Quick and Easy Guide to the Baltimore Museum of Art

Use this guide to make the most of your trip to the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers who find themselves in Charm City. The museum is housed in a neoclassical building, complete with two landscaped gardens that house their collection of 20th century sculptures.

In addition to their ample collection of works, the architectural interior and exterior of the museum is absolutely stunning and has been the focus of photographers for years. 

Why visit the Baltimore Art Museum

• See a world-class collection of art. The BMA houses a collection of over 95,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography. The collection spans centuries and includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol.

• See special exhibitions. The BMA regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring works of art from around the world. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to see works of art that are not normally on display at the museum.

• Learn about art. The BMA offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include lectures, tours, and workshops. The museum also has a library with a wide range of resources on art history and criticism.
• Experience the museum’s beautiful architecture and grounds. The BMA is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building. The museum’s grounds also include a sculpture garden and a cafe. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the museum’s architecture and grounds while they explore the collection.
• Support the arts. The BMA is a non-profit museum that relies on donations and admissions fees to support its operations. By visiting the BMA, you can help to support the arts and ensure that this important cultural institution remains accessible to everyone.
• Have a unique and memorable experience. The BMA is more than just a museum; it is a place where people can come together to experience art and culture. The museum offers a variety of programs and events that are designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. Whether you are a longtime art lover or a first-time visitor, the BMA has something to offer you.

The Collection

The art museum houses over 95,000 pieces of art, from paintings and photographs to mosaics and textiles. It is one of the most extensive museums in the city, displaying works by famed artists such as van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, and more.

They’re famed for having over 18,000 pieces of mid-19th century French art – one of the largest collections in the country. 

You can spend hours exploring the different rooms and halls and seeing examples of artistic expression from all over the world. Ceremonial weapons from Africa, ceramics from China, and textiles from different native tribes across North America are expertly displayed throughout the building.

Be sure to venture out to the Sculpture Garden which spans three acres and houses thirty-three modern and contemporary sculptures by artists such as Isamu Noguchi and Joan Miró.

Collection Categories:

Three Must- See Pieces:

Female Ancestor Mask (Ngaady Mwaash)

Late 19th-early 20th century – Kuba Culture, Democratic Republic of the Congo

This stunning mask which is on display at the Wurtzburger Gallery is an amazing example of late 19th century African art. The mask is well-preserved and shows intricate detail of the mediums used such as wood, plant fibers, cloth, and cowrie shells.

Water-Moon Guanyin (Shuiyue Guanyin)

15th Century – Hebei province, China

This absolutely beautiful bronze figure shows one of the most revered Buddhist deities, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guanyin in Chinese) in a seated position. She was known to pose in this form at the edge of a body of water beneath a full moon. This deity is revered for averting natural disasters, providing children, and restoring health, and this bronze figure of her is truly a remarkable sight.

Woman with Bangs

1902 – Pablo Picasso

You can spend hours staring at this painting by Pablo Picasso as it is a fine example of modern European art. The oil on canvas portrays a woman with bangs, as the title suggests, set against a blue background. The extensive use of the blue color paint and the stroke of the paint brush, as well as the woman’s choppy bangs and her somewhat sad facial expression, all contribute to the absolute masterpiece that this painting is.

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Events at the Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art aims to bring the community together with several different art-based programs and events.

The main campus often hosts the BMA Violet Hour, which are free discussions on local artists and works that tell a story about our country’s current socio-economic status.

There are events for the entire family so that you and your little one can get hands on with activities like needle felt and pottery. 

Click here for a list of their upcoming events.

Baltimore Museum of Art Membership

Support the museum’s mission of connecting Baltimoreans to art by becoming a member. Membership enables them to continue providing free events and exhibitions while also providing educational resources to the community. 

There are various member levels starting at $60 all the way to $1,650. Becoming a member gets you exclusive benefits such as invites to members-only events and preview parties, free admission to ticketed exhibitions, a 10% discount at the museum shop at their in-house Gertrude’s restaurant, discounts on parking, and much more.

Click here to become a member of the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Admission, Hours, & Accessibility

General admission to the Baltimore Museum of Art is always free for anyone to explore thanks to the many grants from the Wilmington Trust, the Cohen Family Fund for Free Admission, the Baltimore Capital Corporation, and more.

Hours

• Monday & Tuesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
• Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Visitors will be able to enter and exit the museum through the Zamoiski East Entrance and the Merrick Historic Entrance.

The Baltimore Museum of Art has additional facilities such as a BMA gift shop, an in-house restaurant, a coat check (in the East Lobby), and hand sanitizing stations. There are school tours and self-guided tours, as well as audio tours and the Sculpture Garden Cell Phone Tour.

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Directions and Parking at BMA

The Baltimore Museum of Art is located at 10 Art Museum Drive. Baltimore, MD 21218, right in the heart of Charles Village. 

Public Transportation

If you’re using public transportation, there is a stop directly across the museum at the corner of 31st Street and Charles Street. You can get there using:

• The PURPLE ROUTE of the Charm City Circulator (free)
• Number 51 bus line (MTA Administration LocalLink)
• Silver bus line (MTA CityLink)

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Parking at the Baltimore Museum of Art

The BMA has their own parking lots, which include wheelchair-accessible spaces and is completely free for vehicles with accessibility plates or placards (just take your parking ticket to the Box Office for validation). 

Parking is free for the first 30 minutes and then has a $12 daily rate (6 AM to 5 PM) and a $9 evening rate (5 PM to midnight). Members receive $3 off during museum hours.

There is limited on-street parking available surrounding the museum and the meters often accept coins, debit cards, and credit cards.

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The details provided regarding the Baltimore Museum of Art were current at the time of writing this article; please contact the museum at (443) 573-1700 to confirm details prior to visiting.

Baltimore Museum of Art FAQ

What is the Baltimore Museum of Art?

The Baltimore Museum of Art is a renowned art museum located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. It was founded in 1914 and has an extensive collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and textiles.

What are the museum’s hours of operation?

The museum is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when it reopens, the hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

How much does it cost to visit the museum?

Admission to the Baltimore Museum of Art is free. However, there may be fees for certain special exhibitions or events.

Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is fully accessible to people with disabilities. There are wheelchair ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces available. The museum also offers audio tours and large-print labels.

Is photography allowed in the museum?

Photography is allowed in the museum, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Photography is not allowed in certain special exhibitions.

Is food allowed in the museum?

Food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries. However, there is a café on the premises where visitors can purchase food and drinks.

Is there parking available at the museum?

Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors to park their cars. Parking is free for museum members and $7 for non-members.

Does the museum offer guided tours?

Yes, the museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. There are also audio tours available for visitors to use on their own.

Can I bring my children to the museum?

Yes, children are welcome at the museum. The museum offers family-friendly programs and activities, as well as stroller rentals and changing tables in the restrooms.

How can I support the museum?

There are several ways to support the Baltimore Museum of Art, including becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering your time.

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