Anne Frank Monument: A Tribute to Hope
A poignant tribute to Anne Frank in Aruba, promoting tolerance and remembrance within the serene Queen Wilhelmina Park in Oranjestad.
The Anne Frank Monument, situated in Oranjestad's Queen Wilhelmina Park, is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Unveiled on June 12, 2011, on what would have been Anne Frank's birthday, the monument features a life-size bronze statue of Anne, her hands bound, looking towards the sky, symbolizing her dream of liberty. The statue was created by Dutch artist Joep Coppens and financed by the Fundacion RESPETA BIDA…semper corda (RESPECT LIFE….always remember Foundation). The monument serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to contemplate Anne's life and the lessons of the Holocaust. The base of the statue features a quote from her diary in four languages: Papiamento, English, Dutch, and Spanish: "How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world!". The surrounding park provides a tranquil setting for contemplation, with lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who, along with her family, hid in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. Her diary, written during her time in hiding, has become one of the most widely read books in the world, offering a glimpse into the life of a young girl facing unimaginable circumstances. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, but her words continue to inspire generations. The Anne Frank Monument in Aruba stands as a testament to her courage and a call for tolerance and understanding in our world.
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter atmosphere and better lighting for photography.
- Take time to read the inscriptions on the statue's base to fully appreciate Anne Frank's message.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Queen Wilhelmina Park to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
A brief summary to Anne Frank Monument
- GX87+GQ4, L.G. Smith Blvd, Oranjestad, Oranjestad-West, AW
Getting There
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Walking
The Anne Frank Monument is located within Queen Wilhelmina Park on L.G. Smith Boulevard in Oranjestad. From the cruise terminal or the main shopping area, walk along L.G. Smith Boulevard towards the west. The park and monument will be on your right, a short distance from the city center. The walk is generally flat and easily accessible.
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Public Transport
Arubus, the local bus service, has frequent service to Oranjestad from the hotel areas and other parts of the island. Take any bus route that goes to the central bus station in Oranjestad. From the bus station, walk west along L.G. Smith Boulevard for a few minutes until you reach Queen Wilhelmina Park on your right. A single bus fare is approximately $2.60. A round-trip ticket costs $5.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Oranjestad and can take you directly to Queen Wilhelmina Park. Ask the driver to take you to the Anne Frank Monument in Wilhelmina Park on L.G. Smith Boulevard. Taxi fares in Aruba are fixed and not metered. A short taxi ride within Oranjestad will likely cost a minimum of $7. There may be a surcharge of $3 on Sundays, official holidays, and between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
