A Visitor’s Guide to the Baltimore Museum of Art: Exhibits, Collections, and Special Events

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), located in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States. Home to a vast collection of more than 95,000 works of art, the BMA offers visitors an opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic styles, from ancient to contemporary art, including one of the largest collections of works by Henri Matisse in the world. The museum’s impressive galleries, outdoor sculpture garden, and rotating special exhibitions make it a cultural gem for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art is dedicated to providing access to world-class art and fostering a love of art in the community. The museum’s free admission policy ensures that visitors from all walks of life can experience its extraordinary collections without barriers.

A Rich Collection of Art Spanning Centuries

The Baltimore Museum of Art is known for its comprehensive collections, which span a wide variety of artistic movements, cultures, and media. With works ranging from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, the museum provides an immersive journey through the history of art. In addition to its permanent collection, the BMA hosts special exhibitions, artist talks, and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See and Do at the Baltimore Museum of Art

  1. Cone Collection:
    • One of the highlights of the BMA is the Cone Collection, an extensive assemblage of modern art collected by Baltimore sisters Claribel and Etta Cone. The Cone Collection features an extraordinary array of works by Henri Matisse, including more than 500 pieces by the artist, as well as works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and other modern masters.
    • Henri Matisse Collection:
      • The BMA boasts the largest public collection of works by Henri Matisse, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings. Key pieces include Matisse’s famous “Blue Nude” and the vibrant “Interior with Dog”, among many others. Visitors can explore Matisse’s evolution as an artist through these masterpieces.
  2. European Art:
    • The BMA’s European art collection spans from the 15th century to the 19th century, featuring works by some of the most celebrated artists of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods. The collection includes paintings by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, El Greco, and Monet, as well as sculptures, decorative arts, and furniture from the period.
    • Impressionism and Post-Impressionism:
      • The museum’s collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art is a highlight for many visitors, with works by Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Édouard Manet. These galleries provide insight into the revolutionary changes in art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  3. African Art:
    • The African art collection at the BMA is one of the most important in the country, with more than 2,000 objects from a wide range of cultures and regions across the African continent. The collection includes masks, textiles, pottery, jewelry, and contemporary African art, showcasing the diversity and creativity of African artists over the centuries.
    • Highlights of African Art:
      • The collection includes ceremonial masks from the Yoruba and Baule peoples, intricately woven textiles from West Africa, and sculptures that represent the spiritual and cultural traditions of various African communities.
  4. Contemporary Art:
    • The BMA is known for its strong commitment to contemporary art, with a collection that includes works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum’s contemporary galleries feature pieces by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Joan Mitchell, among others.
    • Women and Artists of Color:
      • The museum has made a concerted effort to highlight women artists and artists of color, with exhibitions and acquisitions that showcase their contributions to contemporary art. Works by artists like Amy Sherald, Kerry James Marshall, and Faith Ringgold are prominently featured in the collection.
  5. The Antioch Mosaics:
    • One of the museum’s most unique collections is the Antioch Mosaics, a series of floor mosaics dating back to the Roman Empire that were excavated from the ancient city of Antioch (modern-day Turkey). These stunning mosaics, which date from the 2nd to the 6th centuries AD, provide a glimpse into the art and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.
  6. American Art:
    • The BMA’s American art collection spans from the colonial era to the 20th century, featuring works by celebrated American artists like Thomas Cole, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that reflect the development of American identity and artistic expression.
    • Hudson River School:
      • The museum’s collection of works from the Hudson River School includes landscapes that capture the majesty of the American wilderness. Paintings by Albert Bierstadt and Frederic Edwin Church are among the highlights.
  7. Sculpture Garden:
    • The BMA Sculpture Garden is a serene outdoor space where visitors can enjoy modern and contemporary sculptures in a peaceful garden setting. The garden features works by artists like Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, and Henry Moore, providing a beautiful contrast to the museum’s indoor galleries.
    • Seasonal Events:
      • The sculpture garden also hosts special events, including outdoor concerts, yoga classes, and film screenings during the warmer months, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
  8. Special Exhibitions:
    • In addition to its permanent collections, the BMA hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. These temporary exhibits often feature loaned works from other major museums or focus on specific themes, artists, or movements in art history.
    • Recent Exhibitions:
      • Recent special exhibitions have included retrospectives on contemporary artists like Mark Bradford, explorations of social justice through art, and exhibitions showcasing the intersection of art and technology.

Educational Programs and Family Activities

  1. Art After Hours:
    • The Art After Hours program offers evening access to the museum with live music, talks, performances, and art-making activities. These events provide a relaxed, social atmosphere for visitors to explore the galleries after regular hours.
  2. Family Art Days:
    • The BMA offers Family Art Days, where children and their families can participate in art-making activities inspired by the museum’s collections. These hands-on events are designed to engage children with art in fun and creative ways.
  3. Workshops and Classes:
    • The museum offers a range of educational workshops and classes for visitors of all ages, including art history courses, hands-on art-making workshops, and artist talks. These programs provide deeper insights into the works on display and encourage visitors to explore their own creativity.

Dining and Shopping at the Baltimore Museum of Art

  1. Gertrude’s Restaurant:
    • The BMA’s on-site restaurant, Gertrude’s, is a popular spot for lunch or brunch. Named after Gertrude Stein, the restaurant offers a menu of locally sourced and seasonal dishes inspired by Maryland’s culinary traditions. With its lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the sculpture garden, Gertrude’s is a favorite among museum visitors and Baltimore locals alike.
  2. The BMA Shop:
    • The BMA Shop offers a wide selection of art-related gifts, books, prints, and jewelry. Visitors can find souvenirs and unique items inspired by the museum’s collections, making it a great place to pick up a memento of your visit or a thoughtful gift for an art lover.

How to Get There

The Baltimore Museum of Art is conveniently located near Johns Hopkins University and is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and bike.

  • Address: 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Public Transport: The BMA is accessible via MTA bus routes, and the Charm City Circulator has stops near the museum. The museum also offers bike racks for cyclists.
  • Parking: Parking is available in the BMA’s lot, and street parking is also available nearby.

Visiting Hours and Admission

The BMA is open year-round, with special hours for holidays and events.

  • Hours: Typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours for special events and exhibitions.
  • Admission Fees: Free admission for the museum’s permanent collection. Some special exhibitions may require a ticket.
  • Official Website: Baltimore Museum of Art

Best Time to Visit

The BMA can be enjoyed year-round, but the following tips can help make your visit even more enjoyable:

  • Weekdays: For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays when the museum is less crowded. Weekends and special events can draw larger crowds, especially during popular exhibitions.
  • Seasonal Events: The warmer months are a great time to visit the sculpture garden or attend one of the museum’s outdoor events.

A Must-Visit for Art Lovers and Culture Enthusiasts

The Baltimore Museum of Art offers a rich and diverse collection that spans centuries of artistic achievement, from ancient artifacts to groundbreaking contemporary works. Whether you’re admiring Matisse in the Cone Collection, exploring African art, or enjoying a peaceful moment in the sculpture garden, the BMA provides an inspiring and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. As one of Baltimore’s cultural treasures, the BMA is a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for art, history, and culture.

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