Armstrong Browning Library, Baylor University, Waco, Texas

The World's Largest Collection of Secular Stained Glass

stained glass window depicting the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Armstrong Browning Library, Baylor University

This isn't specifically a blog about stained glass. Stained Glass Travel is actually a blog about traveling and visiting beautiful and interesting churches around the world. It's a blog about appreciating sacred art and architecture, whatever your faith background or beliefs.

However, this week, I would like to write about a place that is not a church that is too beautiful not to share. The Armstrong-Browning Library at Baylor University in Waco, Texas is a true temple of knowledge, and is home to the largest collection of secular stained glass IN THE WORLD.

The Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University

the doors of the Armstrong Browning Library

The Armstrong Browning Library is a temple of literature, humanism, philosophy, and education. It is dedicated to the English poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning and home to the world's largest collection of their works.

inside the Jones Research Hall, Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University, Waco, Texas

The library is one of the most beautiful spots in the Baylor University campus, and one of the most tranquil and inspiring places to study, work, or sit in meditation or contemplation.

stained glass windows inside the Jones Research Hall at Baylor University

Every window in the library is made of intricate and colorful stained glass; each pane representing the poetry of the Brownings. The most famous window depicts Robert Browning's epic poem "The Pied Piper of Hamelin". Every year, the library hosts a Pied Piper Tour, in which school kids are led through the library, window by window, as the poem is read and the tale recounted.

a bust of Dante Alighieri at the Armstrong Browning Library

Another chamber, the Hankamer Treasure Room holds some of the university's most priceless collections of arts and artifacts.

There, among the books, are marble busts, Orthodox icons, and original works by the Brownings.

an Orthodox icon at the Armstrong Browning Library

The collection includes illuminated manuscripts...

an illuminated edition of the poems of Elizabeth Barrett Browning

... as well as printed books so tiny that one must use a magnifying glass to read the words!

a tiny book of poetry (the Orange Catholic Bible?!)

The library is also a monument to the enduring power of true love. The walls of the Foyer of Meditation, one particularly grand chamber, are emblazoned with love poems written between Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

The Foyer of Meditation can be rented out by Baylor University staff, faculty, students, and alumni (as well as by friends of the library), and is a popular place for alumni wedding ceremonies. The room is dedicated to the poetic magic of true love, and thus is a fitting place for a loving couple to tie the knot.

tall windows let in soft light to the Foyer of Meditation

a panoramic image of the Armstrong Browning Library's Foyer of Meditation

Just outside of the library, you'll find yourself in the quiet and tranquil Garden of Contentment, where you can sit quietly on benches in a tranqu among the trees and shrubs in a peaceful setting.

Visiting the Armstrong-Browning Library

• The Armstrong Browning Library is located at the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas
• The library is open for visitors and to sit and study  Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 and Saturday 10:00-14:00.
• Free guided tours can be arranged depending upon the availability of docents
• All visitors are welcome to pick up a brochure and follow the self-guided tour for free
• 710 Speight Ave, Waco, TX 76706, United States
• https://www.baylor.edu/browninglibrary/

Location of the Armstrong-Browning Library