lobby and watch the ceiling morph (Reguliersbreestraat 26-28).
Houseboat Museum (Woonbootmuseum) —In the 1930s,
modern cargo ships came into widespread use—making small,
sail-powered cargo boats obsolete. In danger of extinction, these
little vessels found new life as houseboats lining the canals of
Amsterdam. Today, 2,500 such boats—their cargo holds turned
into classy, comfortable living rooms—are called home by locals.
For a peek into this gezellig (cozy) world, visit this tiny museum.
Captain Vincent enjoys showing visitors around the houseboat,
which feels lived-in because, until 1997, it was (€3.25, March-Oct
Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00, closed Mon; Nov-Feb Fri-Sun 11:00-
17:00, closed Mon-Thu; on Prinsengracht, opposite #296 facing
Elandsgracht, tel. [phone], www.houseboatmuseum.nl).
West Amsterdam
sss Anne Frank House —A pilgrimage for many, this house
offers a fascinating look at the hideaway of young Anne during the
Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Anne, her parents, an older
sister, and four others spent a little more than two years in a “Secret
Annex” behind her father's business. While in hiding, 13-year-
old Anne kept a diary chronicling her extraordinary experience.
Acting on a tip, the Nazis arrested the group in August 1944 and
sent them to concentration camps in Poland and Germany. Anne
and her sister died of typhus in March 1945, only weeks before
their camp was liberated. Of the eight inhabitants of the Secret
Annex, only Anne's father, Otto Frank, survived. He returned to
Amsterdam and arranged for his daughter's diary to be published
in 1947. It was followed by many translations, a play, and a movie.
Pick up the English pamphlet at the door. The thoughtfully
designed exhibit offers thorough coverage of the Frank family,
the diary, the stories of others who hid, and the Holocaust. It may
be less crowded after 18:00 (€8.50, not covered by any sightseeing
passes, daily March 15-Sept 14 9:00-21:00, July-Aug until 22:00,
Sept 15-March 14 9:00-19:00, last entry 30 min before closing,
no baggage check, no large bags allowed inside, Prinsengracht
267, near Westerkerk, tel. [phone], www.annefrank.org). For
information on buying advance tickets, see page 34.
J See Anne Frank House Tour, page 145.
Westerkerk —Located near the Anne Frank House, this land-
mark church (free, generally open April-Sept Mon-Sat 11:00-
15:00, closed Sun) has a barren interior, Rembrandt's body buried
somewhere under the pews, and Amsterdam's tallest steeple.
The tower is open only for tours and offers a grand city view.