Quick Information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The museum showcases Freud's psychoanalytic couch as its star attraction among an array of treasures and antiquities. Explore the perfectly preserved study where Freud continued his groundbreaking work after fleeing Nazi persecution in Austria.

Sigmund Freud's journey began in 1856 in Freiberg, Austrian Empire. Freud was widely regarded as the founder of psychoanalysis and as a popular professor of neuropathology in the 20th century.

Following Freud's passing in 1939, his daughter Anna continued to reside in the house until her death in 1982. The residence transformed into the Freud Museum in 1986 to preserve the psychoanalytic works of both father and daughter.

Book Your Sigmund Freud Museum Vienna Tickets

Entry Tickets to Sigmund Freud Museum

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration

Sigmund Freud Museum Guided Tour on Sundays with Skip-the-Line Entry

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration

What is Sigmund Freud Museum?

Sigmund Freud Museum

When Sigmund Freud moved to the newly built building in 1891, the previous building on the site, once owned by Victor Adler, was demolished. The building, where Freud lived and wrote for 47 years, now houses a documentary center displaying his life and works.

The museum encompasses Freud's former practice and private quarters, which are attached to Europe's largest psychoanalytic research library containing 35,000 volumes, and the research institute of the Sigmund Freud Foundation. The display includes original items owned by Freud, his waiting room, and parts of his antique collection. Although Freud's famous couch and most of the original furnishings are in the Freud Museum in London, a third museum in the Czech town of Příbor was opened to the public in 2006 in the house where Freud was born.

Why Visit the Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna?

Sigmund Freud Museum
  • The Sigmund Freud Museum in Vienna is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and development of psychoanalysis.
  • It is located in the same apartment where Freud lived and worked, making it an intimate and unique experience for visitors.
  • Visitors can see the original items owned by Freud, his extensive antique collection, and his private quarters.
  • Freud's former practice is also on display, including the famous couch where his patients would recline during sessions.
  • The museum has a documentary center showcasing Freud's life and works and a modern art collection displaying the influence of psychoanalysis on art and society.
  • Attached to the museum is Europe's largest psychoanalytic research library with 35,000 volumes.
  • The museum provides insight into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in the field of psychology, making it an important cultural and educational attraction.
  • The museum is located near other popular attractions in Vienna, such as the University of Vienna and the Votivkirche, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing.

History of Sigmund Freud Museum 

In 1938, Sigmund Freud was forced to flee his home in Austria due to the Nazi annexation and his Jewish heritage. He eventually found refuge in London, where he lived until his death.

The Sigmund Freud Museum in London was opened in 1971, with Anna Freud present at the inauguration. Over the years, the museum has expanded its premises to include additional rooms for special exhibitions and events.

The Foundation has also made plans to further expand the museum, ensuring that it remains a fascinating and informative attraction for years to come. In honor of Freud's birthday, which falls on May 6th, the Sigmund Freud Society established the annual Sigmund Freud Lecture in Vienna in 1970. The lecture is an opportunity for psychoanalysts to speak on contemporary themes, and it remains a highly anticipated event to this day, now organized by the Sigmund Freud Foundation.

Architecture of Sigmund Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud Museum

The Sigmund Freud Museum is housed in a magnificent 19th-century building that was newly constructed in 1891. It was built in a neo-renaissance style, typical of the buildings in Vienna during that time period.

The building itself is a work of art, with ornate sculptures and intricate details on the exterior. The interior is just as impressive, with high ceilings, grand staircases, and large windows that let in ample natural light.

The building has undergone renovations and expansions over the years, with the most recent expansion taking place in 1996 to accommodate new rooms for special exhibitions and events. Despite the changes, the original architecture has been preserved and can still be seen throughout the museum.

Visitors to the Sigmund Freud Museum can admire the beautiful architecture and explore the building's history while learning about the life and work of the famous psychoanalyst who once called it his home.

Who Built the Sigmund Freud Museum? 

The Sigmund Freud Museum was not designed by a specific architect, as it is housed in the same apartment building where Freud lived and worked. The building itself was constructed in 1891 and was initially the home of Victor Adler, an Austrian politician and leader of the Social Democratic Workers' Party.

The apartment building is a typical example of late 19th-century Viennese architecture, characterized by its ornate façade and intricate decorative elements.

What are the Highlights of the Sigmund Freud Museum?

The Sigmund Freud Museum showcases the life and work of the renowned psychoanalyst through a collection of his personal belongings and documents, as well as a library and research center. Here are some highlights to check out.

Library of Psychoanalysis

The Psychoanalysis Library at the Sigmund Freud Museum contains a range of literature on psychoanalysis theory, technique, history, and Sigmund Freud's works in various languages and editions. The collection includes first editions of Freud's works, complete editions, and pre-analytic works that are not available in the standard edition. There are also books from Freud's personal library that were obtained through donations or purchases.

Sigmund Freud Lecture

The Sigmund Freud Museum offers visitors a chance to attend the annual Sigmund Freud Lecture, which takes place every year on May 6th to commemorate Freud's birthday. This event has been taking place since 1970 and is organized by the Sigmund Freud Foundation. During the lecture, renowned psychoanalysts speak on contemporary themes related to psychoanalysis, providing an opportunity for visitors to gain insights into the latest research and developments in the field.

Hidden Thoughts of a Visual Nature

The Sigmund Freud Museum's new concept features the historical stairwell, which acts as a link between the living spaces on the mezzanine level and the "doctor's apartment" on the upper ground floor. The upper ground floor has a permanent exhibition called Hidden Thoughts of a Visual Nature, which displays selected works from the museum's collection of conceptual art. This collection was established in 1989, featuring an installation by Joseph Kosuth, an American artist. Visitors can explore and admire these intriguing works of art while appreciating the historical significance of the building.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sigmund Freud Museum

A. The Sigmund Freud Museum Vienna is a museum located in the former home of Sigmund Freud in Vienna, Austria.