GREAT WEDDING VENUE! Beautiful wedding venue for ceremony and reception. Great book/library theme! Garage parking in downtown Baltimore for a small $5 fee. The attendants said to be out by 10:30; lost parking ticket is $10. Even though I wasn't told of this before leaving my car, it wasn't a problem. A great time was had. Beautiful, majestic, evening wedding, The lobby area was large enough and great for the cocktail reception. A photobooth was set up off to the side (not intrusive or awkwardly placed.) The hall was switched over to the reception area in about 1.5 hours. I was just about to give up on my heels as we stood, but it was worth the wait. Intimate, but not overcrowded seating for the dinner and a nice medium to small dance floor area. Catered dinner was decent. Simply perfect! Bathroom is a floor down, but there is access by elevator. The garage is accessible from the inside. I didn't realize until after I left the wedding and walked around the building. read more

I am only writing for my friend's wedding here! :) This is one of the most beautiful venues for wedding!!! The high ceilings and the layers of floor just created this beautiful ambiance perfect for any classy events. Even with the minimal flower arrangements, the place looks awesome; like how pretty girls look stunning with wearing only lipsticks. Lol Just outside the library at the foyer serves as the perfect space for cocktail hrs and dessert bar area. The library itself is located inside the block of very quaint buildings and in a safe area that you would have no idea how ghetto the neighboring areas are. The couple arranged a hotel a block away from the library, which made it super easy for us. I am taking one star off because of the bathroom situating quite a walk from the library but that's it!:) read more

George Peabody Library - My friend's wedding here - Libraries Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This is my third time I saw it and I always felt like in a Harry Potter movie, expecting that the books will start flying around. It is not to miss when visiting Baltimore. It is built in 1857 and the iron work is spectacular. I have yet to meet a person who would stay not impressed. I wish one day just to sit and watch how peoples faces light up and react when they see it first time. Across the street is the Washington Monument with its 227 steps to the top (worth it) and Walters Art Gallery (gem art museum). read more

George Peabody Library - Libraries Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We came to the Peabody Library to see the major exhibition of "Maryland: from the Willard Hackerman Map Collection". The exhibition showcases exquisitely drawn maps and prints of the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore from the 17th to the 19th centuries. We were awe struck seeing over 30 of the most stunning historically significant maps detailing early Baltimore and Maryland. We were also interested in seeing the John Ogilby's "Lord Baltimore Map" from 1671, a hand-colored edition of Thomas H. Poppleton's 1822 "Plan of the City of Baltimore," and engraved views of Baltimore from the Harry N. Baetjer Collection of Historical Maps and Prints. How lucky for the Sheridan Libraries that Willard and Lillian Hackerman generously gave this collection to them for all to see. (Mr. Hackerman was a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University.) The exhibition will be open until March 16, 2019. The hours are Tuesday thru Thursday 10-5, and 10-3 on Friday. While there, don't forget to step into the library and admire the stunning stacks. read more

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This place is a hidden gem in the city and a great spot to come and work when you have some time to or if you want to read a book in one of the most beautiful libraries you can find! I will note that you can only hang out on the first floor, and besides that it is a normal library so you want to be quiet and respectful of others when you are there. Also don't be surprised if you see photographers and people stopping by to take a quick picture or have a look at the amazing architecture and grandness of the whole space. The staff is in an office towards the back but I can't think of a reason why you would need to head back there and bother. As long as you are following normal rules and etiquette you will be left to yourself! read more

What a incredible place to be especially if you need to get some work done. Stayed here for a couple of hours just enjoying the history around me and getting my work done. Place is free and if you need any book they will get you want you need. The Library has books all the way from the 15th century!! read more

BEAUTIFUL!!! a must for photo shoots and pictures! The staff was just eh though... but I will still give them 5 stars because it is so beautiful. Put this on your Baltimore bucket list ! read more

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i came across george peabody library from a baltimore book inside my hotel room and it really piqued my interest because it was so beautiful in the photo. since i rounded up the troops to visit the washington monument we were just across the street so we popped by to see if we can see the library and luckily there wasn't any private events we got to walk into the library! and it's true, it's he most beautiful library EVER. the architectural details was just astounding, it almost resembles an opera house. it's SO pretty and i've never seen anything alike! we didn't get to hang around much, but it's definitely worth a drop by! read more

Inside this historical monument, you'll find eight original John Audubon books along with books on Egyptology that won't be found in the Library of Congress. It's quite amazing that I did live in Baltimore for college and I never set foot in this building. I was a bit skeptical on a wedding reception at the library, but having been on the top floor of the Harold Washington Library, I knew the trappings would be monumental and the proportions epic. The post wedding ceremony cocktail reception was held in a large high ceilinged room with art from ages past encased in glass. The windows were high and the scene was amazing, it was a cocktail reception in the museum part of the library! Totally cool, there were servers making cocktails, people signing the wedding book, and black coats, suits, and everyone in their finest wardrobe. The servers were congenial and the atmosphere was fantastic. As we entered the banquet hall, it was actually the main part of the library. Enter this room and you will look up to six stories of bookshelves going level by level up and amazing lighting. Some of the more historical books were locked in glass cases as a mere touch would likely render the book to specks of dust. On all of the tables were an amazing floral arrangement that was over two feet high with giant vases. The servers this round moved methodically with surgical precision to deliver wine and food. The food was of course fantastic and the DJ had no trouble setting up and the audio fine. We were never rushed and when the reception was over we were given plenty of time to pack up and put everything away. When I have a wedding one day, I hope to be able to secure a venue as grandiose and spectacular as George Peabody Library! read more

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! So many floors of books to look at. The books are so old and some are falling apart. That's just the ground floor. I wish they let people roam the higher floors. I understand why they don't but it would be fun if they did. read more

Beautiful. I came in here expecting to explore, but my eyes were amazed we the architecture and design inside the library. Great spot to check out if you have an eye for these things! read more

Stunning. This is one of the most beautiful venues for a wedding that I have ever seen. Located in Mount Vernon outside the Washington Monument, the George Peabody Library is (as Bradley N said) an architectural wonder in Neo-Grec style. The height of the stack room, lined with cast-iron balconies and embellished with gold-leaf, is awe-inspiring. The black and white marbled floor below, the skylight above, and the six tiers of decorative railings makes for a very sophisticated, yet intimate space to celebrate a beautiful occasion. I took several photos, but I could not fully capture the beauty of the room. The wedding ceremony took place in the stack room - minimal decoration, warm lighting, and rows of iron chairs lined the room, complementing the overall symmetry of the space. An hors d'oeuvres hour took place in the exhibition room, just outside the stack room. This space had historical pieces in glass cases and was set up with 2 bar areas. The doors were opened for dinner in the main stack room. The caterers (I belief Chef Expressions - approved for the Peabody) were wonderful and the round tables were set beautifully. The servers were attentive and professional. Dinner was excellent. They also made space at the back of the room for a dance floor and DJ. The library itself also houses space for musical and theatrical productions. There is parking on the street, and you are able to hire valet service for your event. I am not sure of the costs for this venue, or how easy/difficult they are to work with, but they seem to be flexible for any number of guests. Overall, the George Peabody Library is elegant, and perfect for any celebration. read more

Open to the public Tues through Friday, the peabody library is consistently listed as one of the most beautiful college libraries in the country. The narrow book stacks above the ground floor that rise up to the top of the atrium are off limits so you can only look up and imagine what the view would be like from up top. This is a really old library. When you walk in you are hit with the pungent smell of books older than your grandmother whose covers are like soft leather, worn and weathered. It is one of the only places in Baltimore where you feel like you literally step back in time, fully expecting someone in victorian clothing to walk past you. It's a nice place to study in once in a while, and it's a setting unlike any other. There's surprisingly never more than a smattering of people there, either studying or gawking at the architecture. Overall, the Peabody Library feels like a Baltimore secret, a beautiful atrium from the 1800s hidden in Mt. Vernon. read more

A gorgeous space full of history and charm. Grand enough to leave first time visitors in awe. read more

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It's an absolutely gorgeous library and one of my favorite places to visit in Baltimore! The multi-floor balconies and lighting make this location beautiful. I love the look and feel of the place. A true book lover's dream. It's the self-styled Cathedral of Books, and for good reason. There's a small museum just outside the library itself. There are limited hours, so be sure to check before you come visit. You won't regret coming here. Great for a quick visit and photos. I can understand why it's a popular wedding venue. read more

George Peabody Library - Libraries Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

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This is one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever been to. It's a book lover's dream! There is floor upon floor of levels with classic books and resources. I love that they still had a large card catalog! I hope they keep it around. It really adds to the style of the library. Huge tables are nestled between the different shelves offering a quiet place to read, study, and write. read more

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This place is PHENOMENAL!! Crazy that I've lived in Baltimore my whole life and have never seen this campus until now! Just finished a meeting and learned so much about the school, FREE CONCERTS and campus! Baltimoreans I TOTALLY encourage you to come out and see a concert or sign up for a class - you'll be learning from the best!!!! read more

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What a gorgeous library ! Right here, a step away from our very own Free Charm City Circulator. I don't really read physical books (solely audio these days) but this place is definitely worth a visit, if only for the notoriety on your Instagram feed . Just note they close at 1pm on Saturdays and while I did see a few people studying here, most people were visiting for the photo opportunities . read more

George Peabody Library - Libraries Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Definitely a hidden gem (free too). This is was my first stop on my first visit to Baltimore. It was interesting to read about the history of the Peabody museum and how it came to be. The light and ironwork of the main room is quite stunning. Sitting in one of the alcoves will give you inspiration to write or simply enjoy some peace and quite. They still have card catalogues, which I haven't seen since high school. The library is around the corner from the original George Washington monument. There is a parking garage across the street by the Walters Museum. Street parking is difficult and maximum time is four hours. I ended up parking in the garage since I was going to spend more than four hours downtown. read more

This review is for The George Peabody Library as a wedding venue... Simply breath-taking. Stunning. I couldn't imagine a more elegant venue. Though this space was obviously not originally intended as a wedding venue, it functions as one perfectly. In addition to being gorgeous, there is a large lovely exhibit-type room in front of the main library room that works beautifully for cocktail hour and a gathering place before the ceremony. It's spacious, has back areas for getting ready and for catering, a good sized-dance floor, a cubby-like area for the DJ to tuck away into, and...it's just plain magical! The only negative (which is perfectly understandable) is no candles allowed. But this place isn't hurting for ambiance-- you won't miss them. read more

WOW! Did they film parts of Harry Potter in here? Every now and then when I'm on foot in the area I pop me head into the Peabody library and just stand there. I don't even peruse for books but just stand in awe. Within 5 minutes I'm at peace. There is a mixture of amazement in the human ability and a feeling of my own total insignificance in this world. And then I slide myself back out into Baltimore. read more

Amazing place but they don't allow you to go upstairs, which is a little disappointing. It doesn't open on weekend. read more

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We had a private event at the library (about 120 people) - perhaps best venue we've ever used. I wish I had more time to explore the library. The catering was just okay but the venue itself was quite magical. Well worth it. read more

It's a very beautiful experience! EXCEPT someone decided it was okay to start using a DRILL!!! It wasn't closed yet, 2:00 students were even working at the desks. read more

What a gorgeous space. Too bad you can't access the upper levels (stairs and elevators inside the library are blocked off).

Reading a recent spiral staircase review by Manabu M. inspired me to Yelp one of Charm City's amazing man-made architectural wonders: the George Peabody Library in Mount Vernon, located near to the Washington Monument (which must be covered in Christmas lights by now). Technically part of the Johns Hopkins University, the GPL is a living landmark that has been featured in films (like "Sleepless in Seattle"), on TV ads, and is a popular venue for weddings and special events. If you come to use the reading room here (they have rare books and the like), you can ask to look inside the stacks: a six-story, towering set of book shelves decked out in wrought-iron, late Victorian splendor with a gorgeous glass skylight awaits. The B&W checked marble floor only adds to the sublime and silent spectacle. This would be an amazing place to party with some of the world's best books. While the photos by people like Michael Dersin ARE impressive, two dimensions are not enough to do justice to this rare feat of cube-shaped perfection. It's worth a trip to Mount Vernon just to see and experience it for yourself. And if you are there, the surrounding neighborhood has its share of diversions and good eats as well! read more

I'm just reviewing the aesthetics of the place here. I popped in on my way to work one time, and was astounded by the sheer beauty of this library. There are multiple stories and a wide open space in the center where you could presumably read or work or whatever other things people do in the library. I'd imagine that this would be an ideal place to study or relax on a lazy afternoon. read more

Looks like a magical movie set library. The library is one of the most beautiful in the United States. Completed in 1878, it was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind in collaboration with the first Peabody provost, Nathaniel H. Morison, that described it as a "cathedral of books." The neo-Grec interior features an atrium that, over a black and white marble floor, soars 61 feet to a latticed skylight surrounded by five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies and gold-scalloped columns. Between July 2002 and May 2004, the library underwent a $1 million renovation and was refurbished. read more

Library was even bigger than I had imagined! Twas amazing! It's definitely a sight to stop in and see. Not for long though...there really is nothing here to do besides take in the view of bookshelves...endless bookshelves...but once you've "seen it", you're good to go. If you're a library lover like me, the quick stop will still be worth it. If not? Well, you may want to skip. read more

This library is breathtaking. If feels like I have stepped into some ancient monument in Italy. Everything is gilded gold and tall columns. I study here all the time, there's always free seats. read more

This is such an inspiring and beautiful library. I'm so glad I took my friend's recommendation and stopped in. My library and book-obsessed boyfriend thought it was one of the best things he'd ever seen. If I lived in Baltimore and needed a quiet place to study or work (or a special event venue?), I would definitely come here. read more

If there was no limit on the time I could park out in front of the library, I would most certainly come when they open on my days off and stay until they close. The library is breathtaking. read more

Completely gorgeous. The design is a feast for the eyes. Great location, too, right by the Mt Vernon monument. We went on a Friday afternoon, and were said for a minute when the guard said that the library was closed due to a meeting being held later that day, but we were allowed to peek into exhibit room and through the glass doors. Got to check out several 16th-17th century books under glass, and a ladies' fashion catalog from that era, when one of the people setting up for the conference said we could check out the library while they set up for the event! I was so happy, my folks were in town from Houston and I really wanted to show it to my dad. That was absolutely great and unexpected kindness! Thanks! read more

Terrific building. Very nice attendant in the lobby. Nice informational display outside the main room.

Went here for a friends wedding and had a good time. It was weird being in a library for a wedding but they made it look very nice. Not much to really say other than the place was well put together. read more

It was not worth the 70 miles from the Washington DC suburbs just see the library. The anti-room has minimal museum like books and story boards. Your only allowed on the first floor and just the main open area. The staff certainly does not seem to want you there. The four floors of the library does look impressive, however no where near as impressive as the pictures taken from the higher floors your not allowed up. If your in the area for something and they happen to be open, sure go see it. Otherwise it's not worth the trip. read more

A fantastic spot for a wedding or a stroll! One of the most beautiful libraries I have seen. The odd hours are a drag but its worth going to on a weekday. The surrounding area is probably my favorite spot in Bmore. read more