Fenix, Rotterdam’s museum dedicated to migration, is now showcasing a rare first edition of The Diary of a Young Girl (Het Achterhuis) by Anne Frank.
Only 3,036 copies of this first edition were printed in 1947, making it a true collector’s item. The copy on display at Fenix — complete with its original dust jacket — is in remarkably good condition. The museum acquired the diary last year, and visitors can now see it up close for the very first time.
A story of migration and identity
Anne Frank fled Nazi Germany with her family in 1933, seeking safety in the Netherlands. Although she grew up in Amsterdam and felt deeply connected to the country, her German nationality was revoked in 1941, leaving her stateless.
While in hiding in the Secret Annex, Anne wrote in her diary:
“My first wish after the war is: make me a Dutch citizen! I love the Dutch, I love our country (…).”
Tragically, that wish was never fulfilled. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp without ever gaining a nationality. Her diary was published in 1947 by her father Otto Frank, the only surviving member of the family. Today, it is one of the most widely read books in the world, translated into more than 70 languages.
According to Fenix director Anne Kremers:
“Fenix tells many stories about migration, war, identity and belonging. Although Anne Frank felt Dutch, she officially was not. Only after her death did she become a globally recognised Dutch icon. That makes it especially meaningful to share her story here.”
From a Rotterdam bookshop to the museum
The edition on display carries a label from the former Rotterdam bookshop H. Swarte on Zwart Janstraat. This a small but special local detail. It also features the distinctive yellow-lettered cover typical of the very first print run.
Inside, visitors will find more than just the diary text: the book includes photographs of the Secret Annex, a floor plan, and facsimile pages showing Anne’s original handwriting.
The diary is part of Fenix’s broader exhibition, which brings together nearly 200 artworks and personal stories about migration from around the world.
About Fenix
Fenix is located in the historic San Francisco Warehouse (Loods San Francisco) on Rotterdam’s waterfront: once a key departure and arrival point for millions of migrants.
The museum explores migration through art and storytelling, showing how universal and timeless the theme is. Alongside its art collection, highlights include:
- The Suitcase Labyrinth, made up of 2,000 donated suitcases
- The Family of Migrants, a powerful photography exhibition featuring nearly 200 images from 55 countries
- Plein, a large indoor square with food concepts inspired by global migration stories
- The Tornado, a 30-metre-high architectural staircase leading to panoramic views over Rotterdam
Fenix is an initiative of Droom en Daad.
