Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, Baltimore, United States

Date: 01/08/2024

Introduction

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is a towering symbol of Baltimore’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Standing at 289 feet, this iconic structure has been a prominent feature of the city’s skyline since its construction in 1911 (Bromo Seltzer Tower). Originally known as The Emerson Tower, it was designed by local architect Joseph Evans Sperry and commissioned by Captain Isaac Emerson, the inventor of the headache remedy Bromo-Seltzer. Modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy, the tower’s design reflects Emerson’s admiration for European architecture (Baltimore Heritage). Over the years, the tower has evolved from housing a significant industrial operation to becoming a vibrant hub for the arts, thanks to extensive preservation efforts. Today, it offers a unique blend of historical significance and contemporary artistic activity, making it a must-visit destination for both history buffs and art enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

History and Significance

Construction and Early Years

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, originally known as The Emerson Tower, has been a prominent feature of Baltimore’s skyline since its construction in 1911. Designed by the local architect Joseph Evans Sperry, the tower was commissioned by Captain Isaac Emerson, the inventor of the headache remedy Bromo-Seltzer. The design of the tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy, reflecting Emerson’s admiration for European architecture (Bromo Seltzer Tower).

At the time of its completion, the Bromo Seltzer Tower was the tallest building in Baltimore, standing at 289 feet. It was a marvel of its time, featuring a four-dial gravity-driven clock that was the largest in the world, even surpassing the size of London’s Big Ben. The clock, designed by Seth Thomas, remains one of the most iconic features of the tower (Baltimore Heritage).

The Iconic Bromo-Seltzer Bottle

One of the most distinctive features of the tower was the 51-foot revolving replica of a blue Bromo-Seltzer bottle that originally topped the structure. Illuminated by 596 lights, the bottle could be seen from as far as 20 miles away and served as a beacon for ship captains navigating towards the Light Street docks. Unfortunately, due to structural concerns, the bottle was removed in 1936, a decision that remains a point of contention among Baltimore residents (Bromo Seltzer Tower).

Transformation into an Arts Hub

The Bromo Seltzer Tower faced several threats of demolition over the years, especially after the Bromo-Seltzer factory was torn down in 1969. However, the tower was preserved and eventually transformed into an arts hub in 2007, thanks to the efforts of philanthropists Eddie and Sylvia Brown and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA). The renovation provided 33 studio spaces for artists, making the tower a vibrant center for creativity and innovation (Baltimore Heritage).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Bromo Seltzer Tower is open to the public on the second weekend of every month. Visitors can explore the artist studios, galleries, and the museum on the 15th floor. For a small fee, visitors can also take a tour of the clock room, where they can see the inner workings of the historic clock up close. Ticket prices for the clock room tour are $8 per person. More details can be found on the official website (Baltimore.org).

Travel Tips

To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to check the tower’s official website for any updates on visiting hours or special events. Parking is available nearby, but using public transportation or rideshare services can be more convenient.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Bromo Seltzer Tower, consider exploring other nearby attractions such as the Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center, and the National Aquarium. These sites offer a wealth of activities and exhibits that can complement your visit to the tower.

Accessibility

The Bromo Seltzer Tower is committed to ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The building is equipped with elevators and ramps to accommodate those with mobility challenges. For specific accessibility inquiries, visitors can contact the tower’s management directly.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The Bromo Seltzer Tower is not only a significant architectural landmark but also a cultural icon in Baltimore. Its design, modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio, showcases the influence of European architecture on American buildings in the early 20th century. The tower’s clock, with its unique BROMO-SELTZER lettering instead of numbers, adds to its distinctive character (Bromo Seltzer Tower).

The tower’s transformation into an arts center has further cemented its place in Baltimore’s cultural landscape. It now hosts a variety of events, including open mic nights, art exhibitions, and performances, making it a hub for the local arts community. The tower also houses the Emerson/Maryland Glass Museum, which features the largest collection of Bromo-Seltzer and Maryland Glass bottles in existence (Baltimore Arts).

Historical Tours and Public Access

The Bromo Seltzer Tower is open to the public on the second weekend of every month, allowing visitors to explore the artist studios, galleries, and the museum on the 15th floor. For a small fee, visitors can also take a tour of the clock room, where they can see the inner workings of the historic clock up close. The tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the tower’s history and its significance to the city of Baltimore (Baltimore.org).

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

The preservation of the Bromo Seltzer Tower has been a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, which provided seed funding for the tower’s capital campaign. In 2017, a full restoration of the clock was completed, ensuring that this historic feature continues to function and delight visitors (Bromo Seltzer Tower).

Community Impact

The Bromo Seltzer Tower has had a significant impact on the local community, both as a historical landmark and as a center for the arts. The tower provides a space for artists to create, exhibit, and sell their work, contributing to the vibrancy and creativity of Baltimore. The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, which manages the tower, also produces large-scale events such as Light City, Artscape, and the Baltimore Book Festival, further enhancing the city’s cultural scene (Baltimore Arts).

FAQ

What are the Bromo Seltzer Tower visiting hours?

The tower is open to the public on the second weekend of every month.

How much are tickets for the Bromo Seltzer Tower?

Tickets for the clock room tour are $8 per person.

Is the Bromo Seltzer Tower accessible?

Yes, the tower is equipped with elevators and ramps to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.

Conclusion

The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower stands as a testament to Baltimore’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to the arts. From its early days as the tallest building in the city to its current role as a thriving arts center, the tower continues to be a beloved landmark and a source of inspiration for residents and visitors alike. Its unique architectural features, historical significance, and vibrant arts community make it a must-visit destination in Baltimore (Baltimore Heritage, Bromo Seltzer Tower).

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower today! Check out the official website for the latest updates on visiting hours and ticket prices. Don’t forget to explore other nearby attractions and share your experiences on social media. For more information on Baltimore’s historical sites and cultural events, follow us on our blog and download our mobile app Audiala.

References

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