R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5349, along with NGC 5341, on 24 Mar 1857 at Birr Castle while observing NGC 5351. He noted "found here 3 nebulae, as shown, all of them are bM." The sketch clearly identifies NGC 5349, 3' southwest of NGC 5349 (the actual separation is 3.5').

400/500mm - 17.5" (6/6/86): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, broad concentration. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5351 3.5' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb