Baltimore Museum of Art: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Your Complete Guide to Baltimore’s Premier Historical and Cultural Destination

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Significance of the Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is a leading cultural institution in Baltimore, Maryland, celebrated for its world-class collections, striking neoclassical architecture, and vibrant exhibitions. Located in the Charles Village neighborhood adjacent to Johns Hopkins University, the BMA houses collections that span centuries and continents—from ancient mosaics and African artifacts to European masterpieces and boundary-pushing contemporary works. Designed by prominent architect John Russell Pope, the museum’s building is a destination in itself, blending historic grandeur with modern upgrades to ensure accessibility and an inviting visitor experience.

The BMA’s mission is to make art accessible to all. It offers free general admission, extended hours on select days, and a range of amenities for families and individuals with accessibility needs. Its central location and proximity to other Baltimore historical sites make it an ideal hub for cultural exploration.

For the latest on hours, tickets, exhibitions, and visitor tips, see the official Baltimore Museum of Art website and their exhibitions page.

Contents

  1. Welcome to the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
  2. Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
  3. Architectural Highlights: Past and Present
  4. Collections and Must-See Artworks
  5. Exhibitions 2024–2025: What’s On Now and Next
  6. Getting Here and Accessibility
  7. Nearby Baltimore Historical Sites and Attractions
  8. Special Events, Guided Tours, and Visitor Tips
  9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  10. Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

1. Welcome to the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)

Discover a cultural hub where art, architecture, and history intersect. The BMA is renowned for both its diverse art holdings and its impressive neoclassical façade, offering a unique experience for art lovers, families, and history enthusiasts alike.


2. Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

  • General Hours: Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursdays until 9:00 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Admission: General admission is always free. Special exhibitions may require tickets, which are available online or at the museum entrance. Advance booking is advised for popular exhibitions and tours.
  • Holiday Closures: Closed on major holidays—check the official website for seasonal updates.

3. Architectural Highlights: A Journey Through Time

Neoclassical Origins

The BMA was designed by John Russell Pope, noted for the Jefferson Memorial. Completed in 1929, the building features a grand Ionic portico, symmetrical layouts, and classical design elements that reflect Baltimore’s cultural aspirations.

Modern Enhancements

A major renovation in 2014 by Ziger/Snead Architects revitalized original spaces like the Merrick Entrance and Fox Court, improved infrastructure, and added modern amenities—ensuring both historical integrity and contemporary comfort.

Visitor Experience

Galleries are spread over three floors, including period rooms, American and decorative arts, and two acclaimed sculpture gardens. The architecture combines natural light and classical forms for a welcoming atmosphere.


4. Collections and Must-See Artworks

The Cone Collection

A world-renowned highlight, the Cone Collection features over 1,000 works by Henri Matisse—the largest public holding globally—plus masterpieces by Picasso, Cézanne, and other giants of modern art. The Cone sisters’ personal relationships with artists add intimacy and historical depth (artbma.org).

Notable Works:

  • Matisse’s Large Reclining Nude (1935)
  • Picasso’s Mother and Child (1922)
  • Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire Seen from the Bibémus Quarry (c. 1897)
    (baltimoreexaminer.com)

African Art

With over 2,200 objects from more than 200 cultures, this collection includes masks, textiles, jewelry, and contemporary works. Highlights include a Yoruba beaded crown and a Fang reliquary guardian figure (artbma.org).

Contemporary Art

The BMA spotlights contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds. Recent exhibitions include Turn Again to the Earth (environmental themes) and works by Justen Leroy, Nari Ward, and Abigail Lucien (artbma.org; baltimorefishbowl.com).

European Art

From Renaissance to Modernism, the BMA’s European holdings feature Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, and Lavinia Fontana, with standout works like Titian’s Portrait of a Gentleman (visitmaryland.org).

American Art

Trace American art from colonial portraiture to contemporary abstraction. See works by John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence, plus decorative arts that reflect the nation’s story (baltimoreexaminer.com).

Ancient Antioch Mosaics and Classical Antiquities

Marvel at mosaics from ancient Antioch and classical artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt (baltimore.org).

Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Over 65,000 works on paper range from Renaissance engravings to contemporary photography—featuring Dürer, Mary Cassatt, and Gordon Parks (artbma.org).

Asian and Oceanic Art

Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, Indian sculpture, and Pacific Island artifacts highlight global artistic traditions (artbma.org).

Sculpture Gardens

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to dusk, the gardens display over 30 works by Calder, Noguchi, and Nevelson (artbma.org).


5. Exhibitions 2024–2025: Current and Upcoming Highlights

Major Current Exhibitions

  • Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams (through July 14, 2024): A retrospective of the acclaimed Baltimore artist, featuring beadwork, sculpture, and textiles.
  • How Do We Know the World? (through January 5, 2025): Rotating displays by over 200 artists, focusing on new acquisitions and Baltimore voices.
  • Raúl de Nieves: and imagine you are here (through May 4, 2025): Immersive installations exploring transformation and celebration.
  • Joseph Education Center Experience Gallery (through December 2026): Interactive art by Derrick Adams, Mary Flanagan, and Pablo Helguera.
  • Art/Work: Women Printmakers of the WPA (through June 30, 2024): Printmaking by women artists from the Works Progress Administration era.
  • Heavy with History: Devin Allen and the Baltimore Uprising: Striking photography of the 2015 Baltimore protests.
  • Malcolm Peacock: a signal, a sprout: Installation on endurance and memory.

Full exhibition details

Upcoming Exhibitions

  • The Art of Pattern: Henri Matisse and Japanese Woodcut Artists (June 2, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025)
  • Dyani White Hawk: Bodies of Water (April 21 – Dec 1, 2024)
  • Nicholas Galanin (July 14, 2024 – Feb 16, 2025)
  • Laura Ortman (July 17, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025)
  • Dana Claxton (August 4, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025)

And many more. See the exhibition schedule.


6. Getting Here and Accessibility

  • Location: 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD, near Johns Hopkins University.
  • Parking: Onsite paid parking is available, with accessible spaces. First 30 minutes free; daily and evening rates apply.
  • Public Transit: Bus stops at 31st and Charles Streets are steps away.
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs and stroller rentals are available on request.

7. Nearby Baltimore Historical Sites and Attractions

Enhance your visit with nearby attractions:

  • Walters Art Museum
  • Maryland Historical Society
  • Inner Harbor
  • Fort McHenry
  • Johns Hopkins University campus

These sites offer additional opportunities to explore Baltimore’s heritage (baltimore.org).


8. Special Events, Guided Tours, and Visitor Tips

  • Guided Tours: Available for individuals, groups, and visitors with special needs. Advance booking recommended.
  • Family Amenities: Café, museum shop, coat check, stroller rentals, and changing tables.
  • Photography: Allowed in most areas without flash or tripods.
  • Best Times to Visit: Weekdays and Thursday evenings are typically quieter; spring and fall are ideal for the sculpture gardens.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Baltimore Museum of Art’s visiting hours?
A: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday until 9 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, general admission is free; special exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours and accessibility services available?
A: Yes, for adults, groups, and visitors with disabilities.

Q: Where is the museum located?
A: 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, onsite paid parking with accessible spaces.


10. Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Plan your visit by checking the BMA’s website for current hours, ticketing, events, and accessibility information. Download the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time updates, and follow the BMA on social media for news and exclusive content.


Notable Works and Must-See Highlights

  • Henri Matisse, “Large Reclining Nude” (Cone Collection)
  • Pablo Picasso, “Mother and Child”
  • Claude Monet, “Springtime”
  • Paul Cézanne, “Mont Sainte-Victoire Seen from the Bibémus Quarry”
  • Fang Reliquary Guardian Figure (African Art)
  • Antioch Mosaics (Ancient Mediterranean)
  • Sculpture Gardens (featuring Calder, Noguchi, Nevelson)

See the full collection highlights.


Visual and Digital Resources

  • High-quality images: Merrick Entrance, Fox Court, sculpture gardens, and period rooms with descriptive alt text.
  • Interactive museum maps and virtual tours are available online.
  • Internal links to related Baltimore cultural content and external links to BMA’s ticketing and events.

Summary

The Baltimore Museum of Art exemplifies the intersection of art, history, and architecture. With its free admission, diverse collections, acclaimed exhibitions, and commitment to accessibility, the BMA is a must-visit destination in Baltimore. Its proximity to other historical sites makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s rich cultural landscape. Stay up to date and enhance your visit by checking the official BMA website, following on social media, and utilizing the Audiala app for interactive experiences.



Experience the Baltimore Museum of Art—where history, architecture, and creativity converge for a truly inspiring cultural adventure.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Baltimore

American Visionary Art Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
Arch Social Club
Arch Social Club
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Babe Ruth Birthplace And Museum
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore Arena Station
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Archives
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore City Hall
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Art
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore Museum Of Industry
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore National Cemetery
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Penn Station
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore Streetcar Museum
Baltimore World Trade Center
Baltimore World Trade Center
Bank Of America Building
Bank Of America Building
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Basilica Of The National Shrine Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Battle Monument
Battle Monument
|
  B'Nai Israel Synagogue
| B'Nai Israel Synagogue
B&O Railroad Museum
B&O Railroad Museum
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bohemian National Cemetery
Bolton Hill
Bolton Hill
Business And Government Historic District
Business And Government Historic District
Butchers Hill
Butchers Hill
Camden Station
Camden Station
Carroll Park
Carroll Park
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Cathedral Hill Historic District
Center Stage
Center Stage
Centre Theatre
Centre Theatre
Church Home And Hospital
Church Home And Hospital
Clifton Park
Clifton Park
Coppin State University
Coppin State University
Creative Alliance
Creative Alliance
Cylburn Arboretum
Cylburn Arboretum
Dickeyville Historic District
Dickeyville Historic District
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
Edgar Allan Poe House And Museum
|
  Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
| Edgar Allan Poe'S Grave
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower
Evergreen Museum & Library
Evergreen Museum & Library
Everyman Theatre
Everyman Theatre
Fallsway Fountain
Fallsway Fountain
Federal Hill Park
Federal Hill Park
|
  Fell'S Point
| Fell'S Point
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum
Fort Armistead
Fort Armistead
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Franklin Square Historic District
Franklin Square Historic District
Frederick Douglass High School
Frederick Douglass High School
George Peabody Library
George Peabody Library
Grace Medical Center
Grace Medical Center
Green Mount Cemetery
Green Mount Cemetery
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park
Hamburg Street Station
Hamburg Street Station
Hampton National Historic Site
Hampton National Historic Site
Harborplace
Harborplace
Hippodrome Theatre
Hippodrome Theatre
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Historic Ships In Baltimore
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church
Homewood Campus
Homewood Campus
Homewood Museum
Homewood Museum
Inner Harbor
Inner Harbor
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
James Lawrence Kernan Hospital
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
Jewish Museum Of Maryland
John Eager Howard Monument
John Eager Howard Monument
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School Of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Lexington Market
Lexington Market
Loudon Park Cemetery
Loudon Park Cemetery
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Lyric Performing Arts Center
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland Center For History And Culture
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland General Hospital
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Line Monument
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Mercy Medical Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Morgan State University
Morgan State University
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Royal/Mica Station
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Alliance On Mental Illness
National Aquarium
National Aquarium
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
National Katyń Memorial
National Katyń Memorial
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Museum Of Dentistry
National Slavic Museum
National Slavic Museum
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Notre Dame Of Maryland University
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Oriole Park At Camden Yards
Patterson Park
Patterson Park
Peale Museum
Peale Museum
Phoenix Shot Tower
Phoenix Shot Tower
Port Discovery
Port Discovery
Port Of Baltimore
Port Of Baltimore
Provident Hospital
Provident Hospital
Queensbury Playground
Queensbury Playground
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
Radecke Playfield
Radecke Playfield
Rash Field
Rash Field
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History & Culture
Reitz Arena
Reitz Arena
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Ridgelys Delight Historic District
Riverside Park
Riverside Park
Roland Park
Roland Park
Royal Theatre
Royal Theatre
Schenley Recreation Center
Schenley Recreation Center
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Seven Foot Knoll Light
Sinai Hospital
Sinai Hospital
Ss John W. Brown
Ss John W. Brown
St. Agnes Hospital
St. Agnes Hospital
|
  St. Mary'S Seminary And University
| St. Mary'S Seminary And University
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
State Center
State Center
Swann Park
Swann Park
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
Sydenham Hospital For Communicable Diseases
The Maryland Zoo
The Maryland Zoo
Towanda Recreation Center
Towanda Recreation Center
Traci Atkins Park
Traci Atkins Park
Transamerica Tower
Transamerica Tower
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
Union Square-Hollins Market Historic District
United States Coast Guard Yard
United States Coast Guard Yard
University Of Baltimore
University Of Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland, Baltimore
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical Center
University Of Maryland Medical System
University Of Maryland Medical System
Uplands Park
Uplands Park
Uscgc Taney
Uscgc Taney
Uss Constellation
Uss Constellation
Uss Torsk
Uss Torsk
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter J Dewees Recreation Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walter P Carter Center
Walters Art Museum
Walters Art Museum
Washington Monument
Washington Monument
West Baltimore
West Baltimore
Western Run Park
Western Run Park
William Donald Schaefer Building
William Donald Schaefer Building
Wyman Park
Wyman Park
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church