The museum holds one of the largest collections of Byzantine art in the United States.
Henry Walters' original collection included over 22,000 objects when it was donated to the city.
The museum contains the 'Walters Manuscript W.106,' a rare 13th-century illuminated manuscript.
The 1904 building was modeled after the Palazzo Balbi in Genoa, Italy.
The collection includes a significant number of ancient Egyptian funerary objects, including several well-preserved mummies.
The museum features a unique 'Cabinet of Curiosities' display that reflects 19th-century collecting habits.
During World War II, the museum's most valuable pieces were moved to a secret location in the Maryland countryside for safekeeping.
The museum possesses a notable collection of Faberge eggs, a gift from the original collector.
The Walters Art Museum houses a diverse collection spanning from the third millennium BCE to the 21st century. The institution is renowned for its significant holdings of Byzantine, Medieval, and Renaissance art. Its core collection was bequeathed to the city of Baltimore by Henry Walters in 1931. The museum encompasses five historic buildings, including the 1904 Renaissance-style palace. Notable galleries feature ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, Islamic manuscripts, and 19th-century European paintings. The museum maintains an extensive digital archive of its entire collection. Conservation efforts are centralized in an on-site facility that focuses on the material science of art. Educational programming includes specialized tours and workshops designed for diverse age groups.
The central courtyard of the 1904 Renaissance-style building.
Download the museum’s interactive map before arrival to navigate the five connected buildings efficiently.
Prioritize the Renaissance and Baroque galleries if time is limited, as they house the most prominent works.
Check the museum's online calendar for rotating exhibitions or temporary collection closures before visiting.
Attempting to see every floor in one visit; the collection is expansive, so focus on specific time periods.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Flash photography is prohibited; maintain a quiet voice in gallery spaces.
