Carnegie Free Library, Classical Revival library in Eureka, California.
The Carnegie Free Library is a Classical Revival structure built with red brick and Mad River granite exteriors, framed by two-story solid redwood columns and a tile mosaic floor. The interior displays the craftsmanship typical of early Carnegie libraries with detailed joinery and sturdy construction throughout.
Following Andrew Carnegie's grant in 1901, library trustees held an architectural competition to determine the building's design. The construction exemplified early 20th-century civic ideals and became one of hundreds of libraries funded by Carnegie across America.
The building now serves as the Morris Graves Museum of Art, displaying works by local and regional artists in its historic rooms. Visitors encounter contemporary art within spaces that retain their original architectural character.
The building now operates as a museum with accessible exhibition spaces and clear circulation between galleries. Most areas are easily navigable with stable floors and adequate lighting throughout.
The original architectural design included a grand dome that was later removed, leaving only a skylight as a trace. This alteration is still visible and reveals how the building adapted to changing needs over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
