List of Museums in Baltimore, MD

The Baltimore Museum of Art stands as a cultural cornerstone, renowned for its extensive and diverse collection that spans centuries and continents. Visitors can immerse themselves in masterpieces from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods, notably boasting the largest public collection of Henri Matisse works in the world. The museum also features significant holdings of European, American, Asian, and African art, along with a serene sculpture garden perfect for contemplation. Its welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by free admission, makes it an accessible and enriching experience for art enthusiasts and families alike. The BMA offers a journey through artistic expression, promising inspiration and discovery with every visit. [1]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Price Level

• ✔ Free

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Nestled in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Walters Art Museum offers an extraordinary journey through 55 centuries of world art, from ancient Egypt to 20th-century Europe. Housed in a series of elegant buildings, the museum’s comprehensive collection includes everything from ancient artifacts and medieval manuscripts to stunning Renaissance paintings and Asian art. Its free admission policy fosters an inclusive environment, inviting everyone to explore its rich tapestry of human creativity. The Walters is celebrated for its intimate galleries, thoughtful curation, and ability to transport visitors across diverse cultures and historical eras, providing a truly global art experience. [2]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Price Level

• ✔ Free

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is a captivating and truly unique institution dedicated to showcasing the art of self-taught individuals. Far from conventional, AVAM celebrates intuitive, visionary artistry from across the globe, featuring incredible and often quirky exhibits that defy traditional art classifications. Its vibrant, eclectic atmosphere is filled with extraordinary sculptures, intricate installations, and thought-provoking displays that ignite the imagination. Visitors are treated to a refreshing perspective on creativity, often leaving feeling inspired and charmed by the raw talent on display. AVAM is a joyful, engaging, and unforgettable experience for all ages, with beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens adding to its charm. [3]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Located in the picturesque Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center is a dynamic and interactive destination where curiosity comes to life. Designed to engage visitors of all ages, it features a vast array of hands-on exhibits that explore physics, biology, space, and beyond. From dissecting virtual frogs to exploring the wonders of the universe in its planetarium and IMAX theater, the center makes learning exciting and accessible. Its lively environment encourages experimentation and discovery, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles. Ideal for families, the Maryland Science Center offers hours of educational entertainment and sparks a lifelong love for science. [4]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

The Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI) brings the city’s rich industrial heritage to life, celebrating the ingenuity and hard work that shaped Baltimore. Housed in a former oyster cannery, the museum features immersive exhibits that transport visitors back in time to the height of the Industrial Revolution. Explore a 19th-century machine shop, a garment loft, and an interactive cannery, discovering the stories of the workers and entrepreneurs who built the city. The BMI offers a unique blend of history, technology, and social studies, making it an engaging experience for all ages. It’s a powerful tribute to American innovation and the spirit of Baltimore. [5]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is the state’s largest museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans in Maryland. Through compelling exhibitions, educational programs, and a vast collection of artifacts, the museum explores themes of family, community, work, and faith. Visitors can delve into stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph, gaining a deeper understanding of the African American experience. The museum provides an essential perspective on American history, fostering dialogue and promoting cultural appreciation in a respectful and engaging environment. [6]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is an award-winning interactive wonderland designed to inspire curiosity and learning through play. With three floors of innovative exhibits, children are encouraged to climb, create, and explore in a safe and stimulating environment. Highlights include the impressive four-story SkyClimber, a re-imagined “The Port” exhibit simulating Baltimore’s working harbor, and various imaginative play areas. Every corner offers a new adventure, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social development. It’s a perfect destination for families looking for an engaging and memorable experience in downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, promising endless fun and educational discovery. [7]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

The B&O Railroad Museum is a National Historic Landmark and home to the oldest and most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere. Often called the “Birthplace of American Railroading,” the museum boasts an unparalleled collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, housed beneath a magnificent roundhouse. Visitors can explore the vast exhibit halls, witness impressive model train displays, and even enjoy a scenic train ride. It’s a fascinating journey through the history of American transportation and industry, offering an educational and thrilling experience for train enthusiasts and families alike, celebrating a pivotal chapter in U.S. development. [8]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Natural History Society of Maryland is a hidden gem dedicated to exploring and preserving Maryland’s diverse natural heritage. This informative museum offers a more intimate and focused experience, showcasing local flora, fauna, and geological wonders through engaging exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can delve into hands-on displays, learn about native species, and participate in lectures and field trips designed to connect them with the natural world around them. It’s a wonderful resource for nature enthusiasts, students, and families seeking a deeper understanding of Maryland’s ecological landscape and the importance of conservation, fostering a sense of appreciation for the environment. [9]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (formerly the Maryland Historical Society) is the premier institution for exploring the rich and complex story of Maryland. Housed in an impressive historic building, the museum features extensive collections of art, artifacts, and documents that trace the state’s journey from its earliest days to the present. Visitors can see significant historical items, including an original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and explore diverse exhibits on Maryland’s cultural, social, and political heritage. It offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the people and events that have shaped the Free State, providing invaluable insights into regional history. [10]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating

Historic Ships in Baltimore offers a unique opportunity to step aboard and explore four magnificent vessels and a lighthouse that tell compelling stories of maritime history. Anchored in the Inner Harbor, this attraction includes the 1850s sloop-of-war USS Constellation, the last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy; the USCGC Taney, the last surviving warship from the attack on Pearl Harbor; and the USS Torsk submarine, famous for its combat record in WWII. The lightship Chesapeake and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse complete this floating museum, providing an immersive experience of life at sea and naval heritage. [11]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine holds a pivotal place in American history as the site where the successful defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This iconic fort allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of heroes, explore the historic grounds, and learn about the events that shaped the nation’s identity. The visitor center offers engaging exhibits and films, providing context to the battle and the anthem. It’s a profoundly moving experience, offering a tangible connection to a moment of national pride and resilience, surrounded by beautiful waterfront views. [12]

Type

• ✔ Historical landmark

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum is a powerful and educational institution dedicated to portraying historical figures and events in African American history through lifelike wax figures. As the first and only wax museum of its kind in the nation, it offers a compelling visual narrative that spans from ancient African civilizations to contemporary struggles and achievements. Visitors encounter influential leaders, artists, activists, and everyday heroes, bringing their stories to life with remarkable detail. It’s an important cultural landmark that educates, inspires, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the contributions and experiences of African Americans, creating a memorable and thought-provoking visit. [13]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free parking lot
• ✔ Free street parking
• ❌ Paid parking lot
• ❌ Paid street parking
• ❌ Free garage parking
• ❌ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Step into the humble rowhouse where baseball legend Babe Ruth was born and relive the early life and iconic career of “The Sultan of Swat” at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Located just blocks from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, this intimate museum celebrates the life and legacy of one of baseball’s greatest figures. Visitors can explore a collection of rare artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia, tracing Ruth’s journey from a mischievous Baltimore boy to an international sports icon. It’s a nostalgic and inspiring destination for baseball fans and history buffs alike, offering a personal glimpse into the legend behind the game. [14]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum offers a rare glimpse into the life and mind of one of America’s most celebrated and enigmatic literary figures. This small, preserved rowhouse was Poe’s home during a pivotal period of his career in the 1830s, where he wrote some of his earliest and most enduring works. Visitors can explore the modest rooms, view personal artifacts, and learn about the influences and struggles that shaped his dark and brilliant imagination. It’s a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts, providing an intimate connection to the author and a profound sense of the historical atmosphere that inspired his timeless tales of mystery and the macabre. [16]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking
• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Jewish Museum of Maryland stands as a vital cultural institution, preserving and sharing the rich history and vibrant traditions of Jewish life in Maryland. Located in the historic Jonestown neighborhood, adjacent to two of the oldest synagogues in the nation, the museum offers engaging exhibits that explore themes of immigration, community, faith, and contributions to the broader Maryland society. Through artifacts, photographs, and oral histories, visitors can connect with the stories of generations of Jewish Marylanders. It’s a place of learning, celebration, and reflection, fostering understanding and appreciation for the diverse heritage that enriches the state. [17]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The USS Torsk, affectionately known as “The Galloping Ghost of the East Coast,” is a historic World War II-era submarine moored in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Now serving as a compelling museum, visitors can step inside this authentic war vessel and experience the cramped, complex environment where sailors lived and worked. The self-guided tours offer a remarkable insight into submarine technology and the daily lives of its crew during wartime, particularly its record-setting patrols. It’s an immersive and educational experience that honors naval history and the brave individuals who served, providing a unique perspective on a crucial period in American military history. [18]

Type

• ✔ Museum

Good for Children

• ✔ Yes

Amenities

• ❌ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance