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Museums #25 in Baltimore

Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

4.4 · 1,090 reviews
A somber and reflective historic atmosphere.
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, 203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223, United States
Interesting facts
1

Poe lived in this house with his grandmother, his aunt Maria Clemm, and his cousin Virginia Clemm.

2

The house features a signature trap door leading to the attic room where Poe likely slept.

3

Local legend suggests that the narrow, steep staircase helped inspire the claustrophobic atmosphere in some of Poe's works.

4

The museum holds a permanent collection of personal items, including Poe's portable writing desk and a telescope.

5

Poe Baltimore hosts the annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards in the vicinity of the site.

Overview

The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum is a modest two-story brick row house where the writer lived between 1832 and 1835. It is the site where Poe penned some of his earliest short stories, including 'MS. Found in a Bottle'. The structure dates back to the early 19th century and remains one of the few surviving residences associated with his Baltimore years. Exhibits focus on his life, family, and mysterious death in the city. The museum displays artifacts, original portraits, and memorabilia related to his literary legacy. It is currently managed by Poe Baltimore, a non-profit organization dedicated to preservation and educational programming. Visitors can view the small attic bedroom where he once slept. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo spot

The exterior brick facade on Amity Street provides a classic, moody backdrop that captures the historic essence of the home.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable, flat shoes to safely navigate the steep, narrow, and uneven original stairs.

Check the museum's official event calendar before visiting to see if your trip coincides with seasonal literary readings or special commemorations.

Review the site's limited interior capacity to ensure your group can be accommodated.

What to avoid

Do not expect a large, modern interactive facility; it is a small, historic home with limited floor space and tight corridors.

Good to know

Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates on a reduced schedule during the winter months.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet, respectful tone; touching artifacts and wall coverings is strictly prohibited.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
October, as the site holds special events around the anniversary of Poe’s death and Halloween, fitting the museum's thematic content.
Address
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, 203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223, United States
39.291, -76.633
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsPoe’s writing desk, original portraits, and family memorabilia.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is October, as the site holds special events around the anniversary of Poe’s death and Halloween, fitting the museum's thematic content..

The exterior brick facade on Amity Street provides a classic, moody backdrop that captures the historic essence of the home.

Close by you'll find National Aquarium, B&O Railroad Museum, Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.