This week’s post is for all my literary enthusiasts out there! As someone who loves reading, I also enjoy visiting literary-themed locations during our travels. I can still remember when my parents took me to see the caves that inspired Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” as a child and how that brought the story alive for me even more. I’ve also had the chance to see Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West, Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home in Savannah, GA, and the hotel that inspired The Shining (although I’ve never read it, lol). So you can imagine how excited I was to visit The Poe Museum, dedicated to one of my favorite classic authors, Edgar Allen Poe.
Now, it has been quite some time since I opened my collection of Poe novels, but don’t worry if that’s the case for you, too! While the Poe Museum in Richmond certainly touches on some of Poe’s most notable works, it primarily focuses on his life and how certain events affected his writing.
If this sounds like your kind of literary adventure, keep reading to learn all about it!
FAQs About the Poe Museum
- Where is the Poe Museum located? The Poe Museum is in Richmond, Virginia, at 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223.
- Why is the museum in Richmond? While many people associate Baltimore with Poe, he spent many years in Richmond!
- How much does it cost to visit? Tickets for the Poe Museum are just $10 per person!
- How long does it take to tour? That will largely depend on how quickly and how much you read. The museum has quite a few signs to help you learn about Poe’s life and the significance of the items on display. I’m a speedy reader, so it took about an hour, but 90 minutes would be realistic.
- Is this good for kids? It really depends on your child. I discovered Edgar Allen Poe as a 10-year-old and was equally creeped out yet delighted by his works. If your kid already likes Poe, yeah, go for it! But if your child has no connection to Poe, I don’t think this would be a good choice.
Quick Review of the Poe Museum
The Poe Museum has four main sections: a garden and three small outbuildings. Each section focuses on a different aspect of Poe’s life and works, allowing you to journey through his life as you explore each area. The three buildings and the garden make a natural loop, so you won’t miss anything along the way and can naturally progress through the tale of Poe’s life.
The Old Stone House-Poe’s Childhood
The first stop at the Poe Museum is the Old Stone House, which is filled with items salvaged from Poe’s dreary childhood. Now, Poe never lived here, but he did visit the home in 1824. It’s also the oldest original residential building in Richmond and is in the neighborhood where Poe lived!
This small room is bursting with information about Poe’s early years, starting when his mother, Eliza Poe, died from tuberculosis when Edgar was just three years old. Without a father in the picture, he and his two siblings were separated and raised in three different homes.
I was fascinated to learn that Poe was an accomplished athlete, too! He was into running, boxing, and broad jumping, and even set a still-standing record for swimming six miles in the James River!
Some of the artifacts in this room include Poe’s childhood bed, portraits of his family members, his sister’s pianoforte, and a few furniture pieces from his foster family’s home.
The Memorial Building-Poe’s Literary Career
The next building at the Poe Museum is the Memorial Building, and this is likely where you’ll spend the most time. The walls here are lined with memorabilia from Poe’s works. I particularly enjoyed all the movie props and posters from old horror films based on Poe’s most famous works. But there are also items that inspired his writing, like the very pocket watch that Poe used while he wrote “The Tell-Tale Heart.” I also really liked the collection of miniature editions of Poe’s works.
If you’re in the mood for some morbid fun, you can also step inside a coffin for a photo op as you think about all of Poe’s characters who were buried alive.
This building also has quite a bit of information on Poe’s numerous loves, including his wife Virginia and a childhood romance he rekindled right before his death. Unfortunately, much like Poe’s tales, none of them had a happy ending.
Last but not least, the upper floor features a small reading area. While seating is limited, you can grab a book and read for a bit. You should also check out all the fun Poe-themed artwork on the walls.
The North Building-Poe’s Mysterious Death
The last building fittingly focuses on Poe’s last days and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. To this day, no one knows what the actual cause of death was or where Poe disappeared for a whole week before showing up in Baltimore, where he was immediately hospitalized—quite the end for an author of mystery and tragic deaths.
Along with the known facts surrounding Poe’s demise, the North Building also holds a small collection of items related to Poe’s final days, including a piece of his coffin, a lock of hair, and his battered trunk.
There’s also a tiny room off to the side that holds the “Wheel of Demise.” Give it a spin to find out how you would die in one of Poe’s stories. (I got “set on fire.” Oh, boy😂.)
The Enchanted Garden
The final area on the tour is the Enchanted Garden, inspired by Poe’s poem, “To One in Paradise.”
The garden features a fountain surrounded by brick, some green space and plants, and a “shrine” to Poe at the very back. Beneath this small brick structure with three elegant arches, a bust of Poe is covered in a rather curious collection of items and lipstick stains.
But if you know where to look, there are other tributes to Poe built into the garden. For example, the shrine was built using bricks from the Southern Literary Messenger. This is where Poe’s career in journalism began as a young man. The benches come from the same place where Poe married Virginia, and the ivy is from his mother’s grave.
One final nod to Poe is the two black cats that roam the Enchanted Garden. Poe was a big cat person himself, so it’s fitting that his museum has a couple as well, cared for by the museum staff. Fondly named Edgar and Pluto (after Poe’s story “The Black Cat”), these two aloof kitties may deign to let you pet them while you explore the garden or visitor’s center.
Closing Thoughts on the Poe Museum
I think this is a great stop for any fan of Edgar Allen Poe. The history gives such great insights into his works, and you’ll even learn about some “secret” references to his real life in his poems and stories. I also enjoyed learning more about Poe’s life because there was so much I never knew.
So what about you? Are you a Poe fan, too? And does this kind of activity interest you? Let me know down below! Your comments help me narrow in on content that’s relevant to you!
And while you’re here, don’t forget to like and share this post with all your literary friends, too. 😉
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Interested in more things to do around Richmond, Virginia? Then don’t leave without checking out my posts about the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is One of America’s Best
Experience the Magic: GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Thanks for stopping by, and happy travels!
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