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Edgar Allan Poe Museum
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5 reviews for Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Having a couple of days to ourselves, my husband and I headed down to Richmond from Washington, DC. We had been intending on visiting the State Capitol (which we did), but we discovered this wonderful museum of Edgar Allen Poe.
The museum features many aspects of Poe's life, from literary to the everyday. A good amount of his personal effects are on display from the mundane (like his soup ladles) to his furniture and decorative arts. The galleries feature oil paintings, miniatures, engravings, drawings, and sculptures of Poe or pertaining to his life. One of my favorites is "The Weeping Woman" that Poe is said to have owned.
I think I liked the manuscripts and first editions best of all. The museum rotates them on and off display so that the light won't destroy them.
And like another poster says, just when you think this place is very somber, you can go out into Enchanted Garden inspired by the gardens described in Poe's poetry. You can even have a wedding or special event here.
I did not know, before I visited this museum, that this was the 200th anniversary of his birth. There are many events taking place to commemorate this. Unfortunately, we missed the "Poe Unhappy Hour" on September 24th in which the book "Edgar Allen Poe's Tales of Death and Dementia" by Gris Grimly was discussed. There are, however, a few more events that look interesting. A Poe Memorial Service will be held on October 3rd, 2009 followed by a "Macabre March" candle lit walking tour around Richmond. For additional information, click here http://www.poemuseum.o... and here http://www.poe200th.com/
This museum was a complete surprise to me. I am so glad I discovered it. But whether or not you are a fan of his, it does not matter. You will find this place enjoyable. If you appreciate literature, then this place is a must to see.
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I don't sense anything creepy about this museum, but the exhibit itself can project a dark somber mood similar to the effect you get by reading Poe Lit.
You can't blame this fellow for his drinking problems while he was alive. He is considered the first notable American to try to make a living solely by writing for newspapers and magazines (a.k.a. starving artist). He spent most of his meager earnings on booze like any modern guy living in a big metropolitan city. If anything was bugging him, he would express it in his writings with twisted imagination and exaggeration like any online blogger today. He is no different from us.
In life, his relatives disowned him mainly because of his drinking problems. He was rejected by women simply because they felt he was too poor for them. Yes, his dating life sucked. In death, these people (the same ones who turned their backs on him) hoarded all the little possessions he owned (silk vest, walking stick, a clothing trunk, & manuscripts). They end up selling these items for big bucks as Poe fascination grows. They loved him more in death than when he was alive. This is where all of Poe's possessions end up - a museum in Richmond.
Not everything is depressing here. The mood changes entirely once you enter the beautiful garden area. You can actually rent this space for $700 if you want to have your wedding here. Enjoy the many ironies of life!
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"I wonder if you can get married in the garden". Turns out there was a wedding scheduled at 3 pm for that day. The garden was inspired by "To One After Paradise".
Admission is $5 for students, $6 for non.
Different rooms touch upon different aspects of Poe's life. His childhood, his works, his death.
He had really nice handwriting.
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This place is spectacularly creepy. An absolute MUST on your list while visiting Richmond, Virginia. Edgar Allan Poe was a genius, and it's incredible visiting the place in which he resided. Guaranteed to scare you. You also must visit the gift shop!
Photo Credit: http://www.dlackey.org
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This is a cool stop in what is a very cool historical part of Richmond. Plan to spend about an hour there going through the various buildings/rooms. I recommend this as a stop for anyone visiting Richmond.
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