The second museum I am highlighting this year (2023) is located on the Baylor University Campus in Waco, Texas. It is the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum
I went on a girls trip to Waco in January and booked a tour of the library. I did it because I really wanted to see the stained glass. It turned out to be an awesome tour of an incredible library and Museum.....two of my favorite things!
The library was built in 1951 and houses the world's largest collection of work of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. It also has 62 stained glass windows (the largest secular stained glass collection in the US) and incredible ceilings.
Entrance
We were greeted at the entrance by our tour guide. Who was fabulous and knew that I was in Waco on a birthday trip and brought me a fun "Birthday Queen" sash to wear. Here is a look at a portrait of Robert Browning and his desk, the bronze doors and a couple of the stained glass in the entrance area and me and my sash.
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John Leddy-Jones Research Hall
I was in awe when we entered this room. The light was golden and illuminated the incredible stained glass windows so beautifully. The stained glass windows in here (and I think through a lot of the museum) are representations of the Browning's poems.
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There was a nice collection of Encyclopedia Britannica. I loved those when I was young, pre internet days!
Ceilings
The ceilings throughout the Library were great.
Hankamer Treasure Room
I would have liked a bit more time to look at all the treasures in this room. Especially the stained glass and the great ceiling.
Below are a couple of pictures of the stained glass and then some with close up pictures of the poems.
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Poetry
Robert and Elizabeth were both poets that lived in England and Italy in the 1800s.
So let him wait God's instant men call years: Meantime hold hard by truth and his great soul do out the duty! Through such souls alone God stooping shows sufficient of his light for us I' the dark to rise by, and I rise.
Pompilia
Truth is within ourselves and to know consists in opening out a way whence the imprisoned splendor my escape.
Paracelsus
Everywhere I see in the world the intellect of man everywhere but they make not up. I think the marvel of a soul like thine earth's flower she holds up to the softened gaze of God!
The Pope
The year's at the spring. The lark at the wing; and day's at the morn; The snail on the thorn. Morning's at seven; God's in his heaven- The hill-sides dew-pearled. All's right with the world!
The McLean Foyer of Meditation
Wow this was a stunning room. The tour guide told us that they have weddings here. I can see why.
There is also a little alcove that is said to be the most romantic spot on Baylor campus. It has two poems inscribed on the walls.
How do I love Thee, by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Invocation from the Ring and the Book, by Robert Browning
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Elizabeth Browning room
This room upstairs is all about Elizabeth and they tour guide told us about their love story. Elizabeth went against her father's wishes and eloped with Robert and they lived out the remainder of their lives together, in Italy.
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Here is group shot. We had a great time in this stunning library.
I thought it was pretty unusual to tour a library on vacation, come to find out about 25,000 people go to the library a year. There are many the come like me and my friends to see the stained glass, more likely come for the library exhibitions, cultural events, and university-related activities such as conferences, lectures, and musical performances.
Baylor Campus
We walked through a little bit of Baylor Campus, I wanted to show that to you too.
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Sources:
Armstrong Browning Library and Museum- Bayor
Armstrong Browning Library and Museum- Wikepedia
Art Talk Series Highlights
2023
Theme: Museums
Art Talk: Rijksmusuem
Other:
Art Talk: 25 Pieces of Wood, Christmas 2022
Art Talk: 2022 Posts
Art Talk: 2021 Posts
Art Talk: 2020 Posts
Art Talk: 2019 Posts
Art Talk: 2018 Posts
This library and museum is really impresive, the art in the ceilings was really stuning, my favorite part was this one , the reseach hall, the amount of natural light that comes inside make everything look more beautiful, what a wonderfull place!
Yes, the research hall was stunning. If I was a student at Baylor University I would definitely study in there!
The Museum and Library are really so fabulous. I have been to museums and libraries in my side but honestly, I have not been to a magical place like this. It feels like having a dream to be here someday. I genuinely appreciate this dear. Have a wonderful day and have safe travels.
Thanks for your sweet comment. It was really a wonderful library and I hope you get to visit it or one like it some day! :)
I'm seeing some mighty beautiful stained glass here! :-)
Yes, it was wonderful!
There just something about libraries. That one is very nice. Love the ceiling and stained glass
Hi @leaky20 thanks me too. They were something extra special!
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Thanks so much @choogirl
This is a beautiful sight to see on ones birthday. It feels so welcoming ✨
Hi @wongi Thanks for your comment and I am glad that you could feel the warmth through the pictures.
It's always a pleasure ✨
What a sight to view, they truly design and built it in a beautiful way, The art work is amazing, I love the designs on the roof. One would really want to see this place again and again. A smile on your face tells us that you have enjoyed this place a lot.
Yes it is great and I did enjoy it a lot!
Nice place.. It looks elegant
Thanks Jane. It was amazing.
Si muy hermoso lugar, muy elegante y limpieza absoluta, los vitrales hermosos con un gran colorido.
Gracias.
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This library and museum is very beautiful, such a beautiful place very few people get to see because the way it has been decorated looks very beautiful. And the doors of its entrance are also very beautiful. A person should go to such places with his friends, a person feels a lot of comfort and enjoyment by going to such places.