East meets West at The Walters. The museum was established in 1934, with a gift from prominent art collector Henry Walters as its initial collection. On one hand, its collection spans nearly the entire history of Western art. Its spacious galleries are home to Greek and Roman statuary, Baroque carvings, and a large collection of Renaissance paintings. On the other hand, its elegant Centre Street building holds one of the largest collections of traditional Asian art in the United States.
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.
'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.
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.
The soul of this museum is its spacious wing dedicated to Modern Art masters like Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock and their contemporaries. The museum has the second largest private collection of Andy Warhol's works. It also features Oceanic and American Indian art, a sizable Old Masters collection and a beautiful sculpture garden. The BMA is also home to the Cone collection, which is a treasury of Early Modern masterpieces.
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.
East meets West at The Walters. The museum was established in 1934, with a gift from prominent art collector Henry Walters as its initial collection. On one hand, its collection spans nearly the entire history of Western art. Its spacious galleries are home to Greek and Roman statuary, Baroque carvings, and a large collection of Renaissance paintings. On the other hand, its elegant Centre Street building holds one of the largest collections of traditional Asian art in the United States.
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.
Formerly called "The German Cathedral" due to its South German neo-Gothic style, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is a historic landmark designed by the famous architect Robert Cary Long in 1845. Many saints, including Blessed George Matulaitis and St. John Neumann, have prayed here, making this church a place of religious importance in the Catholic community.
This beautiful church is named after George Brown, a local merchant. In 1869, his widow donated the money for the church's construction. Over a hundred years later, the congregation is more active than ever. The Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church is committed to its members of all ethnicities, viewpoints and ages and is also dedicated to making a positive impact on the City of Baltimore.
The African Art Museum of Maryland has been providing the Baltimore area with access to fascinating African art and history since 1980. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also offers workshops for adults, kids, and families, outreach programs to local primary schools, lectures and an annual guided trip to Africa to experience African culture first hand. A great educational resource for people of all ages, races and cultures, the African Art Museum plays a vital role in its community. Call ahead for museum hours, as they are irregular.