Art was a family affair for William and Henry Walters, a father and son team who, together, amassed one of the most important collection of antiquities (particularly ancient Egyptian and Medieval European art and artifacts), and French art, in the United States. After son Henry's death, in 1931, the 22,000 object treasure store (displayed in a palazzo specially built for the purpose) was donated to the city. Though the museum has been enlarged over the years, and its name changed (from "gallery" to "museum" to reflect its scope), it's the core collection that still dazzles: hall after hall of exquisite sculpture, jewelry, mummies, and paintings. The Knight's Hall, a personal favorite, displays eye-candy tapestries, furnishings, and suits of armor from the Middle Ages. When you're wending your way through the collection, know that the original Palazzo building features 1,500 works from mostly the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Hackerman House, open Saturday and Sunday, features Asian art. The "Palace of Wonders", a charming area, is the imaginary gallery of a 17th-century Flemish nobleman with art, collections from nature, and artifacts from around the world. Don't skip the works that the Walters bought from their contemporaries: they include lovely pieces from Monet and Manet as well as two dazzling Faberge eggs. Docents offer free tours Sunday at 2pm. Cafe Q serves light fare. An art conservator is available Fri–Sun 12:30–4pm to talk about a work in progress.
Baltimore
Travel Guide
Baltimore› Attraction
The Walters Art Museum
600 N. Charles St.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Mount Vernon
Hours
Wed–Sun 11am–5pm (Thurs till 9pm); closed July 4, Thanksgiving, and Dec 24–25
Transportation
Bus: 3, 11, 31, 61, or 64; Light Rail: Centre St. (take Charles Street north to the Washington Monument); on Purple Route of Charm City Circulator
Phone
410/547-9000
Prices
Free except for special exhibitions
Amenities
Web site The Walters Art Museum
Web site The Walters Art Museum
Map
600 N. Charles St. BaltimoreNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.