Top 50 best museums in Baltimore

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a popular destination, attracting 1.6 million visitors each year. It houses an impressive collection of 10,500 specimens from 560 different species. This diversity of marine life offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the world's oceans and their inhabitants. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks, the aquarium provides a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world.

The USS Constellation, a corvette type ship, was constructed in 1854. It is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear this name, with the original frigate having been demolished in 1853. This historical ship offers a glimpse into the naval history of the United States, making it an interesting site for those interested in maritime history.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Baltimore Basilica, holds a significant place in American history as the first cathedral built after the adoption of the Constitution. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this cathedral was constructed between 1806 and 1821 based on the designs of Benjamin Latrobe. It served as the bishop's church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The American Visionary Art Museum, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution founded and directed by Rebecca Hoffberger. This museum is a testament to Hoffberger's vision and dedication, offering visitors a unique insight into the world of visionary art.

The Taney, a museum ship, is situated in the harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. This historic vessel was commissioned into the American Coast Guard on October 24, 1936, and is named after Roger B. Taney, an American politician and jurist who served as the Secretary of the Treasury from 1833 to 1834. The ship is a significant part of American history, having survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

The Walters Art Museum, nestled in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution that houses a private art collection, which is open to the public. This collection was primarily assembled by two men, William Thompson Walters and his son Henry Walters. The museum offers a diverse range of art pieces from different periods and regions, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, previously known as the Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum, is situated in the Jonestown/Old Town area, adjacent to the Little Italy neighborhoods of eastern downtown Baltimore, Maryland. This location is easily accessible and offers a rich historical context for visitors.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, previously known as the Baltimore Zoo until 2004, is a zoological garden located in the city of Baltimore, in the state of Maryland, USA. This zoo is a significant part of the city's attractions, offering visitors a chance to engage with a variety of animal species in a well-maintained environment.

George Herman "Babe" Ruth Jr., the legendary American baseball player, was born in Baltimore on February 6, 1895. He spent his childhood in an orphanage where he was introduced to baseball, a sport he showed great aptitude for. Ruth passed away in New York on August 16, 1948, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire baseball enthusiasts worldwide.

The USS Torsk (SS-423) is a significant piece of American naval history. This Tench class attack submarine was launched on September 6, 1944, and played a crucial role in the Pacific War. One of its notable achievements was the torpedoing of the Kaibokan 47 on August 14, 1945. This was the last ship of the Japanese Imperial Navy to be sunk before Japan's surrender. Visitors to the museum can learn about these historical events and the role the USS Torsk played in them.

The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum is a historic site located at 203 Amity Street in Baltimore, Maryland. This is where the renowned American writer Edgar Allan Poe resided during the 1830s. The house has been transformed into a museum and is managed by the Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore.

The United States lightship Chesapeake, also known as LS-116/WAL-538/WLV-538, is a museum ship that is currently owned by the National Park Service. It is on a 25-year loan to Baltimore City and is operated by the Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum, located in Baltimore, Maryland. This historic ship is one of the few preserved lightships in the country, making it a unique attraction for those interested in maritime history.

The Maryland Science Center, situated in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, was established in 1976. This was part of a larger initiative to revitalize downtown Baltimore. The center has since grown to become a significant part of the city's cultural and educational landscape, offering a variety of exhibits and programs to engage visitors of all ages.

Port Discovery Children's Museum is a non-profit institution that is situated in the historic Fish Market building in Baltimore, Maryland's Inner Harbor. This location is not only significant for its historical value but also for its accessibility and proximity to other attractions in the Inner Harbor area. The museum is a great place for families to visit, offering a variety of interactive and educational exhibits and programs.

The Baltimore Museum of Industry is situated in a former cannery in Baltimore, Maryland. This unique location provides a fitting backdrop for the museum's exhibits, which focus on various types of manufacturing and industry from the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the museum's hands-on sections, which feature working equipment and other artifacts.

The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, previously known as the Flag House & Star-Spangled Banner Museum, is situated in the Jonestown/Old Town neighborhoods, adjacent to Little Italy in eastern downtown Baltimore, Maryland, United States. This historic site offers a unique insight into the history of the United States, particularly the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore.

The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, also known as the Baltimore City Conservatory, is a historic conservatory and botanical garden situated in Druid Hill Park at 3100 Swann Drive, in the northwest area of Baltimore, Maryland. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of plant species in a historic setting.

Today, the SS John W. Brown serves as a museum, located at Pier 1 on Clinton Street in the port of Baltimore, Maryland. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its rich history, from its construction to its service during World War II and beyond.

Mount Clare, also known as Mount Clare Mansion and generally known today as the Mount Clare Museum House, is a significant historical site in Baltimore, Maryland. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Colonial-era structure in the city. This Georgian-style plantation house was built on a Carroll family plantation beginning in 1763 by Charles Carroll, a descendant of the last Gaelic Lords of Éile in Ireland.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the lives and history of African American Marylanders. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, document, and exhibit the contributions of African American Marylanders. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of African Americans in Maryland.

The Phoenix Shot Tower, also known as the Old Baltimore Shot Tower, is a significant landmark in East Baltimore, Maryland. This red brick shot tower stands at a height of 234.25 feet and is conveniently located near the downtown, Jonestown, and Little Italy communities. When it was completed in 1828, it was the tallest structure in the United States, a testament to its historical significance and architectural prowess.

The Evergreen Museum & Library is a historic house museum and research library located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in these areas. The museum is housed in a mid-19th century mansion, which was once the home of the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, John W. Garrett. Today, it is operated by Johns Hopkins University and is part of the Johns Hopkins University Museums.

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution that showcases prominent African-American and other black historical figures through wax figures. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the significant contributions and roles these figures have played in history.

The Historic Ships in Baltimore is a maritime museum situated in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. This museum is a result of the merger of the USS Constellation Museum and the Baltimore Maritime Museum, making it a significant location for maritime history enthusiasts.

The Baltimore Museum of Art boasts a robust collection of 19th and 20th century art. It is home to Baroque period paintings by artists such as Giambattista Pittoni, and includes a globally acclaimed masterpiece, 'Reinaldo and Armida', by Anton van Dyck. The museum also showcases works by Titian, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Chardin.

Mother Seton House is a historic home situated within the grounds of St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. This 2 1/2-story red brick house was built in the early 19th century and is similar to other small homes constructed during this period for the predominantly French community nearby. It was built in 1808 as the home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born woman to be beatified and canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.

The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum is situated in Sparks, Maryland, housed within the USA Lacrosse headquarters. This location is the current home of the museum, making it a significant point of interest for those interested in the sport of lacrosse.

The Carroll Mansion, also known as the Carroll-Caton House or Carroll Mansion Museum, is a historic building and museum located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Built around 1811, it was once a residence of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The mansion has a rich history, having served various purposes over the years, including a saloon, furniture store, sweatshop, vocational school, and recreation center. Today, it operates as a museum, offering tours to the public and showcasing changing art exhibits.

The B&O Railroad Museum is situated at the Mount Clare Station of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This location is notable for its roundhouse, a distinctive architectural feature built between 1851 and 1884 by Ephraim Francis Baldwin in the Georgian style. This historical building adds to the charm and authenticity of the museum experience.

The Jewish Museum of Maryland, situated in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, is a significant cultural institution that narrates the American Jewish experience in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. This museum is not just a repository of artifacts but a storyteller that brings to life the rich tapestry of Jewish history and culture in the region.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is situated at 610 Park Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland. Since 1919, the center has been housed in the Enoch Pratt House, a historic building with its own rich history.

The Homewood Museum, a historical museum, is situated on the campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. This museum was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1971, marking it as a significant site in the history of the United States. The museum is part of the Johns Hopkins University Museums, along with the Evergreen Museum & Library.

The Peale, located in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as the city's Community Museum. It is dedicated to providing local creators and storytellers with the necessary space and support to create a comprehensive and accessible cultural legacy for Baltimore. This makes it a unique place where visitors can explore the city's rich cultural heritage through the works of its local artists and storytellers.

The Baltimore Streetcar Museum (BSM) is a nonprofit organization situated at 1911 Falls Road in Baltimore, Maryland. The museum is committed to preserving the history of Baltimore's public transportation, with a particular focus on the era of the streetcar. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of Baltimore's public transportation and gain a deeper understanding of the city's past.

The H. L. Mencken House, located at 1524 Hollins Street in Baltimore, was the residence of renowned journalist and author Henry Louis Mencken. Mencken, who was associated with the Baltimore Sun, lived in this house from 1883 until his death in 1956. The house is an integral part of Mencken's life and work, and he often wrote about it in his writings.

This site commemorates the history of Irish immigrants in Baltimore. You should surely pay a visit if you have Irish blood in your veins.

Fort McHenry, originally known as Whetstone Fort, is a historic site located in Whetstone Point, near the city of Baltimore. It overlooks the estuary of the Patapsco River, providing a scenic view of the surrounding area. The fort's strategic location played a crucial role in the defense of Baltimore, as it monitored all naval traffic through the Patapsco River.

The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, which opened its doors in 1996, is situated in Baltimore, Maryland. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of dentistry not only in the United States but also across the globe.

The National Slavic Museum, located in Fell's Point, Baltimore, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the Polish and Slavic heritage of Baltimore. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and traditions of these communities, providing a deeper understanding of their contributions to the city's cultural fabric.

The museum offered a unique behind-the-scenes look at how a large city like Baltimore provides public works utility services to its citizens. This included exhibits on street lighting, road maintenance, and trash removal, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city's infrastructure.

The Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture, also known as CADVC, has a rich history dating back to 1989 when it was established as the Fine Art Gallery at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This center serves as the university's main exhibition location, providing a space where students, professors, staff, and the public can engage with visual culture and explore cultural and aesthetic issues.

The William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History, located in Linthicum, Maryland, serves as both a museum and the headquarters of the American Urological Association. The center houses a rich collection of drawings, photographs, and instruments significant to the history of urology. Many of these items are displayed during the American Urological Association conventions.

The Maryland Art Place, established in 1981, is a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery located in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. This gallery is dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art and offers a variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

The University of Maryland School of Nursing Living History Museum, situated in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution that is committed to preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of the nursing profession. This museum provides an in-depth look into the evolution of nursing, showcasing its development from its early beginnings to its current status as a vital part of the healthcare system.

The Robert Long House, located in the Fell's Point neighborhood of Baltimore, holds the distinction of being the oldest known surviving urban residence within the city. Constructed in 1765, this historic house offers a unique glimpse into the city's past. It was originally built as the home of Robert Long, a local Baltimore merchant, and today it stands as a testament to the city's rich history.

This place is a part of the Baltimore Museum of Art and offers a nice outdoor exhibit of various sculptures and other objects.