Immerse yourself in art and culture at these fantastic museums in Baltimore.
You could spend days exploring all of the museums in Charm City, but it still wouldn’t be enough time. With institutions dedicated to everything from art and tattoos to Babe Ruth and the military, you’ll find a museum that will invigorate and inspire you in this list of the best museums in Baltimore.
American Visionary Art Museum
- Address: 800 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
The American Visionary Art Museum is one of the most interesting Baltimore museums I’ve ever come across. This unique museum showcases works with fascinating stories behind them. The highlighted artists can be anyone from psych patients to prison inmates, representing the world of outsider art. It’s amazing to see their creativity on display within this vast collection of unconventional masterpieces.
Baltimore Museum of Art
- Address: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218 | Website
Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh, Warhol – in addition to the works of these amazing artists, you’ll also see artwork and artifacts representing cultures all over the world in the form of jewelry, weapons, pottery, ceramics, textiles, and more.
The Walters Art Museum
- Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
With one of the most extensive Baltimore museums collections, a visit to the Walters Art Museum will put you amidst 36,000 objects, some dating back to pre-colonial times and as early as 5000 BCE. Items such as an ancient Roman Sarcophagi and illuminated religious texts showcase human creativity at its finest. Housed in a historic residence, this museum offers a glimpse into the art and culture of civilizations across centuries.
C. Grimaldis Gallery
- Address: 523 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
This modern art gallery specializes in contemporary sculpture pieces as well as post-World War II American and European art. Their temporary exhibits are some of my favorites as they highlight the work of upcoming local artists.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
- Address: 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
Learn about the lives of African American Marylanders at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture. Their permanent collection will take you on a journey through 400 years of Maryland African American history in the fields of arts, sports, politics, military, and more.
The Jewish Museum of Maryland
- Address: 15 Lloyd St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
With a collection comprising ceremonial art, clothing, historical photographs, books, and other memorabilia, the Jewish Museum of Maryland tells the story of Jewish Americans and their history in the Old Line State.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Address: 844 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
This museum is the former home of Mary Young Pickersgill, a Baltimorean who sewed the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ – which flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. You’ll see antiques from that period as well as personal items that belonged to the Pickersgill family.
Maryland Center for History and Culture
Address: 610 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
The exhibits at the Maryland Center for History and Culture reflect the state’s diverse heritage and have everything from the journals of Benjamin Banneker to the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The museum also has furniture, ceramics, and other artifacts that depict life in Maryland.
The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture
- Address: 225 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Website
The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture works with local creators to create the largest collection of Baltimore-based stories. You’ll see exhibits by performers, historians, and other storytellers to share what Baltimore is and was.
B&O Railroad Museum
- Address: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21223 | Website
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum tells the history of one of the nation’s most important industries. This family-friendly exploration offers a deep dive into the development of early railroading and how it changed the culture of America forever. Be sure to plan ahead, as this popular attraction can get crowded and have long lines.
The Irish Railroad Workers Museum
- Address: 918-920 Lemmon St, Baltimore, MD 21223 | Website
Discover the history of Irish immigrants from their journey across the Atlantic to how they settled in the city and contributed to the success of the B&O Railroad.
Evergreen Museum and Library
- Address: 4545 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210 | Website
A part of Johns Hopkins University, the Evergreen Museum and Library has a sought-after collection of rare books and manuscripts, fine art, antique decor, and other eclectic items collected by the Baltimore-based Garrett family.
Baltimore Immigration Museum
- Address: 1308 Beason St, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
Delve into the city’s immigration history and learn about how Baltimore was one of the largest ports of entry for immigrants from around the world.
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
- Address: 1601-03 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21213 | Website
Featuring the wax figures of prominent African Americans, this museum has over a hundred sculptures and exhibits. It preserves black history in a creative yet educational way that the entire family can enjoy.
Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum
- Address: 1320 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD 21217 | Website
Named after an activist and organizer of the NAACP’s Baltimore branch, this museum has artifacts and exhibits that portray the Civil Rights movement through photos, documents, and other memorabilia.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Address: 1415 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
Housed in an old cannery, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is composed of hands-on, interactive exhibits that showcase the manufacturing industry in the early 20th century.
The Baltimore Tattoo Museum
- Address: 1534 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231 | Website
The Baltimore Tattoo Museum preserves the history and art of American tattooing; while you’re there, add to its history by getting your own piece from one of their talented artists.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
- Address: 216 Emory St, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
Baltimore is proud to be the birthplace of baseball icon, Babe Ruth, and his former home is now a museum dedicated to memorabilia and sports-related artifacts about his life.
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
- Address: 203 N Amity St, Baltimore, MD 21223 | Website
The last home that renowned writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe ever lived in, this museum is filled with personal items and artifacts. Don’t miss their annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards!
Mount Clare Museum House
- Address: 1500 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230 | Website
Dedicated to the preservation of this historic home, the Mount Clare Museum House is a plantation home that is designated a National Historic Landmark for its amazing architecture.
Maryland Museum of Military History
- Address: 219 29th Division St, Baltimore, MD 21201 | Website
The Maryland Museum of Military History preserves the heritage of the state’s organized militia by depicting its history in detail. Go on a guided tour to make the most of your experience.
More Baltimore Museums
- Baltimore City Hall
- Baltimore Civil War Museum
- Baltimore Streetcar Museum
- Carroll Mansion
- Cylburn Nature Museum
- The Contemporary
- Evergreen Museum & Library
- Fort McHenry
- Historic Ships in Baltimore
- Homewood Museum
- Johns Hopkins Archeological Museum
- Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame
- Maryland Art Place
- Maryland Science Center
- Maryland Zoo
- Mother Seton House
- National Aquarium
- National Museum of Dentistry
- National Slavic Museum
- Port Discover Children’s Museum
- Robert Long House
- Sankofa Children’s Museum
- Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and 1812 Museum
- System Source Computer Museum
- University of Maryland School of Nursing Living History Museum
