Celebrate the Local Arts Scene From historic towns to thriving cities with contemporary local vibes, celebrate arts and culture in every corner of the state. BY MARY ANNE TREGER ARTS & CULTURE American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Maryland is alive with a vibrant arts scene that embodies its rich local heritage and history. Monumental words depicting events in America’s past, arts dedicated to famous figures in history, and modern, only-in-MD touches capture the excitement between extensive art exhibitions for all ages and a roaring Summer of Music. The grande dame of Maryland museums, the Baltimore Museum of Art is called a “temple of art,” since the building is just as impressive as the contents. More than 95,000 works of art—from contemporary to classical—reside alongside the world’s largest collection of work by Henri Matisse. Award-winning Gertrude’s restaurant is located inside the museum for prime summer seating in an adjoining sculpture garden. The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore showcases works created by self-taught artists plus sculpture plazas and a wildflower garden. Each May, their annual Race of Human-Powered Art is a wacky, wonderful hodgepodge of amphibious kinetic sculptures. These custom-built, land-and-sea sculptures are designed to travel through PHOTO: VISIT BALTIMORE the streets and over deep Inner Harbor waters. Only human-powered art is allowed (positively no engines!) for the most ingenious display. Maryland Historical Society Museum houses an eclectic (some might say “odd”) and interesting mix of treasures. Just look out for Nipper, a four-ton dog who sits atop the historic building. This Baltimore museum and library houses a statue of King Gambrinus, the “patron saint” of beer, Eubie Blake’s practice piano, a replica of one of the first mastodons excavated in the U.S., plus thousands of paintings, porcelains, textiles and silver, all showcasing everything Maryland. Look for Francis Scott Key’s original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” too—oh say, can you see? Housed in a grand Italian-style palazzo, the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore dazzles with its marble entry and elegant and eclectic exhibits. Kids ooh and aah at the sight of an Egyptian mummy and enough shining armor to clad a regiment of knights. Rooms are filled with Greek sculpture, medieval ivory, plenty of Old Master paintings and an intriguing Asian collection. It feels like you’re roaming a private estate instead of a free city museum. DESTINATION MARYLAND ✥ 29 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2019 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 29
