Freud Museum London Hampstead NW3

Freud Museum London Review: Homeboy and I were meeting up with a few family members in Finchley, so we decided to pop into the Freud Museum London while we were in the vicinity. I studied Psychology at college and university, so I was intrigued to see Freud’s famous analytic couch and his former home at 20 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead London NW3. If you’re interested in Sigmund Freud or Psychoanalysis, you’ll enjoy visiting.

Freud Bust

Freud Museum London Background

Freud is the founder of psychoanalysis, and Anna Freud (his daughter), is the child psychoanalysis pioneer. Both resided at this property which is now a museum. Look out for the two blue plaques on the front of the substantial suburban house, one is for Sigmund, and the other is for Anna.

The Freud family arrived in England as refugees from the Nazi annexation of Austria in March 1938. The works of Freud were set alight in Germany, and after harassment, he had no choice but to move from his home at Berggasse 19, Vienna to London.

Freud’s son, Ernest, and the housekeeper, Paula Fichtl, recreated his Vienna working environment in the house at 20 Maresfield Gardens so he could continue his work. Freud passed away a year after moving into the home, but his wife, Matha, continued living in the property with Minna Bernays (sister-in-law). Anna (daughter) lived in the house until her death in 1982. She wanted the home to become a museum, so it opened to the public in 1986. Anna had kept her father’s study and library pretty much as her father had left them.

Freud Museum London House Guide

Enter through the front door, and walk towards the back of the ground floor through the hall and the dining room. The ticket office is situated overlooking the garden. You will find a gift shop located here selling books, cards, and unusual Freud-inspired objects. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, you can explore the house at your own pace.

Freud Books in Gift Shop

The most exciting part of the home is on the ground floor, where you can see the famous Freud analytic couch, transported from Vienna. The couch is smaller than I thought it would be and draped in a tapestry pattern cover with a few cushions placed on top. Behind the analytic couch is the chair where Freud would sit listening to his patients.

Freud’s Analytic Couch

Next to the couch is Freud’s desk, where you can imagine him working.

Freud’s Desk

In the Study and Front Room, you’ll notice that there are many fascinating artefacts and antiquities from archaeology sites in Greece, Rome, Eygpt and further afield.

Artefacts and Antiquities

The shelves have books from Freud’s home in Vienna. The subject matter includes archaeology, philosophy, literature and history. His favourite authors and poets are also displayed. The curtains are drawn, which is probably to protect the items in the room. It’s dark inside yet atmospheric.

Freud’s Books

The rest of the museum is on the sparse side and would benefit from interior styling to give it more depth and make it more appealing. Upstairs is the Anna Freud room, which shows aspects of her work. You will see her analytic couch and some original furniture.

Anna Freud’s Room

Take time to watch a short film about Freud in the Video Room. Check out the Exhibition Room, which was showing The Uncanny Exhibition when we visited in December 2019. You will see various portraits and statues of Freud as you explore his former home.

Freud Museum London Information

The Freud Museum is a must for anyone studying Freud at college or university. It’s a lovely thing to do if you are in the area and have an hour to spare. To find out more, visit the Freud Museum London Website. The address is 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX. The nearest stations are Finchley Road, West Hampstead, South Hampstead and Belsize Park. Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon until 5 pm. Entrance fees are £10 for adults with concessions and a 50% discount if you are a National Trust member. Enjoy your visit.

While you are in the area, you may find these posts helpful:

Things To Do In Hampstead:

Hampstead London NW3 Area Guide

Ten Things To Do In Hampstead London NW3

Golders Hill Park Hampstead London NW3

Historic Houses In Hampstead:

Historic Houses Hampstead London NW3

Kenwood House Hampstead London NW3

Burgh House Hampstead London NW3

Lunch At Buttery Café Burgh House Hampstead London NW3

Fenton House and Garden Hampstead London NW3

Keats House Hampstead London NW3