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Tours in Baltimore |
American Visionary Art Museum
This official centre for unusual, innovative, self-taught art leaves visitors either perplexed or awed. A giant hand protrudes from the top of the backside of the building not far from the 15m (50ft) high 'whirligig' sculpture. The Jim Rouse Center for Visionary Thoughts, which has funky exhibits like a Bra Ball and DeVon Smith's robot family and dog with headlight eyes; the Tall Sculpture Barn with its life-size, uniquely crafted chess set, and the Main Building, which mostly houses temporary exhibits, make up the three building complex. Human and Beast will run through September 2007 and features singular creations such as a horse crafted from beer caps.
800 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 244 1900.
Website: www.avam.org
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission charge.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Being a trainspotter is not a necessary prerequisite for enjoying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum. The 'B&O' is actually the world's oldest continuously operating railroad facility and the newly renovated museum, covering 16 hectares (40 acres), is located on the site of the America's first railway depot and station. Plan to spend several hours perusing its huge assortment of locomotives, outdoor exhibit of platforms, railroad models, plus railroad china and silver, clocks and pocket watches as well as its restored 1884 roundhouse. A miniature operating 'HO' train covers 18.3 metre (60 ft) and includes a vintage railroad passenger coach. A larger, outdoor, operating train layout has just been installed. Free train rides.
901 West Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 752 2490.
Website: www.borail.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1600, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Though the Baltimore Museum of Art has an impressive assortment of decorative, Native American, African and Oceanic art, what sets it apart is its Cone Collection. In the early 20th century, sisters Etta and Claribel Cone set about amassing art for their respective apartments. They gathered textiles, jewellery and furniture as well as works of Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne. An entire wing is devoted to this incredible collection. The delightful Gertrude's restaurant (see Restaurants) overlooks a sculpture garden with major works by artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi and Tony Smith.
10 Art Museum Drive
Tel: (443) 573 1700.
Website: www.artbma.org
Opening hours: Wed- Fri 1100-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission charge.
Harborplace
Overlooking the water, shops, restaurants, boats and architecture, Harborplace and The Gallery are the starting point for tourists and tours. There are water excursions on diverse craft such as a Clipper ship, a paddle steamer, a schooner and an oyster boat or water taxi. The open-air Harborplace Amphitheatre is a site of summer festivals and street performers and the Gallery has a stunning six-storey atrium looking out over the water. They are linked together with a promenade. A waterfront path leads to other worthwhile sites like the World Trade Center, the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Baltimore Maritime Museum.
Inner Harbor, 200 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 332 4191.
Website: www.harborplace.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2100, Sun 1100-1900.
Free admission.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
The National Aquarium is the place to marvel at marine, freshwater creature and other denizens like poison dart frogs, puffins and conehead lizards. A 10.5m (35ft) waterfall adorns the entrance to the facility and the new addition. It features native Maryland species and the unique Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes. Another hopping new exhibit is Frogs! A Chorus of Colors. No fewer than 75 species, including the dwarf caiman, inhabit the indoor 'Amazon Rainforest'. Next door, at the Marine Mammal Pavilion, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins leave the crowd open-mouthed and smiling with their lively antics. The aquarium often gets very busy so advance tickets are recommended. They can purchased up to 30 days in advance from the Aquarium or from Ticketmaster (tel: (410) 547 7328 or 1 800 551 7328; website: www.ticketmaster.com).
Pier 3, Inner Harbor, 501 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 576 3800.
Website: www.aqua.org
Opening hours: Nov-Feb 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000; Mar-Jun and Sept-Oct 0900-1700, Fri 0900-2000; Jul-19 Aug 0900-2000; 20 Aug-31 Aug 0900-1800, Fri 0900-2000. Mon-Thurs 0900-1800, Fri-Sun 0900-2000; Sat-Thurs 0900-1700, Fri 0900-2000 (Mar-Jun and Sep-Oct); Sat-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000 (Nov-Feb); visits continue for two hours after the 'closing' time.
Admission charge.
National Historic Seaport
The National Historic Seaport (Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the USS Constellation, a 150 year-old all-sail US Navy war ship, and the Baltimore Maritime Museum) underscores the importance of the historical significance of ships and water. Unlike the average museum, the Baltimore Maritime Museum is a combination of the 1833 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse and three historic ships – Coast Guard Cutter Taney (a survivor of Pearl Harbor), WWII submarine Torsk, and lightship Chesapeake. The surrounding historic neighbourhoods of Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point are also worth a visit.
Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 783 1490.
Website: www.natlhistoricseaport.org
Baltimore Maritime Museum
Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 396 3453.
Website: www.baltomaritimemuseum.org
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1730, (summer, spring and autumn); Fri-Sun 1000-1700 (winter).
Admission charge.
USS Constellation
Pier One, 301 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 539 1797.
Website: www.constellation.org
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1730 (Apr-Oct); 1000-1630 (Nov-Mar); extended hours Jun-Aug.
Admission charge.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 727 4808.
Website: www.thebmi.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.
Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center's expansion has doubled the centre's size, making it even more kid-friendly and fun. Permanent exhibits include: Dinosaur Mysteries, which gives a close-up view of the prehistoric monsters; Our Place in Space, which offers three-dimensional views of our planet; Body, Space and TerraLink, the site for getting the latest Earth science news; the interactive Newton's Alley; Your Body: The Inside Story, where visitors can learn about daily goings on; BodyLink, for performing experiments; and Follow the Blue Crab, which lets visitors eavesdrop on the happenings of the Chesapeake Bay. The centre also contains numerous travelling exhibitions, an IMAX cinema and a Planetarium, which features images from the Hubble space telescope.
601 Light Street
Tel: (410) 685 5225.
Website: www.mdsci.org
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1700 (5 Sep-8 Apr); Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1100-1800 (9 Apr-25 May); summer hours are a bit longer.
Admission charge.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
During the Battle of Baltimore, this star-shaped fort, built in 1803, was valiantly defended against the British and inspired Frances Scott Key to pen the words of the US national anthem. The monument and grounds cover 17 hectares (43 acres). Military ceremonies and drills are performed during the summer. Exhibits not only include historical and military artefacts but also an electric battle map and exhibits in the Commander's Quarters, Guard House, Powder Magazine and the Enlisted Men's Quarters. The Visitors Center has a 16-minute historical film, The Defense of Fort McHenry, as well as other interesting exhibits.
East Fort Avenue
Tel: (410) 675 2900 or 962 4290.
Website: www.nps.gov/fomc
Opening hours: (Sep-May) (Grounds) Daily 0800-1700, (Visitor Center) Daily 0800-1645. (Jun-Aug) (Grounds) Daily 0800-2000, (Visitor Center) Daily 0800-1945.
Admission charge.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
More than half a century after his death, the baseball legend George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, continues. With plenty of his baseball memorabilia and a 17-minute movie that chronicles his life, the 'Sultan of Swat' home of his birth is considered a national shrine. There are tributes and mementos from other sports greats, plus it is also the official museum for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and the archival home for the Baltimore Colts football team.
216 Emory Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.BabeRuthMuseum.com
Opening hours: (Apr-Oct) Daily 1000-1800 (1930 on game days); (Nov-Mar) Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge.
Sports Legends at Camden Yards
Recently opened in the historic former Camden railroad station (the first blood of the Civil War was shed right outside), this museum focuses on Babe Ruth as the first sports icon as well as other Maryland sports legends, like former Orioles stars Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripkin and Baltimore Colts football great, Johnny Unitas. See mementos like two World Series trophies, plus tributes to negro leagues and state athletic teams. Visitors are welcome to try on sports gear in the authentic locker room. Across the parking lot there are tours of the Camden Yards baseball park.
301 West Camden Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.sportslegendsatcamdenyards.com
Opening hours: (Apr-Oct) Daily 1000-1800 (1930 on game days); (Nov-Mar) Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge.
This official centre for unusual, innovative, self-taught art leaves visitors either perplexed or awed. A giant hand protrudes from the top of the backside of the building not far from the 15m (50ft) high 'whirligig' sculpture. The Jim Rouse Center for Visionary Thoughts, which has funky exhibits like a Bra Ball and DeVon Smith's robot family and dog with headlight eyes; the Tall Sculpture Barn with its life-size, uniquely crafted chess set, and the Main Building, which mostly houses temporary exhibits, make up the three building complex. Human and Beast will run through September 2007 and features singular creations such as a horse crafted from beer caps.
800 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 244 1900.
Website: www.avam.org
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800.
Admission charge.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
Being a trainspotter is not a necessary prerequisite for enjoying the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum. The 'B&O' is actually the world's oldest continuously operating railroad facility and the newly renovated museum, covering 16 hectares (40 acres), is located on the site of the America's first railway depot and station. Plan to spend several hours perusing its huge assortment of locomotives, outdoor exhibit of platforms, railroad models, plus railroad china and silver, clocks and pocket watches as well as its restored 1884 roundhouse. A miniature operating 'HO' train covers 18.3 metre (60 ft) and includes a vintage railroad passenger coach. A larger, outdoor, operating train layout has just been installed. Free train rides.
901 West Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 752 2490.
Website: www.borail.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1600, Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Though the Baltimore Museum of Art has an impressive assortment of decorative, Native American, African and Oceanic art, what sets it apart is its Cone Collection. In the early 20th century, sisters Etta and Claribel Cone set about amassing art for their respective apartments. They gathered textiles, jewellery and furniture as well as works of Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne. An entire wing is devoted to this incredible collection. The delightful Gertrude's restaurant (see Restaurants) overlooks a sculpture garden with major works by artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Isamu Noguchi and Tony Smith.
10 Art Museum Drive
Tel: (443) 573 1700.
Website: www.artbma.org
Opening hours: Wed- Fri 1100-1700, Sat-Sun 1100-1800.
Admission charge.
Harborplace
Overlooking the water, shops, restaurants, boats and architecture, Harborplace and The Gallery are the starting point for tourists and tours. There are water excursions on diverse craft such as a Clipper ship, a paddle steamer, a schooner and an oyster boat or water taxi. The open-air Harborplace Amphitheatre is a site of summer festivals and street performers and the Gallery has a stunning six-storey atrium looking out over the water. They are linked together with a promenade. A waterfront path leads to other worthwhile sites like the World Trade Center, the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Baltimore Maritime Museum.
Inner Harbor, 200 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 332 4191.
Website: www.harborplace.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-2100, Sun 1100-1900.
Free admission.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
The National Aquarium is the place to marvel at marine, freshwater creature and other denizens like poison dart frogs, puffins and conehead lizards. A 10.5m (35ft) waterfall adorns the entrance to the facility and the new addition. It features native Maryland species and the unique Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes. Another hopping new exhibit is Frogs! A Chorus of Colors. No fewer than 75 species, including the dwarf caiman, inhabit the indoor 'Amazon Rainforest'. Next door, at the Marine Mammal Pavilion, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins leave the crowd open-mouthed and smiling with their lively antics. The aquarium often gets very busy so advance tickets are recommended. They can purchased up to 30 days in advance from the Aquarium or from Ticketmaster (tel: (410) 547 7328 or 1 800 551 7328; website: www.ticketmaster.com).
Pier 3, Inner Harbor, 501 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 576 3800.
Website: www.aqua.org
Opening hours: Nov-Feb 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000; Mar-Jun and Sept-Oct 0900-1700, Fri 0900-2000; Jul-19 Aug 0900-2000; 20 Aug-31 Aug 0900-1800, Fri 0900-2000. Mon-Thurs 0900-1800, Fri-Sun 0900-2000; Sat-Thurs 0900-1700, Fri 0900-2000 (Mar-Jun and Sep-Oct); Sat-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000 (Nov-Feb); visits continue for two hours after the 'closing' time.
Admission charge.
National Historic Seaport
The National Historic Seaport (Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the USS Constellation, a 150 year-old all-sail US Navy war ship, and the Baltimore Maritime Museum) underscores the importance of the historical significance of ships and water. Unlike the average museum, the Baltimore Maritime Museum is a combination of the 1833 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse and three historic ships – Coast Guard Cutter Taney (a survivor of Pearl Harbor), WWII submarine Torsk, and lightship Chesapeake. The surrounding historic neighbourhoods of Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point are also worth a visit.
Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 783 1490.
Website: www.natlhistoricseaport.org
Baltimore Maritime Museum
Inner Harbor, 802 South Caroline Street
Tel: (410) 396 3453.
Website: www.baltomaritimemuseum.org
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1730, (summer, spring and autumn); Fri-Sun 1000-1700 (winter).
Admission charge.
USS Constellation
Pier One, 301 East Pratt Street
Tel: (410) 539 1797.
Website: www.constellation.org
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1730 (Apr-Oct); 1000-1630 (Nov-Mar); extended hours Jun-Aug.
Admission charge.
Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Highway
Tel: (410) 727 4808.
Website: www.thebmi.org
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Admission charge.
Maryland Science Center
The Maryland Science Center's expansion has doubled the centre's size, making it even more kid-friendly and fun. Permanent exhibits include: Dinosaur Mysteries, which gives a close-up view of the prehistoric monsters; Our Place in Space, which offers three-dimensional views of our planet; Body, Space and TerraLink, the site for getting the latest Earth science news; the interactive Newton's Alley; Your Body: The Inside Story, where visitors can learn about daily goings on; BodyLink, for performing experiments; and Follow the Blue Crab, which lets visitors eavesdrop on the happenings of the Chesapeake Bay. The centre also contains numerous travelling exhibitions, an IMAX cinema and a Planetarium, which features images from the Hubble space telescope.
601 Light Street
Tel: (410) 685 5225.
Website: www.mdsci.org
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 1000-1700, Fri 1000-2000, Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1700 (5 Sep-8 Apr); Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1000-2000, Sun 1100-1800 (9 Apr-25 May); summer hours are a bit longer.
Admission charge.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
During the Battle of Baltimore, this star-shaped fort, built in 1803, was valiantly defended against the British and inspired Frances Scott Key to pen the words of the US national anthem. The monument and grounds cover 17 hectares (43 acres). Military ceremonies and drills are performed during the summer. Exhibits not only include historical and military artefacts but also an electric battle map and exhibits in the Commander's Quarters, Guard House, Powder Magazine and the Enlisted Men's Quarters. The Visitors Center has a 16-minute historical film, The Defense of Fort McHenry, as well as other interesting exhibits.
East Fort Avenue
Tel: (410) 675 2900 or 962 4290.
Website: www.nps.gov/fomc
Opening hours: (Sep-May) (Grounds) Daily 0800-1700, (Visitor Center) Daily 0800-1645. (Jun-Aug) (Grounds) Daily 0800-2000, (Visitor Center) Daily 0800-1945.
Admission charge.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
More than half a century after his death, the baseball legend George Herman 'Babe' Ruth, continues. With plenty of his baseball memorabilia and a 17-minute movie that chronicles his life, the 'Sultan of Swat' home of his birth is considered a national shrine. There are tributes and mementos from other sports greats, plus it is also the official museum for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and the archival home for the Baltimore Colts football team.
216 Emory Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.BabeRuthMuseum.com
Opening hours: (Apr-Oct) Daily 1000-1800 (1930 on game days); (Nov-Mar) Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge.
Sports Legends at Camden Yards
Recently opened in the historic former Camden railroad station (the first blood of the Civil War was shed right outside), this museum focuses on Babe Ruth as the first sports icon as well as other Maryland sports legends, like former Orioles stars Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Cal Ripkin and Baltimore Colts football great, Johnny Unitas. See mementos like two World Series trophies, plus tributes to negro leagues and state athletic teams. Visitors are welcome to try on sports gear in the authentic locker room. Across the parking lot there are tours of the Camden Yards baseball park.
301 West Camden Street
Tel: (410) 727 1539.
Website: www.sportslegendsatcamdenyards.com
Opening hours: (Apr-Oct) Daily 1000-1800 (1930 on game days); (Nov-Mar) Tues-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission charge.
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Baltimore-Washington International Airport