Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
Step into the preserved home of Edgar Allan Poe, a compact museum filled with artifacts and stories of the iconic writer's life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the preserved home of Edgar Allan Poe, a compact museum filled with artifacts and stories of the iconic writer's life.
"A small but fun part of Poe history, offering an intimate glimpse into his creative space. "
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are small & hourly. Reserve your spot online to ensure entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Practice City Sense
Neighborhood is fine with common sense. Don't let old reviews deter you! :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Poe's Living Quarters
Inside the House
Step into the rooms where Edgar Allan Poe lived, wrote, and experienced profound grief. See actual artifacts from his life.
Knowledgeable Docents
Throughout the House
Engage with enthusiastic guides who share fascinating facts about Poe's life, family, and the historical context of his time.
The Gift Shop Treasures
Entrance/Exit Area
Browse a curated selection of Poe-themed books, memorabilia, and unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations are Key
Neighborhood Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are small & hourly. Reserve your spot online to ensure entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Practice City Sense
Neighborhood is fine with common sense. Don't let old reviews deter you! :world_map:
📚 Explore Poe's Life
Docents are knowledgeable & share great insights into Poe's history. :books:
🖤 Embrace the Vibe
The atmosphere is perfect for goth and Poe enthusiasts. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours are small & hourly. Reserve your spot online to ensure entry! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Practice City Sense
Neighborhood is fine with common sense. Don't let old reviews deter you! :world_map:
📚 Explore Poe's Life
Docents are knowledgeable & share great insights into Poe's history. :books:
🖤 Embrace the Vibe
The atmosphere is perfect for goth and Poe enthusiasts.
📸 Capture the Exterior
The house itself is photogenic, especially the facade. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum for its historical authenticity and the passionate, knowledgeable staff who bring Poe's life to vivid detail. While small, the house offers an intimate glimpse into the author's world and is a must-visit for fans. Some note the tours can feel a bit crowded due to the house's size, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"This is a small but fun part of Poe history. We actually made a day trip into Baltimore to see it (We’re from the Midwest, visiting D.C.). We almost didn’t because of the reviews about the neighborhood, we’d never been to Baltimore before, but it was fine. Maybe it was worse years ago, but I felt I needed to at least review the part that almost kept us from coming. Everyone has a different idea of “bad”, however, we had zero issues and I’ve seen really “bad” areas in Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Chicago, this was nothing compared to that. If you practice common sense… you’ll be fine!
Anyway, the staff was friendly and you can tell that they care about Edgar Allan Poe! Our visit started with info of the outside and the area. We moved inside and the staff was available for questions… but also had facts to give. It’s not a real tour, as it’s just too small, but the staff seemed knowledgeable. There are actual Poe artifacts there… and he did live there, regardless what some negative reviews claim. It is small, but to go is to love Poe, history, or both. There’s plenty to read and just seeing a period house is cool enough! I think that if you love Poe… you should go! The history of him and the area is cool. It’s not a huge place but pair it with a quick trip to his grave… and it’s definitely something neat for a Poe fan!
We were also told that they will be expanding… so in the future it will even be better!"
Bettina Zabel
"Step back in time and get a feel for one of Poe’s creative spaces. Learn about his family tree and life from the knowledgeable guides. It’s a tight space so tours are hourly and limited to about 10-15 people. Reserve ahead of time online. We enjoyed listening to the guide and reading about Poe."
Jason Harlow
"Since this is one of the homes of Edgar Allan Poe, we felt it was essential to stop here. We were unaware that the site recommends making reservations to tour the building, so we took an Uber from our downtown hotel to the location.
This is a very small house, and it was extremely hot outside when we visited last month. When we arrived, we saw the sign about making a reservation when we got dropped off.
Since we did not make a reservation, we thought that we would probably not be allowed to enter, so instead, we spent some time taking pictures and videos of the building's exterior.
As we approached the door, the docent exited the building and some guests left. He asked if we had a reservation, and we said, unfortunately, no, we didn't know we needed one.
He politely informed us about another group's scheduled arrival, but they had not yet arrived. He told us to just wait around a little bit, and he would get us in either after them or during their time slot. After about 10 minutes, we were able to enter the building.
He didn't have to do that, but the staff was extremely nice at the location.
We made sure to stock up in the gift shop on our way out. What a great visit and experience."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via public transport and ride-sharing services. Many visitors take an Uber or Lyft from downtown Baltimore hotels. Parking can be limited, so consider public transit or rideshares for ease of access.
While some older reviews express concerns, most recent visitors report the neighborhood is fine when practicing common sense and city awareness. It's recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, as you would in any urban area.
The Poe House & Museum is one of several Edgar Allan Poe related sites in Baltimore. It's a good idea to check a map for walking distances to other locations like his grave at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve tickets online in advance. Tours are hourly and limited to small groups (10-15 people) due to the house's size.
Operating hours can vary, and tours are typically conducted on an hourly basis. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours and tour schedules before your visit.
Admission fees are generally reasonable, with some sources mentioning a small fee for tours, like the $5 mentioned for Westminster Hall and Poe's grave.
Yes, the museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who provide insights into Poe's life and the history of the house. These tours are essential for understanding the significance of the site.
While reservations are strongly recommended, some visitors have been accommodated if they arrive during a time slot with available space, especially if they wait patiently. However, booking ahead is the surest way to guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find rooms furnished to reflect the period Poe lived there, along with actual artifacts and exhibits detailing his life and work. It's a small but intimate glimpse into his personal space.
A visit usually lasts about an hour, corresponding to the duration of the guided tours. You might spend a little extra time browsing the gift shop.
While children can visit, the experience is more geared towards adults and those with an interest in literature and history. The intimate setting and historical context might be more engaging for older children.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, particularly around Halloween. Keep an eye on their official channels for announcements about themed tours or exhibits.
This house in Baltimore was one of Edgar Allan Poe's residences where he lived with his family. It's a tangible connection to his life during a significant period.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding interior photography rules. Exterior shots are generally permitted.
The exterior of the historic house offers a charming backdrop for photos. Inside, focus on capturing the atmosphere and any permitted artifact displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to gauge your child's interest in historical figures and literature beforehand. The atmosphere is respectful and educational, rather than overtly frightening, though Poe's themes can be dark. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a souvenir.
🖤 Goth & Literary Enthusiasts
Visiting this house allows you to connect with Poe on a personal level, understanding the environment that may have influenced his iconic works like 'The Raven' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.'
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
The knowledgeable docents are a key part of the experience, providing context and stories that enrich the understanding of Poe's life and times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum: A Glimpse into His Life
While the house itself is compact, its significance lies in its authenticity. It's not a grand estate, but rather a modest dwelling that reflects the realities of Poe's life. The museum showcases actual Poe artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into his personal belongings and the era in which he lived. The experience is often described as a "step back in time," allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of his creative space and understand the personal context of his literary genius.
Many visitors recommend pairing a visit to the Poe House with other Poe-related sites in Baltimore, such as his grave at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
This combination creates a more comprehensive exploration of Poe's connection to the city. Despite its small size, the Poe House & Museum is a must-visit for any devoted fan of Edgar Allan Poe, offering a deeply personal and historically rich experience. Navigating the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum Experience
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who are passionate about Edgar Allan Poe's legacy. They provide an introduction to the house and its surroundings before guiding you through the interior. The docents are a highlight, offering rich historical context and anecdotes about Poe's life, his family, and the literary scene of his time.
For those concerned about the neighborhood, many recent visitors have found it to be perfectly safe when exercising standard urban precautions.
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