Enoch Pratt Free Library

Baltimore


Established in 1882 when philanthropist Enoch Pratt gave the city a $1 million endowment toward the remarkably progressive idea of a establishing a library that 'shall be for all, rich and poor without distinction of race or color.' The grand central reading room is marvelous, all natural light and baroque-esque design flourishes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Baltimore attractions

1. Basilica of the Assumption

0.04 MILES

Also known as America's First Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (much more commonly known as the…

2. Walters Art Museum

0.15 MILES

The magnificent Chamber of Art & Wonders re-creates the library of an imagined 17th-century scholar, one with a taste for the exotic. The abutting Hall of…

3. Maryland Historical Society

0.19 MILES

With more than 350,000 objects and seven million books and documents, this is among the world's largest collections of Americana. Highlights include one…

4. Washington Monument

0.22 MILES

For the best views of Baltimore, climb the 227 marble steps of the 178ft-tall Doric column dedicated to America's founding father, George Washington. The…

5. Edgar Allan Poe's Gravesite

0.46 MILES

Horror writer and poet, Edgar Allan Poe was buried (twice) on the grounds of Westminster Hall. His body was first deposited in an unmarked grave behind…

6. Port Discovery

0.67 MILES

Two blocks north of the harbor, Port Discovery is a converted fish market that now wows younger kids with an urban tree house, an Egyptian adventure, a…

8. Historic Ships in Baltimore

0.71 MILES

Ship lovers can tour four historic ships: a coast guard cutter that saw action in Pearl Harbor, a 1930 lightship, a submarine active in WWII and the USS…