George Peabody Library

21 E. Mount Vernon Pl., 410/659-8179,
www.library.jhu.edu/collections/specialcollections/rarebooks/peabody [1]

HOURS: For viewing only, Tues.–Fri. 10–10:15 a.m. and 3–3:15 p.m., Sat. 10–10:15 a.m.

COST: Free

The towering stacks room of the George Peabody Library is one of Baltimore [2]’s most recognizable and treasured spaces. Five stories tall, and topped with a magnificent skylight, the library is home to 300,000 volumes covering history, architecture, and art, all tucked within soaring columns and ornate cast-iron balconies and a dramatic marble floor.

The library’s collection is part of Johns Hopkins University’s special collections, and is located at the world-renowned Peabody Institute of Music, which means that the space hosts a variety of events, including lectures, concerts, and private affairs throughout the year.

Note that this is a real, live working library, so there is limited time to view the room, and please be considerate of those doing research.