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Beautiful library located in a historic area of Baltimore. The library itself is 6 stories but only the first floor is accessible to the public. Lookout for the schedule as they have events and concerts from time to time. The library is also affiliated with John Hopkins which is super cool. Anyone is welcome to do research at the library (no JHU affliction necessary).
Absolutely the most stunning place in all of Baltimore. How have I never written a review for this place? Completely free and open to the public it is attached to the music conservatory, and there is a small museum section that rotates through its exhibits pretty regularly. I recently went for a concert as part of the in the stock program and it has to be the most stunning venue to see live music. I once saw the George Peabody Library rated as one of the top most beautiful libraries in the world so don't take it from me. You definitely feel like a character in beauty and the beast and it's actually really magical at night time. If you see an event here at night time, definitely take advantage of it. I know the Baltimore opera doesn't performances here and it's definitely a top spot to get married.
Absolutely stunning part of the Peabody campus that is open to the public and includes rotating exhibitions in the front part of the library. I really enjoyed the current Gertrude Stein exhibit currently on display, and am excited to return on my future trips to Baltimore. The library itself is what photo-worthy dreams are made of! Great spot to get work done, take a look around the shelves, and enjoy an afternoon. I was staying nearby and walked but street parking seems easy enough to find and there's plenty to do in the general vicinity. A must-do on your trip to Bmore!
Beautiful library! Enjoyed wandering around and looking at old books. Took lots of pics because it was so beautiful to look at!
Outside the student population, the onlookers are only allowed on the first floor. A worthwhile photo op, it really is beautiful, but this is like a 10 minute stop. They do have a small special exhibit space, so you might find something there. During my visit, it was centered on Gertrude Stein. Near the Walters art museum (reviewed separately)--like 2/10 of a mile or less. Also near the Washington monument if you're into that kind of thing, and some interesting architecture. So you could make a half day of it.
For us library nerds this is a necessary stop in Baltimore. Absolutely gorgeous. Really great Gertrude Stein exhibit in the front room. Love the architecture and grand vibes of the main room. Stunning details. We got some help locating historical documents housed at Hopkins from the charming librarians.
The pinterest perfect library of your dreams! It's like stepping into another world! The atmosphere is incredible. The smell of the old books and the sound of the spines as you crack open the title in your hands provides you with a memory you know you will treasure.
Such a beautiful, historic site to visit if you're in Baltimore - and especially if you have any connection to Johns Hopkins. It is simply stunning; I saw it was a wedding venue and truly considered it! There are spots to sit and read/study if you're interested. There are not new books though- only historic. Unfortunately, you cannot leave the first floor although you can glance up to all the other floors and the beautiful high ceiling.
As a book lover, I was enchanted by the George Peabody Library. Upon entering the main library, there are stacks upon stacks of old books that you can (gently) peruse and admire. You can also explore the library catalog files, which are organized as index cards in miniature drawers. The whole experience feels as if you're going back in history. (Note that you can only view the books on the first floor for safety reasons.) Outside the main library, there is a quaint museum that spotlights famous local authors like Edgar Allen Poe, who lived in Baltimore. You can also see first editions of classics like Moby Dick and learn more about the literary history of the area. The library is a the perfect place to spend an afternoon as you are exploring the historic and quaint Mt. Vernon neighborhood.
Came here to see the Ethel Ennis exhibit and was not disappointed! This is such a beautiful landmark and museum. Perfect place for photography, a tour, and just overall nice place to hang on the weekends. They are open on Sundays which is nice but parking is limited. Make sure to check their hours before you come. I recommend taking the circulator or the JHMI shuttle or a bus if you can. You can find street parallel parking, but depending on the day that may be more difficult. It's located near the inner harbor, right next to the Washington monument and the Walter's art museum. Make a day of it! And it has free entry. Great place to bring kids, teenagers or the whole family.
Often said to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, it's worth a visit. Paid street parking is easy to find nearby. Open during the day every day except Friday and Saturday, walk inside. When you see the check-in area, go left for a little exhibit space and the door to the library. It's very large with stunning design. You can't go up any stairs so stay on the ground floor, keeping quiet out of respect to the people studying.
George Peabody Library is absolutely gorgeous! I highly recommend visiting it if you're in town. I spent some time reading my book here and felt like I was in a fairy tale. There were other people around working on their laptops and enjoying the beauty of this space. There is a museum section and books that you're able to look through. It is a part of John Hopkins so sections are closed off for students only. When we entered, the security guard wasn't very kind. She might've had a bad day. She was nice enough to let me switch out my driver's license for the visitor pass to use the restroom in the student-only section, however about an hour later she wouldn't let my partner do the same. So there is a 50/50 chance that there is a bathroom available. It's good for a quick stop if you're exploring the Mt. Vernon area. And it's amazing for any Yelp photos you want to capture.
What can be said about this library other than it is simply BEAUTIFUL. I came here for a wedding and it is the dreamiest venue ever. It's five levels of bookshelves and ornate architecture that goes all the way up to the high vaulted ceilings that are entirely windows at the top for the natural light during the day and the dark sky at night to filter in and it's absolutely breathtaking. The Peabody is historic and can basically only be booked by alumni of Johns Hopkins for private events and what a treat it was to visit here when it's all glammed up for a wedding ceremony and reception. Fairy lights are strung along the banisters for more dreamy effect. You unfortunately, but understandably cannot go up and explore the levels of books and shelves of the Peabody and can only appreciate it all looking down on you from the main, central area. There is a small atrium before entering the Peabody with display cases and a small collection that you can peruse as well prior to entering the library. The bathrooms are a level down and in general the Peabody is contained in a larger building that houses other spaces that we did not get a chance to explore. Overall, absolutely STUNNING! If you an attend an event here, it's more than worth it a million times over! If you can even visit it when you're in Baltimore, I'd highly recommend it. It's smaller than you'd probably expect, so it's much more magical especially for a special event that's meant to be intimate, but definitely prioritize this when you find yourself in Baltimore! Make sure to just call and check ahead of time because they oftentimes have weird hours or are closed to private events!
I attended an event here and this place has such a magical feel. The main library hall is like something out of a movie. The outter reception room outside the main library hall is full of display cases with amazingly rare and incredible literary treasures. Each has great explanations and descriptions of the featured work. My only "complaint" is the restricted access to all of the library's levels except a few aisles on the ground floor. I'd have truly loved to explore more of this architectural gem with its abundance of literary and historic treasures. For those that do have access, I hope they appreciate the incredible privilege they have. read more
5 months ago
Absolutely beautiful location. I love that so much of the history is preserved and cared for so intensely. If I were still in school, it would certainly be my top place to find quiet while studying. read more
5 months ago
Beautiful library with a rustic and magical feel and plenty of space for studying. I was able to get free wifi and sat down in a corridor of the bottom level. Apparently the upper levels of the library aren't open to visitors, but just sitting in the main floor was stunning. read more
Beautiful library located in a historic area of Baltimore. The library itself is 6 stories but only the first floor is accessible to the public. Lookout for the schedule as they have events and concerts from time to time. The library is also affiliated with John Hopkins which is super cool. Anyone is welcome to do research at the library (no JHU affliction necessary). read more
Absolutely the most stunning place in all of Baltimore. How have I never written a review for this place? Completely free and open to the public it is attached to the music conservatory, and there is a small museum section that rotates through its exhibits pretty regularly. I recently went for a concert as part of the in the stock program and it has to be the most stunning venue to see live music. I once saw the George Peabody Library rated as one of the top most beautiful libraries in the world so don't take it from me. You definitely feel like a character in beauty and the beast and it's actually really magical at night time. If you see an event here at night time, definitely take advantage of it. I know the Baltimore opera doesn't performances here and it's definitely a top spot to get married. read more
Absolutely stunning part of the Peabody campus that is open to the public and includes rotating exhibitions in the front part of the library. I really enjoyed the current Gertrude Stein exhibit currently on display, and am excited to return on my future trips to Baltimore. The library itself is what photo-worthy dreams are made of! Great spot to get work done, take a look around the shelves, and enjoy an afternoon. I was staying nearby and walked but street parking seems easy enough to find and there's plenty to do in the general vicinity. A must-do on your trip to Bmore! read more
6 months ago
Beautiful library! Enjoyed wandering around and looking at old books. Took lots of pics because it was so beautiful to look at! read more
Outside the student population, the onlookers are only allowed on the first floor. A worthwhile photo op, it really is beautiful, but this is like a 10 minute stop. They do have a small special exhibit space, so you might find something there. During my visit, it was centered on Gertrude Stein. Near the Walters art museum (reviewed separately)--like 2/10 of a mile or less. Also near the Washington monument if you're into that kind of thing, and some interesting architecture. So you could make a half day of it. read more
For us library nerds this is a necessary stop in Baltimore. Absolutely gorgeous. Really great Gertrude Stein exhibit in the front room. Love the architecture and grand vibes of the main room. Stunning details. We got some help locating historical documents housed at Hopkins from the charming librarians. read more
1 year ago
The pinterest perfect library of your dreams! It's like stepping into another world! The atmosphere is incredible. The smell of the old books and the sound of the spines as you crack open the title in your hands provides you with a memory you know you will treasure. read more
Such a beautiful, historic site to visit if you're in Baltimore - and especially if you have any connection to Johns Hopkins. It is simply stunning; I saw it was a wedding venue and truly considered it! There are spots to sit and read/study if you're interested. There are not new books though- only historic. Unfortunately, you cannot leave the first floor although you can glance up to all the other floors and the beautiful high ceiling. read more
As a book lover, I was enchanted by the George Peabody Library. Upon entering the main library, there are stacks upon stacks of old books that you can (gently) peruse and admire. You can also explore the library catalog files, which are organized as index cards in miniature drawers. The whole experience feels as if you're going back in history. (Note that you can only view the books on the first floor for safety reasons.) Outside the main library, there is a quaint museum that spotlights famous local authors like Edgar Allen Poe, who lived in Baltimore. You can also see first editions of classics like Moby Dick and learn more about the literary history of the area. The library is a the perfect place to spend an afternoon as you are exploring the historic and quaint Mt. Vernon neighborhood. read more
2 years ago
Came here to see the Ethel Ennis exhibit and was not disappointed! This is such a beautiful landmark and museum. Perfect place for photography, a tour, and just overall nice place to hang on the weekends. They are open on Sundays which is nice but parking is limited. Make sure to check their hours before you come. I recommend taking the circulator or the JHMI shuttle or a bus if you can. You can find street parallel parking, but depending on the day that may be more difficult. It's located near the inner harbor, right next to the Washington monument and the Walter's art museum. Make a day of it! And it has free entry. Great place to bring kids, teenagers or the whole family. read more
Often said to be one of the most beautiful libraries in the country, it's worth a visit. Paid street parking is easy to find nearby. Open during the day every day except Friday and Saturday, walk inside. When you see the check-in area, go left for a little exhibit space and the door to the library. It's very large with stunning design. You can't go up any stairs so stay on the ground floor, keeping quiet out of respect to the people studying. read more
George Peabody Library is absolutely gorgeous! I highly recommend visiting it if you're in town. I spent some time reading my book here and felt like I was in a fairy tale. There were other people around working on their laptops and enjoying the beauty of this space. There is a museum section and books that you're able to look through. It is a part of John Hopkins so sections are closed off for students only. When we entered, the security guard wasn't very kind. She might've had a bad day. She was nice enough to let me switch out my driver's license for the visitor pass to use the restroom in the student-only section, however about an hour later she wouldn't let my partner do the same. So there is a 50/50 chance that there is a bathroom available. It's good for a quick stop if you're exploring the Mt. Vernon area. And it's amazing for any Yelp photos you want to capture. read more
What can be said about this library other than it is simply BEAUTIFUL. I came here for a wedding and it is the dreamiest venue ever. It's five levels of bookshelves and ornate architecture that goes all the way up to the high vaulted ceilings that are entirely windows at the top for the natural light during the day and the dark sky at night to filter in and it's absolutely breathtaking. The Peabody is historic and can basically only be booked by alumni of Johns Hopkins for private events and what a treat it was to visit here when it's all glammed up for a wedding ceremony and reception. Fairy lights are strung along the banisters for more dreamy effect. You unfortunately, but understandably cannot go up and explore the levels of books and shelves of the Peabody and can only appreciate it all looking down on you from the main, central area. There is a small atrium before entering the Peabody with display cases and a small collection that you can peruse as well prior to entering the library. The bathrooms are a level down and in general the Peabody is contained in a larger building that houses other spaces that we did not get a chance to explore. Overall, absolutely STUNNING! If you an attend an event here, it's more than worth it a million times over! If you can even visit it when you're in Baltimore, I'd highly recommend it. It's smaller than you'd probably expect, so it's much more magical especially for a special event that's meant to be intimate, but definitely prioritize this when you find yourself in Baltimore! Make sure to just call and check ahead of time because they oftentimes have weird hours or are closed to private events! read more
Such a beautiful space! Pros: it's free, it's a very instagrammable place for a photo shoot, it's stunning! Cons: the hours change all the time, you can't go beyond the ground floor in either the library or the conservatory, the books are outdated and I'm afraid to handle them because a lot of them are falling apart. Check out the website to see when they are open. It changes weekly. You don't need more than 15 minutes there, unless you are actually studying. read more
A stunning library open to the public! I think I saw it on an Instagram add and have had it on my list since then so I was pleasantly surprised to be visiting Baltimore. I've been in other pretty libraries like this where you had a bit more access and would have loved to be able to walk around more than just the bottom to peruse some more. The lighting isn't quite as advertised either but I'm not complaining. I spent some time at one of the tables just soaking in the beauty. Definitely worth the stop for me. read more
7 years ago
The George Peabody Library is hands down one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! The word I'm looking for is M-A-J-E-S-T-I-C! Extremely high ceilings exposing a plethora of novels and old school books. The lighting is warm and the people are nestled in nooks and crannies of the functional library while some of us document the experience on our phones. This is definitely the place I would hang out at if I lived in Baltimore. Everyone is already aware that I'm a library rat. And now libraries and cemeteries are high on my travel to do list. Don't cheat yourself from this experience when visiting. Definitely worth getting up early and visiting. When entering the library you continue through the exhibition or installation an the entrance for the library is on the other side. From what I hear, there are sometimes special events hosted here and even weddings. It that doesn't spell romance then I really don't know what to tell ya. read more
Having never been here before I didn't know what to expect. I was glad to see an exhibit before the library of the community through photos which always resonated with me more than other type of art and installations. The place to be is the main library with its high ceiling and floors of books that were written in past eras. Though the floors above the main one are off limits, I could imagine myself climbing those stairs to look down and see library from that high vantage point. A working library, there were students and those that were working as they basked in the sensations of such a marvelous library and structure. A quick visit before grabbing lunch, it was well worth the quick walk around. I would highly suggest it as a nice stop before exploring the rest of the city. I had wished there was more to the library but it looks like other parts of the building are sectioned off and can only be entered with a valid ID as there as a guard stationed. read more
Stunning hidden gem in Baltimore city. I came here for a change in study location and fell in love with the building. The architecture and old-world feel was perfect for the history buff in me -- books dating back to our nations beginnings like the DAR rosters were behind me!! There are plenty of outlets and seating, and many others were also getting work done. Only one issue is if you're easily distracted: this is a popular place for tourists and photo shoots so be prepared for curious onlookers peeking in at you or avoiding the cameras. Everyone who works here is also very kind, so the place didn't have a stuffy air either -- definitely worth checking out if you're visiting or need a change of scenery for work! read more
Beautiful library and best is that its free!!!!! it had historic and vintage feels. Come get your instagram basic shots. I see why people have weddings here. Nearby is the nicest area of Baltimore. I spent 10 mins here, take a few pics and go. Parking can be a pain though read more
Such a beautiful library. It's definitely seems like it will be an ideal event spot. I wish I would have known prior to coming that only the first floor was available to visitors (though it was still dope). I used the space to study for a bit and it was perfect. Large studying spaces and great for small group studying if needed. I'll be back for their upcoming exhibit. read more
The George Peabody Library is the 19th century research library of the Johns Hopkins University. It's called Baltimore's "Cathedral of Books," and if you visit, you'll understand why. The library was built in 1878 and it has stunning cast-iron balconies and a massive skylight. Its closed Sundays and Mondays but has limited hours to explore the rest of the days of the week. It's so beautiful and well worth exploring if you're visiting Baltimore or live in Baltimore but have never been! read more
8 years ago
This library is simply gorgeous. It is rated amongst the top 14 most beautiful libraries in the country. Its located on John Hopkins campus and has a parking garage that is under the building which is quite convenient. This library is partially functional whereas you can go here to study or read but you can't browse the isles and pick out books yourself. There are computers stationed in the center of the library and there are people that sit here to do real work. So, even though it is a tourist attraction, it is still used like a real library. There is no fee to enter and there is a large room outside of the entrance of the library that has many historical things to read and see. Pieces of Baltimore and other parts of Maryland's history that have been reserved. read more
6 years ago
Patiently waiting for them to open, much like every other lover of Architecture and beautiful sites. I love how it's Nestled right in the middle of everything. If you didn't know where you were going you would miss it, but once it opens back up I do anticipate an explosion of tourism and people looking to capture those beautiful angles and beautiful gold molding. Aside from of course the luxury of finding many different books here. A worthwhile experience, be patient read more
I was awestruck when entering this library-- it's beautiful! The detail and architecture, along with the hundreds of thousands of books carefully organized. I highly recommend popping in when you visit Baltimore! PS- it's free! read more
7 years ago
Everyone needs to see this building. It's a quick stop- you don't need a tour, just walk in an prepare to be amazed. The Peabody collection contains over 300,000 volumes dating from the Renaissance through the 19th Century. The skylight casts light over six tiers of cast-iron balconies. Simply incredible! read more
A few steps away from the George Washington Monument is this gem for book lovers who have a thing for picturesque libraries. Built in 1857, it is a phenomenal venue of 5 tiers of cast-iron columns embellished with gold-leaf, rising more than 6 feet to the massive skylight. I was a little disappointed that the staircase to visit the upper levels was blocked off when I visited though. The library is also often closed for events and free concerts so I would call before visiting. Highly recommended as it was definitely a sight to behold! read more
9 years ago
If Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' lived in Maryland, she would be reading and singing every day at George Peabody library. I first saw the pictures of the gorgeous interior and knew I wanted to go. It reminded me of some French buildings' interior. From my parents house in VA, this was 1 hour and 15 minutes to MD. But so worth the trip. One of my friends had done some internship camp at the George Peabody the year before and knew her way around. She was the perfect source of knowledge in her tour around the facility. Before you go inside, the parking situation is bit tricky but there is a garage across the street for a flat rate. Once you go inside, you will be amazed by the sheer beauty of the open columns, brass rows in which the books are on, high ceilings etc. The collection of books they have is a impressive one with many religion books, history (my fav), and other subjects. This library is now owned by John Hopkins University and they have done a great job in maintaining and renovating it without compromising the original beauty of the structure. Try not to talk so loud because the voice echoes and there are actually people studying and working. I won't lie to you though, I sort of squealed with excitement when I first walked in. It's the perfect place to study or read instead of going to a Barnes and Noble. It's even the perfect place to get married, so unique and romantic. Furthermore, I found out it is a popular place to get married in MD. It definitely is a 'fine reading' establishment for the intellectual beings. Be Belle (or Beast: did he read?) for a day, and read in this gorgeous library. read more
9 years ago
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More info about George Peabody Library
Ask the Community - George Peabody Library
Does it have its own parking? Thanks.
Yes, there is a paid parking garage for the Peabody Institute that you enter from St. Paul's street.
