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Museums #11 in Baltimore

Baltimore Museum of Art

4.7 · 2,745 reviews
Intellectually stimulating and spacious.
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
Interesting facts
1

The Cone Collection, the core of the museum's modern art holdings, was donated by sisters Etta and Claribel Cone, who were close friends of Matisse.

2

The museum's sculpture garden features a large-scale piece by Alexander Calder titled 'The Baltimore Album'.

3

The collection includes works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh.

4

The BMA's African art collection is one of the most comprehensive in the United States, featuring over 2,000 objects from across the continent.

5

The museum building underwent a major expansion in the 1980s designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Bower Lewis Thrower.

Overview

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is a premier fine arts institution housing over 95,000 objects. It is globally recognized for holding the world's largest public collection of works by Henri Matisse. The museum's holdings span from the 19th century to the contemporary era, with significant focus on American, European, African, and Asian art. The building is centered around a Neoclassical structure designed by architect John Russell Pope. The BMA features the expansive Sculpture Garden, which contains dozens of works situated across nearly three acres of woodland. Its permanent collections include extensive holdings of Old Master paintings and prints. The museum serves as a cultural hub for the mid-Atlantic region, emphasizing diversity and modern narrative through rotating exhibitions.

Photo spot

The Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen terrace overlooking the outdoor Sculpture Garden.

Insider tips

Download the museum's digital guide before arriving to access deeper context on permanent galleries.

Prioritize the Cone Collection galleries, as they are the museum's most distinct feature.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the combination of gallery space and the outdoor sculpture garden covers significant ground.

What to avoid

Attempting to see the entire collection in a single visit; focus on two or three specific wings to avoid fatigue.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful volume; photography is permitted for personal use without flash or tripods; do not touch the artwork.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and ensure a quieter viewing experience in the Matisse galleries.
Address
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
Website
39.326, -76.619
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsThe Cone Collection (Matisse), African Art Collection, Sculpture Garden

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and ensure a quieter viewing experience in the Matisse galleries..

The Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen terrace overlooking the outdoor Sculpture Garden.

Close by you'll find The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, National Aquarium, Druid Hill Park.