When William Walters began collecting art in Europe in the 1860s, he could never have foreseen that over 150 years later, his collection would be on permanent display and a favourite attraction in the city where he lived.
Walters bought his first pieces when he moved to Europe with his family during the American Civil War. Upon his return, he occasionally opened his house as a museum for friends and local people. When he died in 1894, his son Henry continued the collection and founded a palazzo-like gallery in three old mansions owned by the family.
The museum opened in 1934 as the Walters Art Gallery. The 35,000 works on display there today span over 55 centuries and include ancient Egyptian sculptures, 19th-century European art and antique manuscripts. It really is a unique collection nowhere else in Maryland will you find ancient Greek statues, Islamic scripture, art deco jewellery, medieval ivories and Roman sarcophagi on display together.
If you’d like to learn more about the different exhibits then there are free guided tours running throughout the day or alternatively you could pick up one of the audio guides – also free of charge – at the Visitor Services Desk. Hackerman House is home to the collection’s Asian art and the Greek-revival mansion is worth a visit in its own right to see the Tiffany glass dome, carved ceilings and grand spiral staircase, which leads to a serenely peaceful exhibition area with bamboo walls.
The Family Art Centre is great for families as it gives children the opportunity to create art, dress up and listen to stories, as well as hosting festivals and drop-in activities on weekends.
Walters Art Museum is located around 1.6 kilometres north of Inner Harbour in Baltimore in the Mt. Vernon Cultural District and is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week. There’s a pay car park across the road and it’s also serviced by public transport and the free Charm City Circulator shuttle bus.
Walters Art Museum
Visit Walters Art Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabGlow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience
Cruises & boat tours
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabSpirit of Baltimore Signature Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live DJ & Bars
Private & custom tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Shopping Tour from Baltimore to Clarksburg Premium Outlet
Classes & workshops
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabGlow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience
Popular places to visit
Washington Monument
Enjoy wonderful views of the city from the peak of the first civic monument that was ever dedicated to George Washington.
Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
Discover one of America’s first and most prestigious music conservatories, which has produced some of the country’s finest composers, musicians and scholars.
George Peabody Library
Find out about the history of Baltimore with a stop at George Peabody Library. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Mount Vernon United Methodist Church
Find out about the history of Baltimore with a stop at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.
Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church
You can find out about the history of Baltimore when you stop by Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church.
Enoch Pratt Free Library
Enoch Pratt Free Library is just one of the places to see in Baltimore, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Top Walters Art Museum Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Walters Art Museum
- Holidays and getaways similar to Walters Art Museum
- Hotels Near Walters Art Museum
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Hotels near Baltimore Cruise Terminal
- Hotels near Johns Hopkins University
- Hotels near Arundel Mills Mall
- Hotels near Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- Hotels near M&T Bank Stadium
- Hotels near Baltimore Convention Center
- Hotels near Maryland Live Casino
- Hotels near Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Hotels near Morgan State University
- Hotels near Maryland Zoo
- Hotels near Power Plant Live
- Hotels near Rams Head Live
- Hotels near Hippodrome Theatre
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.