A Visitor’s Guide to The Walters Art Museum: Exhibits, Collections, and Special Events

The Walters Art Museum, located in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, offering visitors an impressive collection of art and artifacts that span more than 7,000 years of history. With works from ancient Egypt and Greece to the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and 19th-century Europe, the museum provides a comprehensive journey through global art history. The Walters is particularly renowned for its collection of medieval art, manuscripts, and decorative arts, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Founded by William T. Walters and his son, Henry Walters, the museum reflects their passion for collecting art and their commitment to sharing it with the public. Today, The Walters Art Museum offers free admission and hosts a wide variety of special exhibitions, educational programs, and community events throughout the year, ensuring that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can experience its world-class collections.

A Diverse Collection Spanning 7,000 Years

The Walters Art Museum houses a collection that covers a broad spectrum of human history, with artworks and artifacts from nearly every major civilization. From ancient sculptures and jewelry to Renaissance paintings and 19th-century decorative objects, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and artistic traditions.

What to See and Do at The Walters Art Museum

  1. Ancient Art:
    • The Walters Art Museum boasts a rich collection of ancient art from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Egyptian galleries feature artifacts dating back to the Old Kingdom, including statues of gods, pharaohs, mummies, and funerary objects. Visitors can also explore Greek and Roman art, with beautifully preserved marble sculptures, vases, jewelry, and bronzes from antiquity.
    • Highlights of the Ancient Collection:
      • Some of the most notable pieces include the Head of Amenhotep III, an impressive Egyptian sculpture, and the Sarcophagus of Eshmunazar II, a Phoenician king. The collection of Greek and Roman coins and gems is also one of the finest in the country.
  2. Medieval and Byzantine Art:
    • The Walters is widely recognized for its outstanding collection of medieval and Byzantine art, featuring illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, reliquaries, and ivory carvings. The museum’s Byzantine galleriesshowcase intricately detailed icons, mosaics, and religious artifacts that reflect the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Byzantine Empire.
    • Medieval Manuscripts:
      • The Walters is home to one of the most important collections of illuminated manuscripts in the world. Visitors can view medieval bibles, psalters, and prayer books, many of which are adorned with stunning hand-painted illustrations.
  3. Renaissance and Baroque Art:
    • The Renaissance and Baroque galleries at The Walters Art Museum display works by some of the most renowned artists of the 15th through 17th centuries. The collection includes paintings by Raphael, El Greco, Titian, Rembrandt, and Veronese, as well as sculptures and decorative arts that showcase the artistic and cultural innovations of these periods.
    • Italian Renaissance Masterpieces:
      • One of the highlights of this collection is Raphael’s Madonna of the Candelabra, a beautiful painting that exemplifies the grace and harmony of the Italian Renaissance. The museum also holds a remarkable array of Baroque art, with dynamic compositions and dramatic lighting that reflect the intensity of the period.
  4. 19th-Century European and American Art:
    • The Walters’ collection of 19th-century European and American art includes works by leading artists of the Romantic, Realist, and Impressionist movements. The galleries feature paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects that reflect the social, political, and artistic changes of the 19th century.
    • Jean-Léon Gérôme:
      • The museum holds one of the largest collections of works by Jean-Léon Gérôme, a French academic painter known for his detailed and exotic depictions of the Orientalist style. Other highlights include works by Édouard Manet, Jean-François Millet, and Claude Monet.
  5. Asian Art:
    • The Walters Art Museum has an impressive collection of Asian art, including Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and Southeast Asian sculptures. The Asian galleries explore the artistic traditions of China, Japan, India, and other cultures, offering visitors a chance to see works ranging from Buddhist sculptures to samurai armor.
    • Chinese Ceramics:
      • The Walters’ collection of Chinese ceramics is particularly renowned, with pieces spanning thousands of years of artistic development. Visitors can explore ancient porcelain, stoneware, and pottery that reflects the craftsmanship and innovation of Chinese artisans.
  6. Islamic Art:
    • The museum’s collection of Islamic art includes works from across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. The galleries feature beautiful examples of Islamic calligraphy, manuscripts, ceramics, and metalwork, illustrating the richness and diversity of Islamic artistic traditions.
    • Highlights of the Islamic Collection:
      • Key pieces include illuminated Qur’ans, intricate Persian miniatures, and Ottoman tiles that showcase the geometric patterns and floral motifs characteristic of Islamic art.
  7. Decorative Arts and Jewelry:
    • The Walters’ collection of decorative arts includes exquisite furniture, porcelain, glassware, and jewelryfrom Europe and Asia. Visitors can admire the ornate craftsmanship of French Rococo furniture, Meissen porcelain, and Fabergé eggs, among other luxurious items.
    • 18th-Century European Decorative Arts:
      • The museum’s collection of 18th-century European decorative arts includes finely crafted objects from the Age of Enlightenment, including furniture, silverware, and tapestries that reflect the opulence of the time.
  8. Sculpture Court:
    • The Sculpture Court is an elegant space that features classical and modern sculptures, as well as architectural elements. Visitors can explore works by artists such as Auguste Rodin, as well as sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome.
    • Rodin’s The Thinker:
      • One of the most notable pieces in the Sculpture Court is Rodin’s The Thinker, a famous bronze sculpture that captures the contemplative nature of man.

Special Exhibitions and Programs

  1. Rotating Exhibitions:
    • In addition to its permanent collection, The Walters Art Museum hosts a variety of special exhibitionsthroughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific themes, artists, or periods, and feature loans from other major museums and private collections.
    • Recent Exhibitions:
      • Past exhibitions have included “Fabergé and the Russian Crafts Tradition,” which explored the opulent creations of the Fabergé workshop, and “A Tale of Two Artists,” which focused on the works of Jean-Léon Gérôme and the Orientalist movement.
  2. Educational Programs and Workshops:
    • The Walters offers a wide range of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These include art-making workshops, artist talks, and guided tours that provide deeper insight into the museum’s collection and the creative process.
    • Family Programs:
      • The Walters is a family-friendly museum, offering programs such as “Drop-In Art Activities” where children and families can participate in hands-on art projects inspired by the museum’s collection. Storytime in the Galleries is another popular event that introduces young children to art through storytelling and interactive activities.
  3. Walters After Hours:
    • The Walters After Hours program provides a unique opportunity for adults to explore the museum in the evening, with live music, drinks, and art-themed activities. These social events create a lively atmosphere for visitors to experience the museum after regular hours.
  4. Art Education and School Tours:
    • The Walters offers school tours and art education programs that cater to students and educators. These programs are designed to engage students with the museum’s collections and foster a love of art and culture.

Dining and Shopping at The Walters Art Museum

  1. Café and Coffee Bar:
    • The Walters Art Museum features an on-site café that offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages. Visitors can enjoy sandwiches, salads, and pastries while taking a break from exploring the galleries.
  2. Museum Shop:
    • The Museum Shop offers a variety of art-inspired gifts, books, prints, and jewelry. Visitors can find unique items that reflect the museum’s collection, including replicas of ancient artifacts, art books, and handmade jewelry.

How to Get There

The Walters Art Museum is centrally located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, making it easily accessible by car, public transportation, and on foot.

  • Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Public Transport: The museum is accessible via MTA bus routes, the Charm City Circulator, and is a short walk from the Baltimore Penn Station.
  • Parking: Paid parking is available in nearby lots and garages, and limited street parking is available around the museum.

Visiting Hours and Admission

The Walters Art Museum offers free admission to its permanent collection, making it accessible to all visitors.

  • Hours: Typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Admission Fees: Free admission to the permanent collection. Some special exhibitions may require a ticket.
  • Official Website: The Walters Art Museum

Best Time to Visit

The Walters Art Museum is open year-round, but the following tips can help you make the most of your visit:

  • Weekdays: For a quieter experience, visit during the week when the museum is less crowded.
  • Special Exhibitions: Check the museum’s event calendar for special exhibitions and programs that may enhance your visit.

A Must-Visit for Art Lovers and History Enthusiasts

The Walters Art Museum offers a world-class collection of art and artifacts that span thousands of years of human history. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, medieval manuscripts, or 19th-century European paintings, the museum provides a rich and diverse cultural experience. With its free admission policy, rotating exhibitions, and family-friendly programs, The Walters Art Museum is an essential stop for anyone exploring Baltimore’s vibrant art scene.

Categorized in:

AMERICABlogUSA