Freud Museum

The Freud Museum in London is a place where the history and impact of psychoanalysis are preserved and celebrated. It is the final home of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and his daughter Anna Freud, a pioneering child psychoanalyst. This beautiful house in Hampstead, London, is where the Freud family came as refugees, having escaped Austria following the Nazi annexation in March 1938. Today, the Freud Museum is a vibrant centre for the understanding and appreciation of psychoanalysis and its significance in the contemporary world.

The House and Collections

The Freuds were fortunate to bring all their belongings to London, and the heart of the museum is Sigmund Freud's study and his famous psychoanalytic couch. It was in this room that Freud spent the last year of his life and died in his study at Maresfield Gardens. The house remained the family home until Anna's death in 1982. Anna bequeathed the house to become a museum in order to promote the intellectual and cultural legacies of Sigmund and Anna Freud for the learning and enjoyment of all. We opened our doors to the public in 1986.

Stepping into the Freud Museum is like stepping back in time. The house has been carefully preserved to reflect its original state when the Freuds lived there. Visitors can see Freud's study as it was when he used it, complete with his books, antiquities, and the iconic psychoanalytic couch.

The museum houses a vast and varied collection of over 40,000 items, ranging from Sigmund Freud's extensive library, to his personal effects, to the antiquities he collected throughout his life. These collections offer a unique insight into the life and work of Sigmund Freud and the development of psychoanalysis.

Conserving the Collection

At the heart of the Freud Museum's mission is the conservation of the extensive and valuable collections it cares for. The museum is committed to preserving Freud's psychoanalytic couch, which has come to represent the practice of psychoanalysis itself and is undoubtedly one of the most famous pieces of domestic furniture in the world.

The museum also maintains an archive and library, which are available for research and study. The library holds an extensive collection of books, journals, and other materials related to psychoanalysis, making it an essential resource for scholars and students in the field.

Exhibitions, Talks, and Workshops

The Freud Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, talks, and workshops that engage with the history and practice of psychoanalysis. These events showcase the work of contemporary artists, writers, and scholars, offering new perspectives on psychoanalysis and its applications in various fields.

In addition, the museum offers programmes for children and families, such as workshops and guided tours that introduce young visitors to the world of psychoanalysis in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Visiting the Freud Museum

The Freud Museum is open to the public and offers guided tours, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of the house and collections. The museum also hosts special events, such as lectures, conferences, and workshops, that delve into the history and practice of psychoanalysis. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll in the beautiful garden, which reflects the original layout and design created by Anna Freud.

An Invitation to Discover

Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply curious, the Freud Museum offers a unique and captivating experience. We invite you to discover the history of psychoanalysis, delve into the life and work of Sigmund and Anna Freud, and explore the ongoing relevance of their ideas in the contemporary world.