Evergreen Museum & Library - Reading room at Stockholm public library
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Evergreen Museum & Library

4.7
·136 reviews·Baltimore, United States

A Gilded Age mansion showcasing fine arts, rare books, and formal gardens, offering a glimpse into Baltimore's prominent Garrett family.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
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Evergreen Museum & Library - Reading room at Stockholm public library

Evergreen Museum & Library

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Gilded Age mansion showcasing fine arts, rare books, and formal gardens, offering a glimpse into Baltimore's prominent Garrett family.

4.7
(136 reviews)

"It honestly feels like you've been transported to a European villa while visiting!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tours Only

You must join a guided tour to explore. Last tour is usually 2 PM.

✨ Free JHU Admission

JHU students, faculty, and staff get in free with ID.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Library

The Grand Library

First Floor

A breathtaking collection of rare books and manuscripts, a true bibliophile's dream.

Gilded Age Architecture

Gilded Age Architecture

Entire Mansion

Explore the opulent 48-room mansion, a stunning example of Gilded Age design and grandeur.

Formal Gardens

Formal Gardens

Exterior Grounds

Wander through serene, manicured gardens offering a European villa ambiance.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are guided and you can't explore independently. The last tour is typically at 2 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. Booking ahead ensures your spot, especially if you're interested in specific exhibits or have a large group.

Free Admission for JHU Affiliates

Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, and students enjoy free admission. If you're affiliated with JHU, be sure to bring your ID for a cost-free visit to this historic gem.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful garden colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

it’s acc free guys #museum #thingstodoinoc #irvine #oc #orangecounty #fyp #fypシ #art #artmuseum
@vvanessachoww
365.4K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Guided Tours Only

You must join a guided tour to explore. Last tour is usually 2 PM. Reddit

✨ Free JHU Admission

JHU students, faculty, and staff get in free with ID. Instagram

While you're at it, Come Get Carried Away and come visit our amazing collection of 64 vehicles and thousands of artifacts! #northwestcarriagemuseum #evergreencoastwa #history #museum #victorianera
@northwestcarriagemuseum
101.8K likes • 747.6K views
Evergreen House - The Evergreen Museum & Library, is located at 4545 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210. The original Italianate house was built in 1857, and later acquired by the Garrett family (John W Garrett was president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad) in 1878, who greatly expanded the home into a 48 room mansion (28,506 square feet and situated on 26.89 acres). Features include a privat...
bob_marousek
13 likes • 175 views

📸 Photo Restrictions

No photos allowed in some areas, especially for critical thinking. TikTok

🏛️ European Ambiance

Feels like a European villa with stunning architecture & gardens. Reddit

Have you visited JHU’s Evergreen Museum & Library yet? The museum is home to a renowned collection of fine and decorative arts, rare books, and manuscripts assembled by two generations of Baltimore’s civic-minded Garrett family (1878-1952). Though originally constructed in 1858, Evergreen was drastically expanded and altered by the Garretts to accommodate their eclectic collections, and today is l...
jhuartssciences
209 likes • 4.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tours Only

You must join a guided tour to explore. Last tour is usually 2 PM. Reddit

✨ Free JHU Admission

JHU students, faculty, and staff get in free with ID. Instagram

📸 Photo Restrictions

No photos allowed in some areas, especially for critical thinking. TikTok

🏛️ European Ambiance

Feels like a European villa with stunning architecture & gardens. Reddit

📚 Rare Book Collection

Insane collection of old and rare books; some JHU students can rent them. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(136 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Evergreen Museum & Library for its stunning Gilded Age architecture, serene formal gardens, and the impressive collection of rare books and art. The knowledgeable and friendly tour guides are frequently highlighted as enhancing the experience, making the history of the Garrett family come alive. While photography is restricted in some areas, the overall ambiance and historical depth make it a highly recommended visit.

"As an architect-turned-wedding-photographer who happens to live less than 10 minutes from the Evergreen Museum & Library, I've always admired the beautiful and serene grounds, not to mention the historic architecture; it honestly feels like you've been transported to a European villa while visiting!

I recently had the incredible opportunity to photograph an editorial wedding photoshoot here and it was an amazing experience. Excited to hopefully be back for a wedding day soon! @urbanrowphotography on IG"

Naomi Cataldo (Urban Row Photography)

"Oh my goodness, I don't even know where to begin. First of all, my tour guide was absolutely amazing, full of knowledge and humor and kindness. I loved every single thing about this place. So much history that I would never have thought! They told me I set the record for a tour that lasted 2 and 1/2 hours. But I will say that I was by myself so I didn't have to rush for anyone else. Definitely go see this place if you are interested in history and old artifacts from around the world. Also the amount of old and rare books they have is insane and I might have cried."

Jessie Allred

"Beautiful historical museum and library

I noticed that you can not tour by yourself. The last guided tour is at 2 pm.

I did the 2 pm tour. I was the only person, but it was good. I was able to take my time. There are some sections that you can not take pictures of. The 1st floor library is so beautiful. I heard some jhu students can rent the book while they are there. I was able to take a picture of the kitchen

The 2nd floor is also beautiful. Color is vivid. I think i really like the library. Lots of details and notable architectural designs to look.

The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable on the history of the house and family.

It is very well organized and has lots of artifacts to look at. Totally worth it. They also have a lot of seasonal events.

Free for jhu students"

Hye Jeong Lee

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Beautiful gardens
Rare book collection

What People Dislike

Photography restrictions
Guided tours only

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Evergreen Museum & Library is located at 4545 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210. It's situated less than two miles from Johns Hopkins University. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method, and the grounds offer a European villa feel. Instagram+1

Information on specific parking availability is not detailed in the provided content, but it's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date parking information before your visit.

Yes, it's a perfect destination for a day trip in Baltimore, offering a rich cultural experience within a few hours. Plan for a guided tour to make the most of your visit. Reddit

Driving is a convenient option. The museum is just north of downtown Baltimore, making it easily accessible by car. Ride-sharing services are also a viable option. Instagram

Given its location, you could potentially combine a visit with other Baltimore attractions, though specific recommendations are not provided. The museum itself offers a substantial experience.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is free for Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, and students with a valid ID. Instagram For others, while specific pricing isn't detailed, it's a worthwhile experience, and checking their official website for current admission fees is recommended.

Yes, it's highly recommended to book your guided tour in advance, as you cannot tour the museum independently. The last guided tour is typically at 2 PM. Reddit

The museum operates with guided tours, with the last one usually at 2 PM. The tour schedule is subject to change, with potential for greater flexibility in early September 2023. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours and tour times. Reddit

Johns Hopkins University affiliates receive free admission. Instagram Information on other potential discounts for general visitors is not readily available, so checking their official website or contacting them directly is advised.

No, you cannot tour the museum by yourself. Guided tours are mandatory for exploring the interiors. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum features a 48-room Gilded Age mansion filled with fine arts, decorative arts, rare books, manuscripts, and furnishings from the Garrett family collection. The grounds also include beautiful formal gardens. InstagramReddit

Photography is restricted in certain areas. While some visitors have noted no photos allowed for critical thinking, it's best to adhere to any posted signage or guide instructions regarding photography. TikTok

Tours can be quite extensive. One visitor mentioned a tour lasting 2.5 hours because they were alone and could take their time. Reddit The duration can vary based on group size and engagement.

The grounds are described as lovely and tranquil, suitable for walking. While specific accessibility details for the entire grounds and interiors are not provided, the mention of foundational remains suggests some historical context is visible even if structures are gone. Reddit

The museum houses a renowned collection of fine and decorative arts, assembled by the Garrett family. This includes paintings, sculptures, and various artifacts reflecting their extensive travels and collections. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The formal gardens are stunning, especially during golden hour before sunset, offering beautiful light. The interior architecture and the library are also highly photogenic, though photography restrictions apply in some areas. Reddit

While specific photography tours aren't mentioned, the venue is popular for editorial shoots and weddings, indicating its photogenic qualities. Photographers have noted the ease of getting a variety of shots due to the diverse locations within one place. Reddit

Photography is not permitted in all areas. Visitors should respect any 'no photo' signs or instructions from tour guides to ensure compliance with the museum's policies. TikTok

Generally, personal cameras are allowed, but professional equipment or extensive setups might require special permission or adherence to specific guidelines. It's best to inquire with the museum directly if you plan on professional photography. Reddit

The interior lighting varies by room, but natural light can be significant in certain areas. The gardens are particularly noted for their beautiful lighting, especially during golden hour. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Evergreen Museum & Library offers a rich historical and artistic experience, it's primarily geared towards adult appreciation of art, history, and architecture. The guided tour format might require children to maintain a certain level of quiet and attention. However, the expansive grounds offer space for children to move around, and the visual splendor of the mansion and gardens can still capture their imagination. Consider focusing on the visual aspects and the 'story' of the Garrett family to engage younger visitors. Reddit

📚 Book & History Enthusiasts

This is your ultimate destination! The extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts in the library is a major highlight, with some visitors spending hours engrossed in its treasures. Reddit The guided tours provide deep dives into the history of the Garrett family and the artifacts they collected, making it an incredibly educational experience. Don't miss the chance to learn about the Gilded Age through the lens of this prominent family's life and collections. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Creatives

Evergreen Museum & Library is a photographer's dream, offering a diverse range of visually stunning backdrops. The Gilded Age architecture, opulent interiors, and especially the formal gardens provide incredible opportunities for capturing unique shots. Photographers rave about the beautiful light during golden hour in the gardens and the variety of settings available within the estate, making it ideal for editorial shoots and events. InstagramReddit+1 Just be mindful of photography restrictions in certain interior areas. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Garrett Family Legacy

The Evergreen Museum & Library is deeply intertwined with the history of the Garrett family, prominent Baltimore civic leaders and philanthropists. John W. Garrett, president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and his family acquired the original Italianate house in 1878 and transformed it into a sprawling 48-room mansion. They were avid collectors, amassing a remarkable collection of fine and decorative arts, rare books, and manuscripts from around the world. This collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits today, offering a glimpse into their sophisticated tastes and extensive global reach. Instagram

Two generations of the Garrett family (1878-1952) curated the impressive holdings, making Evergreen a testament to their dedication to culture and preservation. The museum continues to honor their legacy by showcasing these treasures and maintaining the historic estate. Visitors can learn about their contributions to Baltimore and their passion for art and knowledge, making the visit not just an aesthetic experience but an educational journey into a significant American family's history. Reddit

Architectural Marvel and Garden Oasis

The Evergreen Museum & Library is celebrated for its striking architecture and serene grounds. The original 1857 Italianate house was significantly expanded and altered by the Garretts, resulting in a grand 28,506 square-foot mansion that embodies the opulence of the Gilded Age. The indoor-outdoor design is a key feature, seamlessly blending the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. TikTokInstagram

The formal gardens are a significant draw, offering a tranquil escape with a distinctly European villa ambiance. Photographers rave about the beauty of these grounds, particularly during golden hour, when the light creates a magical atmosphere. Reddit The manicured lawns and elegant landscaping provide a picturesque backdrop, making Evergreen a sought-after venue for events like weddings, where the historic charm and natural beauty combine to create unforgettable celebrations. Instagram+1

A Bibliophile's Paradise

For book lovers, the Evergreen Museum & Library is an absolute treasure trove. The first-floor library is described as breathtaking, housing an 'insane' collection of old and rare books and manuscripts. Reddit This curated collection reflects the Garrett family's passion for literature and scholarship, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see historical texts up close. Instagram

The sheer volume and rarity of the books are enough to move some visitors to tears. Reddit It's noted that some Johns Hopkins University students even have the privilege of renting books from this esteemed collection, highlighting its academic significance. The detailed architecture and notable design elements within the library itself add to the immersive experience, making it a standout feature of any visit. Reddit

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