Baltimore Museum of Art: Historic and proud of it

The Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the oldest in the country, and Baltimore is fiercely proud of its works of art. Located next to the Johns Hopkins University, another prestigious institution in Baltimore, though with no affiliation to each other, the art museum holds a wide collection of art from around the world. It's nearly impossible to complete the whole museum in a single day, which is why the free admission allows repeat visits to cover a new area.

Founded in 1914, the BMA moved around through different locations until it settled on its current home in 1929. It has about 90,000 objects in its permanent collection, of which several tour around the world and more come in through temporary exhibitions. A grant in 2006 by the city allowed the museum to operate with free admission except for special exhibits.

The BMA has several impressive collections. The American collection not only includes works of art by many famous American artists but also an extensive collection by African-American artists. It also inherited more than 200 silver pieces highlighting the works of Maryland silversmiths of the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum also has American Baltimore quilts, cabinetmaking furniture examples, miniatures and period rooms on display.

The BMA also has one of the first African collections in America, with more than 2,000 works from ancient Egypt to modern Zimbabwe. Many furnished royal courts and were religious pieces or costumes. There is also an extensive antioch mosaic collection from southeastern Turkey. Other art pieces from Asia, ancient Americas, Native America, and the Pacific Islands also fill the museum.

European art is also extensively displayed from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including a large series of 140 bronze animals by Antoine-Louis Barye. There's also the Cone collection, a huge donation by the Cone sisters of more than 3,000 pieces. The sisters, who were socialites in the late 1800's, amassed works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne, Gaughin and van Gogh. The entire collection was given to the museum.

HelloBaltimore Tip: Regular events, often centered around a current exhibit, take place at the museum. Lectures, parties, book talks, tours, and even yoga and meditation around art are scheduled. Every third Thursday, the BMA hosts free tours with a curator on a specific topic or area. Visitors can also take in the sculpture garden with a cell phone tour. There are also various music, film and dance performances, including jazz and chamber music. Each month the museum also offers hands-on family programs, from Hispanic jewelry making to crafting sea creatures.

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