Five Must-See Museums In Baltimore

Baltimore is a city filled with museums. Cultural museums, wax museums, national museums, historical museums, and, of course, art museums. But one can only see so many museums, so with all of these choices, how does one know which exhibition to head to?

The museums listed here were selected for their popularity, uniqueness, and the singularity of the experience which they provide to those fortunate guests who grace their halls.

American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 244-1900
www.avam.org

You know what you think of when you think art museum? A hall with hum-drum people milling around, quietly looking at plain walls hung with paintings of people sitting in chairs and such? Well AVAM is not that. The American Visionary Art Museum may just be the most unique museum of its kind; designated by Congress as America's national museum for self-taught art. AVAM seeks out and displays "outsider art," which includes pieces which would never otherwise see the light of day - such as art from gifted children or psychiatric patients. The building itself is a work of art, and includes a sculpture barn and a wildflower garden, making the entire place colorful and fun to explore. Add to this that they are always running odd and enticing events - including things like a "sculpture race" - and any opportunity to stop in will definitely be a treat you won't regret.

B&O Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
(410) 752-2490
www.borail.org

The railroad has had - and continues to have - a great deal of presence and influence in the Baltimore area. The B&O Railroad Museum collects and displays that long and storied history in a way which has plenty of broad appeal. The museum has a children's area, Thomas the Train events, a toddler train play area, and kiddie train rides to make it a hit with the kids. For history buffs, the entire museum is a playground, exploring - among other things - civil war history, local railroad history, and the history and engineering of trains themselves. Even those who are not already train lovers will still enjoy the train rides and miniature train sets. A day at the B&O is by no means dull, and well worth the education and entertainment it provides.

National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
1601 E. North Ave., Suite 3
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 563-3404
www.greatblacksinwax.org

There is something fascinating about a good Wax Museum. For centuries, sculptures have perfected the art of capturing a person's likeness in a way which is astoundingly life-like in the medium of wax. When standing in the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, you will have the singular experience of looking into the faces of some of the greatest men and women this country has ever seen; including leaders, athletes, explorers, artists, speakers, performers, and now, for the first time, a U.S. President. A one-stop education in the history of the struggle, rise and triumph of the African American, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is not just a Baltimore treasure, but a National treasure.

Related: Best Art Museums In Baltimore

Sports Legends Museum At Camden Yards - Babe Ruth Museum
301 W. Camden St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 727-1539
www.baberuthmuseum.org

The Camden Station in which this museum is situated is a historic exhibit all its own. Established as the main terminal for the B&O Railroad in the 1800's, the building has seen an astounding amount of history. Sitting just outside Camden Yards, it makes for the perfect spot to house a display of sports heroes and history which will titillate and amaze. Get your tickets and experience both the Babe Ruth birthplace and museum - which chronicles the life and accomplishments of baseball's most celebrated star - and the Sports Legends Museum - which gives the history of the various teams that have passed through Baltimore over the years. There is also a kid's discovery zone called "The Locker Room," for the young sports enthusiast. This museum is a must-see for any sports fan making their way through Baltimore.

Geppi's Entertainment Museum
301 W. Camden St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 625-7060
www.geppismuseum.com

Geppi's may just be the quintessential American Museum. Rather than displaying paintings, sculptures or dinosaur bones, Geppi's proudly exhibits the comic books, television shows, movie posters, lunch boxes, action figures and other pop-culture icons that have made America what it is today. A trip down memory lane that anyone can enjoy, Geppi's shows people the entertainment they already know and love, and brings them up to date on the art, actors and back-stories that have led to some of the greatest and most ground-breaking media of all time. Jump in and explore the America that everyone already loves, and be sure to visit their gift shop to pick up the nostalgic items you never knew you always wanted!

Related: Best Art Exhibits For Kids In Baltimore

Joel Furches is a freelance writer and researcher for The Examiner and Logos Software, and also manages his own catalog of writing on Hub Pages. Joel is on the board of directors for Ratio Christi. He has a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education.

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