Considered one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture, the Baltimore Basilica is the nation's oldest Catholic cathedral. Begun in 1806 and completed in 1821, the cathedral was designed by Benjamin Latrobe, architect of the U.S. Capitol. With its six Corinthian columns fronting a grand portico, the cathedral resembles a Greek temple. Nine stained-glass windows fill the massive interior with light. Visitors in recent years have included Pope John Paul II and the late Mother Theresa.
Opened in 1992, this baseball stadium incorporates the old Baltimore & Ohio RR Warehouse building into its asymmetrical design. The home plate and right field foul pole came from the old Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Orioles. Ninety-minute tours are given on weekday mornings as long as there isn't an afternoon game. If the O's are in town, be sure to grab a ticket, as seeing a game here is a real treat!
'Visionary Art' is a term used to describe art that is created by people who use ordinary media to express their own intensely personal ideas about life. This museum has assembled a wonderful collection of this very Visionary art. Since Visionary artists generally lack formal training, and work outside of established art traditions, their works are as bold, innovative and inspirational as the visions that spawned them. Children under six years of age are free.
The sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the 'Star Spangled Banner'. The fort is best known for the part it played during the War of 1812, successfully holding off an attack by the British Navy. When Scott Key saw the flag still flying over the fort after surviving the attack, he wrote the poem that became the national anthem. Today, the fort is a National Historic Park. The restored barracks hold exhibits of military and historical artifacts and a well-kept trail runs along the water's edge, affording spectacular views of ships entering and leaving the busy harbor.
Towering above Mount Vernon Place is Baltimore's Washington Monument. The marble Doric column towers 178 feet (54.25 meters) with a statue of George Washington at its crown. The reward for climbing the steep, winding 228 steps is a breathtaking, bird's-eye view of Baltimore. The base contains a small museum with exhibits chronicling the architecture and development of the monument, which took nearly 15 years to build (1815-1829).
This aquarium is perhaps the greatest attraction in Baltimore's celebrated Inner Harbor. The exceptional exhibits start small with samples of marine life from local waters, however, visitors soon find themselves eye-to-eye with amphibians, reptiles, sharks, rays, and other wonderful sea creatures. Here, the simulated rainforest ecosystem and the regularly scheduled dolphin tours are not just popular but even awe-inspiring. A multiple awards winner for various categories like best aquarium and attraction, this aquarium is a big favorite of people of all sizes, especially children.
Tradestone Gallery offers Russian artwork and handmade crafts, from nesting dolls to lacquer boxes. The boxes are a unique miniature art form. Each is exquisitely detailed and very well crafted. Many of these small masterpieces are made out of papier-mache, a process that can take months. New items from Russia arrive every month. A small exhibit space features fine contemporary artwork, and a "Russian Bazaar" offers nesting dolls, mother-of-pearl jewelry and chess sets.
This handsome brick row home is Baltimore's oldest residence. Restored by the Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fells Point, it is filled with period furnishings and illustrates what life was like for the shipping merchants who lived in Baltimore before the American Revolution. A small garden features herb plants the type that would have been found in Colonial gardens. It is free and open to the public. The house is open for tours daily; call for more details.
This small gallery in downtown Baltimore has been showcasing the talents of local artists, particularly those who work in oils on canvas, for more than a decade. The solo shows featured here change frequently and also include prints, watercolors and drawings. The gallery is home to two exhibit spaces and is in comfortable walking distance to restaurants, the Walters Art Gallery and Center Stage, a renowned regional theater. During the summer months, the gallery hosts group exhibitions.
This gallery documents the history of architecture. If it's been blueprinted, you'll probably find it photographed, sketched or painted here. On the first floor, the nonprofit American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gallery displays the work of local artists. The prices are not cheap, but they're fair. Downstairs, exhibits on such topics as Baltimore's industrial buildings and the use of natural light in architecture are displayed. These works are usually not offered for sale.
Project Liberty Ship is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the World War II S.S. John W. Brown Liberty ship. As a historic museum, the ship is open for tours, exhibitions and social functions. The John W. Brown is one of only two operating Liberty ships from a fleet of 2710. Arrangements must be made by phone first.
A nice little Gallery tucked away in the Inner Harbor, the Watermark Gallery exhibits local artists who are hand picked for shows. On some nights the gallery hosts readings by local authors as well. The artwork is all affordable priced, with the added advantage of knowing that your money is going to support the work of Baltimore's artists.