4 Must-Visit Museums in Maryland, USA- Travel Guide (2024)

Maryland, a land for wanderers is often underrated as a historic battlefield and old bay only. However, there is much more to explore in this USA state. With diverse cultural and social elements here and there, you need the right direction to know more about Maryland. And guess what, museums in Maryland contain some epic facts to share about art, culture, and paradigm. Those who find museums boring and only for nerdy people, must visit the museums once. Not only the distinct facts but the architecture and overall presentation are a treat to the eye itself. On the other hand, for those who are already here looking for the best museums to visit in Maryland, jump into the following curated list.

But before we start, here is a question for you. Why are there so many museums in a single state? And why are they still so much popular?

4 Must-Visit Museums in Maryland, USA- Travel Guide

Gather your thoughts and we’ll reveal potential reasons at the end of the article. You can look for some hints in the list of the best museums.

1. The Walters Arts Museum

Baltimore, one of the most popular cities in Maryland with multiple historic footprints includes an amazing art museum too. The Walters Art Museum is a 88 years old building that witnesses the art and culture of seven consecutive millennia.

People from different backgrounds would find something relatable to them through art while visiting the artworks. The purpose of this museum is to present art as a connection between people. Five different buildings contain 36,000 different objects that were collected by William T. Walters and his son Henry Walters mostly. Other purchases and donations are also made that you’ll find out while visiting. The collection includes European sculpture, Asian decorative art pieces, and archaeological wonders of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia. You’ll also be moved by European paintings during the Renaissance through the 19th century.

Visitors may experience a visual representation of an encyclopedic collection of the 19th and 20th centuries. Different exhibitions and special seminars are arranged too to unfurl the beauty of art among the maximum number of people.

Location: Baltimore, MD, USA

Entry fees: Free for everyone

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday

2. Baltimore Museum of Art

Again Baltimore and again another art museum. But this museum has a lot different to offer. Founded in 1914, this museum in Maryland is carrying the legacy of versatile art forms from different parts of the world to present equality of civilization.

The visitors would find a balanced presentation between modern and contemporary art, sculpture, and paintings in every corner of this building. From historic collections to modern art forms, you name it, you have it. Alongside the largest holding of Henri Matisse’s works, you would find great creations by Picasso, Rembrandt, Rodin, Renoir, Monet, and Tiffany Glass. Another key attraction of this museum is the sculpture garden, which exhibited brilliant models from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.

It’s not quite surprising the land of the birth of the national anthem would be rich in cultural practice and preservation. Special arrangements like art during migration by 12 black artists, artworks from NMWA, etc are made for a specific time to enlighten the visitors with variety.

Location: Baltimore, MD, USA

Entry fees: Free in general, excluding some special ticked shows

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Thursday

3. U.S. Naval Academy Museum

Moving to the third top museum in Maryland, the United States Naval Academy has a completely different experience to offer. From revisiting the history to the current functionalities, experience the complete rise in the navy squad.

This 177-year-old, 12000 square feet academy has fascinating artifacts that witnessed massive seapower, detailed models of the heritage ships, and different monuments.

Herdon monument, the Jeannette Expedition monument, The Tripoli monument, and the Mexican-American war monument are must-visits. Other interesting objects like uniforms, flags, weapons, medals, and books with gradual representation would help to understand the change in the US navy.

For both tourists and local students, this academy museum has a lot of stories to tell. There are occasional exhibitions arranged as well.

Location: Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD, USA

Entry fees: $12 per adult; $11 for seniors, and $10 for children for guided tours. Otherwise free entry for everyone

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM on Sunday

4. American Visionary Art Museum

The name in itself holds something interesting, right? One of the most popular and fantastic museums in the whole of America, this art museum in Maryland is full of creative artworks. Unlike any contemporary museum, this building contains the creations of different regular people including housewives, farmers, and even neurosurgeons.

The driving idea behind this museum is the freedom of thought and imagination that helps artists to break limits and regulations. Visitors would experience something more than a gallery in the American Visionary art museum. They would be able to connect with the creations as they are made with daily folks.

There is a lot more than a museum with sculpture plazas, the LeRoy E. Hoffberger speaker’s corner, a summer movie theater and a wildflower meditation garden. People of different ages can enjoy themselves here and spend quality time with breakthrough arts here and there.

Location: Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD, USA

Entry fees: $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, and $6 for children, students, and active military. For members and kids below 6 years old, entry is free

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Wednesday to Sunday

Conclusion

Remember the question in the beginning? Maryland is one of the three original American colonies, making it historically significant. The battle of Antietam, Sir George Calvert’s legacy, and Maryland’s state anthem in a turbulent period make the place culturally diverse. That’s why there are so many museums in Maryland that preserve timeless objects as a witness of overall human evolution.