The Old Stone House, which serves as the museum's centerpiece, was built in 1740, over 60 years before Poe's birth.
The museum grounds include the 'Shrine,' a collection of personal belongings donated by Poe's family and early collectors.
The garden contains stones salvaged from the demolished Southern Literary Messenger building where Poe once worked as an editor.
The collection includes the original bench from the Marshall Theater, which Poe frequented during his time in Richmond.
The museum hosts an annual Poe birthday celebration every January, drawing literary scholars and fans from around the world.
Edgar Allan Poe never actually lived in the Old Stone House, though he lived in several other homes within the city of Richmond.
The garden features a permanent home for the museum's resident black cats, Pluto and Edgar.
The collection features rare daguerreotypes of Poe, including the famous 'Ultima Thule' portrait.
The Poe Museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Edgar Allan Poe memorabilia within the historic Old Stone House, the oldest residential building in Richmond. Built around 1740, the museum grounds feature an Enchanted Garden inspired by Poe's poem 'To One in Paradise.' The collection includes first editions, manuscripts, personal letters, and the trunk belonging to Poe's sister. Visitors can explore the Shrine, which contains personal effects like the author's socks, shoes, and a lock of his hair. The museum documents Poe’s deep connection to Richmond, where he spent his youth and began his literary career. Exhibits are spread across multiple buildings in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood, including the original Old Stone House and a carriage house gallery. The site hosts regular events focusing on Southern Gothic literature and 19th-century history.
The central fountain area of the Enchanted Garden with the Old Stone House in the background.
Walk through the Enchanted Garden to see the granite stones salvaged from local historic buildings.
Check the museum website for the calendar of 'Unhappy Hour' events and special literary readings.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality, Poe-themed prints and gothic-style merchandise.
Do not expect to see a preserved bedroom or house where Poe actually lived; the site is a curated museum collection of artifacts housed in a historic building.
Closed on Mondays.
