With a collection of over 35,000 objects, there are wonderful examples of ancient manuscripts, Egyptian sculpture and European classics in the Walters Art Museum. This museum spans the centuries and represents art from all over the world. It also offers a range of interactive programmes aimed at both adults and children.
Having moved from Baltimore to Europe in order to protect his family from the Civil War, William Walters started to buy pieces of 19th-century art. Once he moved his family back to Baltimore, he decided that he would occasionally open his house to the public as a museum where visitors could enjoy his collection. Following his death in 1894, William’s son Henry continued his father’s tradition, adding to the collection and showing it to the public. In 1909, he created a palazzo-style gallery from three existing mansions. The museum finally opened as the Walters Art Gallery in 1934.
Once inside these vast galleries, you will find an array of art ranging from Ancient Greek statues to Art Deco jewellery. There are fine examples of Egyptian mummies, Roman sarcophagi and medieval ivories. You will also find examples of some of the world’s first printed books and an extensive collection of illuminated manuscripts. An in-depth audio tour is available at no extra cost from the Visitor Services Desk, or you could simply join one of the frequent guided tours, which are also free of charge.
There is also the Family Art Center on site which offers festivals and drop-in activities most weekends. Here, children will have the chance to create art or listen to tales connected to the exhibits.
The Walters Art Museum is situated in the Mt. Vernon Cultural District about 1.6 kilometres north of Inner Harbor. The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday and is free to enter. It also opens late on Thursday evenings and you can eat in the café as night falls. There is paid parking adjacent to the Museum and the Charm City Circulator free shuttle bus service also stops nearby.
