The Atlas Obscura Podcast Freud Museum London (Classic)
Nov 3, 2025
Jamie Ruars, the Events Manager at the Freud Museum London, shares insights about Sigmund Freud's legacy and his journey to London in the face of Nazi threats. He reveals how Freud's iconic psychoanalytic couch became a centerpiece of the museum and the emotional impact it has on visitors. Jamie also discusses Anna Freud's role in preserving her father's study and her contributions to child psychoanalysis, including founding the Hampstead Clinic. This rich history showcases the museum's enduring cultural significance and warmth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Freud's Flight To London
- Sigmund Freud escaped Nazi Austria and resettled in London at age 82 with help from Princess Marie Bonaparte.
- He moved into a three-floor red brick house adapted by his son Ernst to accommodate his health needs.
Anna Preserves Her Father's Study
- Anna Freud left her father's study untouched for four decades after his death as a homage.
- She bequeathed the house to become a museum, which opened in 1986 with Freud's study as its centerpiece.
The Couch Shaped Therapy's Image
- Freud's chaise longue became the iconic image of psychoanalysis and shaped the public idea of therapy.
- The analysand lies on the couch while the analyst sits behind, preserving free flow of thought.