Pribor, Czech Republic.
Freud’s house of birth.
Formerly known as Freiberg, Moravia. Freud was born here in 1856, and lived in this house until the family moved to Leipzig in 1859.
House where Freud was born, and spent his earliest years, Pribor, Czech Republic
Plaque commemorating Freud’s house of birth
Pribor may be reached by auto or rail. If driving, take route E462 (east-west) or route 58 from Ostrava southward. Easily reached by commuter rail from Ostrava, which is on the main line from Vienna to Krakow, Poland. The small city of Pribor has a charming central square, recently rehabilitated. From the rail station, it is a bit of a walk to the Freud sites. You may prefer to get there by taxi.
Freud artifacts include his birth house and a bust of Freud erected in a small plaza on the main road a short distance from the house.
Freud bust in Pribor, Czech Republic
The house is occupied as both residence and business, so one cannot enter. A commemorative plaque is mounted on the front of the house.
Vienna, Austria
The Freud Museum
Freud moved to Vienna with his family in 1860, and made his residence in the city until departing for London in 1938. Berggasse 19 served as his residence and his offices from 1891/92 until 1938.
The Freud Museum at Berggasse 19, in Vienna’s 9th district, may be reached easily by foot from the center of Vienna, or by tramlines #37, 38, 40, 41, or 42. Exit tram at "Schwarzpanierstrasse," at the top of Berggasse, and walk downhill. Number 19 is on the left.
Entrance to Berggasse 19
Entrance to Freud’s Offices
The museum consists of two wings. One wing, Freud’s former offices, is devoted to displaying the few original artifacts left at this address, photocopies of some of Freud’s publications, some historical materials, a multimedia presentation on Freud, and the museum shop. This wing constitutes the primary focus for most visitors. The other wing, which was the original apartment for the family, houses the growing library of psychoanalytic literature, as well as meeting rooms. Access to this wing is by appointment only (in 1998); a phone call a day in advance would suffice. I was told that this is the largest collection of psychoanalytically oriented literature in Europe.
Anteroom in Freud’s Offices
Artifacts on display in museum
Bust of Freud in museum
Standing in Freud’s bedroom; door to Minna’s room (currently offices)
The museum is an active center for psychoanalytic studies. For further information on the programs offered, see my links page. Be certain to check in advance for closed days.
Rome,
Italy
Michelangelo’s statue
of Moses in the church of San Pietro
in Vincoli.
During his lifetime, Freud made several trips to Rome. Among the many wonders of the city, he was captivated by Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. This statue became a focus for his contemplation, and Freud eventually offered his unique interpretation of this puzzling piece of work. Peter Gay, in his work Freud: A Life for Our Time, indicates the role this statue played in the development of Freud’s theory of repression.
Michelangelo’s Moses, San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome
San Pietro in Vincoli is located in Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, a short distance to the south off Via Cavour. Via Cavour runs east-west, a few blocks north of the Colosseum. To reach from the Colosseum, walk northward and enter Via d. Annibaldi. This street runs to the edge of the Piazza San Pietro. San Pietro and Moses are normally included in city tours.
London, England
20 Maresfield Gardens – the Freud Museum; Golder's
Green Crematorium, site of Freud's
ashes.
Freud and family members, including his daughter Anna, arrived in London after fleeing Vienna, Austria, in 1938. They settled into 20 Maresfield Gardens, NW3, Hampstead, where Freud died in 1939. Anna continued to occupy the house, and to practice her profession here, until her death in 1982.
Freud’s London home and office, 20 Maresfield Gardens
Maresfield Gardens can be reached most easily via underground or bus. Take the underground Jubilee Line to the Finchley Road Station. On exiting the station, blue signs will mark the walk to 20 Maresfield Gardens. Bus lines #13, 82, and 113 also stop at the Finchley Road underground station. Be prepared to traverse a short but steep climb for the most direct pathway to the museum. A more circuitous route will avoid the steepness.
Plaque on 20 Maresfield Gardens
The Freud Museum in London contains the vast majority of Freud’s antiquities collection, the famous couch, his office furniture, his library, and general household furnishings of the family. The room occupied by Anna is also on display, with artifacts mounted on the walls. The historical videotape found in Vienna is also showing here. A small gift shop is on premises. Interior photography is prohibited.
The museum serves as a highly active center for study and publication of Freud’s works and his ongoing influence. Seminars and meetings of various types are offered throughout the year.
A personal note. As intriguing as it is to contemplate such a richness of Freudian memorabilia, especially the couch and the office, a psychologist might come away from this museum less than satisfied. The building and collection serve well as a museum, but the spirits of psychoanalysis did not make the transit from the Continent with Freud.
There is a large statue of Freud near the entrance to the Tavistock Center, 120 Belsize Lane, a short distance from the Freud museum. To locate this statue, walk to the nearest end of Maresfield Gardens (to your right as you face the Freud Museum), then turn left. One block ahead is the intersection of Belsize Lane and Fitzjohns Avenue, where the statue is located.
Freud statue at Tavistock Institute
Golders Green Crematorium – Freud’s Ashes.
Freud's ashes, as well as those of Anna and other family members, are located at the Golders Green Crematorium, Golders Green, NW11, to the north of Hampstead. To reach Golders Green by tube, take the Northern Line (Edgeware Branch) to Golders Green station. Bus lines 13, 28, 83, 84, 102, 139, 183, 210, 240, 260, and 268 also serve this station. Exit the tube station through the small bus station forecourt. Exit to Finchley Road. Walk north along Finchley to the next set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Hoop Lane. The crematorium is a short distance ahead on the right. Inquire at the crematorium office to be admitted and accompanied to the site of Freud's ashes. My guide said that she conducts quite a few visitors to the Freud site.
Urn with Sigmund’s and Martha’s ashes, Golders Green Crematorium
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