Bringing Anne Frank’s Story to Life in New York: An intimate storytelling experience powered by the Podcatcher Pro

A Space Designed for Reflection 

Located in Manhattan’s Union Square district, the exhibition features a life-size model of the Secret Annex, where Anne and her family hid for over two years. This is the first time such a reconstruction has been presented outside the Netherlands. Visitors are guided through key moments of Anne’s life, with historical artefacts, photos, and film clips bringing context to her story. At its heart, the exhibit highlights themes of discrimination, resilience, and the importance of human rights — ensuring that Anne’s legacy remains relevant today. 

A Seamless Audio Experience

From the outset, the museum team knew that an audio guide was essential. In Amsterdam, the Podcatcher Pro has been a vital part of the visitor experience for years, helping millions connect with Anne’s words in a deeply personal way. There was no question that it would play the same role in New York. The exhibition tells an intimate and emotional story, and the audio guide ensures that visitors remain fully engaged, free from distractions. 

Rather than asking visitors to scan QR codes or navigate an app, the Podcatcher Pro offers a hands-free experience. As soon as a visitor steps into a new space, they simply scan a beacon and the story unfolds. This means they can move naturally through the exhibit, listening to Anne’s story unfold without interruptions. The museum’s priority was to keep the experience immersive, allowing visitors to absorb the story without any barriers. 

An Emotional Connection Through Audio 

While the overall concept for the audio tour mirrors the one in Amsterdam, the New York exhibition features significantly more stops. What the museum has observed is striking — visitors listen to every stop, rarely skipping any content. There are two tour options: a top-level overview and a more in-depth version. Remarkably, most visitors choose the full-length tour, engaging deeply with the content from start to finish. 

For younger audiences, a dedicated children’s tour has been developed for ages 10–14, making the exhibit accessible to school groups. The power of audio storytelling is particularly evident in this setting. The guided narration allows younger visitors to grasp the story at their level, fostering understanding and reflection. 

Telling Anne’s Story the Right Way 

The Anne Frank House is known for its deeply personal approach to storytelling. At its core, it is not just a history museum — it is a place that shares the legacy of a family, a young girl, and a diary that continues to inspire millions. The use of audio is an extension of that philosophy, allowing visitors to feel as if they are part of Anne’s world. 

With the Podcatcher Pro, the exhibition achieves something rare — technology that enhances the experience without drawing attention to itself. The visitor does not need to think about how to interact with the space; they simply listen, reflect, and connect. The result is a deeply moving and unforgettable journey through history, made possible by seamless storytelling.