ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona Jewish Historical Society offers Anne Frank House VR experience

Mar 1, 2023, 4:25 AM | Updated: 7:31 am

(Arizona Jewish Historical Society Photo) (Arizona Jewish Historical Society Photo) (Arizona Jewish Historical Society Photo) (Arizona Jewish Historical Society Photo) (Arizona Jewish Historical Society Photo)

PHOENIX — A virtual reality experience is launching in Phoenix, allowing visitors to submerge themselves in history while touring the Anne Frank House.

The experience “Anne Frank House VR: The Secret Annex,” created by Vertigo Games, opens to the public Tuesday at the Arizona Jewish Historical Society in Phoenix (122 E. Culver Street).

Visitors will put a headset on to see the house Anne Frank stayed at and where she had to hide, while getting to choose what rooms they want to go into.

What makes the 25-minute experience unique is that it’s interactive, according to Dr. Lawrence Bell, executive director of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.

“In addition to just wearing the headset and taking a tour through the Anne Frank House through the headset, you’ll be able to actually do things,” Bell told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

He compared it to an Oculus VR headset, adding that visitors will be able to use their hands, influencing their experience.

Bell hopes the use of the virtual reality headsets will provide constructive educational use.

“We are humbled to offer a virtual experience of the Anne Frank House for visitors who are not able to make the long trip to Amsterdam,” Bell said.

“I hope that people build an emotional connection to the Frank family.”

Tickets to the exhibit, which includes access to the Anne Frank House experience, are on sale for $5, and students get admission for free.

Group tours, like school classes, are required to schedule their tour online.

Visitors will also get the chance to hear stories from four Holocaust survivors who ended up in Arizona at the exhibit and be able to see “The Last Goodbye,” Pinchas Gutter’s tour of a death camp in Poland.

“The Holy City,” a virtual tour of religious sites in Jerusalem, is set to be added in May.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Heidi Hommel contributed to this story. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Photo by John Smith/VIEWpress)...

SuElen Rivera

Arizona Gov. Hobbs vetoes bill that sought to ban photo radar on state roads

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican bill last week that sought to ban the use of photo enforcement systems on Valley roads.

21 hours ago

A new Census report says Pinal County added 6,347 new housing units from 2021 to 2022, a 3.5% growt...

Jasmine Kabiri/Cronkite News

Room to boom: Pinal County housing grew at fastest rate in state

It’s unclear which came first in Pinal County, the houses or the people filling them. What is clear is that both continue growing at some of the fastest rates in the state and, in some instances, the nation.

21 hours ago

...

Brandon Gray

Glendale police looking for vehicle involved in fatal crash

Glendale police are looking for a vehicle involved in a crash that left one teen dead and three others injured Thursday at 53rd and Grand avenues. 

21 hours ago

File photo of construction on a home with downtown Phoenix, Arizona, in the background. Phoenix has...

Associated Press

Phoenix becomes largest US city to successfully challenge 2020 census numbers

Phoenix has become the largest U.S. city to successfully challenge its population count from the 2020 census.

21 hours ago

Arizona State Route 87 was closed northeast of metro Phoenix on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, because of a...

KTAR.com

Brush fire closes portion of State Route 87 northeast of metro Phoenix

State Route 87 was closed northeast of metro Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon because of a brush fire, authorities said.

21 hours ago

Tazbah Spruhan of Window Rock, Arizona, reacts after misspelling "Groenendael" during a preliminary...

KTAR.com

2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee starts with 3 Arizona students

Three Arizona middle school students, including one from the Valley, qualified to compete in this week's Scripps National Spelling Bee.

21 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

Desert Institute for Spine Care

Spinal fusion surgery has come a long way, despite misconceptions

As Dr. Justin Field of the Desert Institute for Spine Care explained, “we've come a long way over the last couple of decades.”

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

Arizona Jewish Historical Society offers Anne Frank House VR experience