Free museums are a necessary addition to any community as they help share knowledge through practical demonstrations without any additional fees. Baltimore is filled with such free museums.
Here is a list of 6 free museums in Baltimore.
1. Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is perfect for 19th-century European Art fans. The story behind Walters Art Museum is about a wealthy gentleman named Henry Walters and his vast collection of artworks. Henry Walters was a great philanthropist who enabled the common man to access medieval art and learn more about art and artists.
His love for various art forms transgressed from his father’s love for the same. Henry Walter’s father, William Thompson Walter, was an acquirer of many paintings and art forms.
The Walters Art Museum displays all of his paintings. It also has spiral staircases, an enormous sculpture court, a Chamber of Wonders, arms, armour, and some 18th-century art.
The collection of items in the Walters Art Museum has grown from 22,000 to a whopping 36,000 today.
Along with 18th—and 19th-century European art, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Buddhist, Asian, Indian, and Tibetan art are prevalent.
Walters Art Museum is located in Baltimore, USA. Having laid back its foundation in 1934, Walters Art Museum is one of Baltimore’s most prominent art museums.
2. Baltimore Museum of Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art was established in 1914 after the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed most of the city’s downtown business district.
It was modelled after the two prominent museums of the time, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
The museum building is also a fine piece of architecture in the neo-classical style and landscaped gardens.
It also hosts a veritable collection of some of the greatest artists, with one of the key highlights being the Cone collection, which was donated by two avid art-collecting sisters, Claribel and Etta Cone, to the museum, whose collection comprised of Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Gauguin among others.
The Baltimore Museum of Art has offered free admission since October 2006, thanks to multiple grants from Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and other charitable foundations.
3. Maryland Museum Of National History
The Maryland Museum was established in 1982 to pay tribute to Maryland’s organized military force. While initially, it was meant to focus only on militia, with time, it expanded to preserve the military achievements of all Marylanders.
The museum’s collection ranges from the prehistorical era to postmodernism and is home to over 350,000 antiques. It is filled with historical artefacts, paintings, furniture, and more.
This museum is free to visit and requires no registration fee. However, it asks for offline admission, and one must register to visit. The museum also provides guided tours at various charges based on the visitor’s requirements.
4. The Irish Railroad Workers Museum
The Irish Railroad Workers Museum pays homage to the struggle and journey of Irish immigrants during the Great Famine of 15-49.
This museum focuses on the lives of James and Sarah Feeley through the eyes of visitors who will be able to see the journey immigrants underwent during the immense crisis.
The Irish Railroad Workers Museum is free to visit.
5. The Peale
The Peale Museum was built by Rembrandt Peale in 1813 and opened in August 1814. In April 1830, it became the first City Hall of Baltimore. In 1878, it became a Male and Female-Coloured Primary School. Later, people used it as housing for shops and manufacturers, and it eventually became the Baltimore Community Museum.
Rembrandt Peale, who authorized the creation of the Peale Museum, was a writer, painter, and portraitist. His portraits primarily featured prominent figures across Europe. He also helped fund The Peale Museum in 1813.
The Peale Museum is rich in its scientific developments and its collection of a wide variety of items.
6. Lovely Lane Museum
Lovely Lane Museum is located on Paul Street, Baltimore. It was founded in 1855 and has an abundance of collections in its archives, library, and museum collection.
The museum requires no pre-registration or registration fee; it is free.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many museums are in Baltimore?
Baltimore has over 6 museums as of today.
Are buses free in Baltimore?
Yes. The Charm City Circulator is free for visitors and runs every 15 minutes on four major routes.
What Kind of a state is Baltimore?
Baltimore is an Independent city.
What is there to see in a museum?
Museums have a wide range of items with historical significance. These include sculptures, arts, literary texts, statues, and much more.
