Best Family-Friendly Museum Exhibits In Baltimore
1601 E. North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21213
(410) 563-3404
www.greatblacksinwax.org
This museum started in 1983 as a store-front at 200 W. Saratoga Street in Baltimore. Now it has blossomed to become one of the premier museums in the area. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, is now located at 1601 E. North Avenue. The museum, once a traveling institution, was founded by the late Dr. Elmer Martin and Dr. Joanne Martin. There are tours available led by guides who provide a wealth of information as they highlight the greatness and the journey of African-Americans in the struggle for freedom and equality.
The figures are made of bees wax and represent the highlights and low lights of the struggle of a dynamic group of people. There is representation from all aspects of achievement from education, entrepreneurship, sports, politics, science, entertainment, humanitarianism and more. There are many wax figures, each with a story to tell. Some of the figures include Hannibal, Carter G. Woodson, W.E.B. Dubois, Haile Selassie,Thomas Garrett, Henry 'Box' Brown, Harriet Tubman, Eubie Blake, Billie Holliday, Dorothy Height, FUBU's Damond John, and much more. The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is a history lesson as it highlights ancient civilizations of Africa, slavery, Jim Crow, Civil Rights and the present. The Maryland room highlights the achievements of the history makers at the local and state levels.
10 Art Museum Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21218
(443) 573-1700
www.artbma.org
Housed here are the famous Rodin's The Thinker sculpture and The Cone Collection. This museum started with one painting in 1914 and has grown to vast displays of artwork and sculptures. The European Painting and Sculpture wing houses many rich portraits, mostly oil on canvas, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The artwork in the Cone Wing focuses on Dutch, French, Spanish, English, Flemish, Italian, German and Russian artists and depicts themes of landscapes, people portraits and religion. Some of the artists on exhibit are Max Weber, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Gisten Klimet and Paul Gauguin among many others.Anne Brown, Director of communications, touts three things which make the Baltimore Museum of Art stand out. The Sculpture Garden, located on 2.7 acres is a beautiful oasis in the city with many modern and contemporary sculptures. Brown said it is stunning in the spring when the daffodils bloom. Gertrude's Restaurant overlooks the Sculpture Garden. The restaurant hosts weddings and receptions. The Antioch Mosaics from 6th century are located in the Atrium area of the museum. Related: 5 Baltimore City Attractions With Worthwhile Memberships
600 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 547-9000
www.thewalters.org
Founded in 1934, the Walters Art Museum features thousands of pieces from around the world. The museum is located in the Mt. Vernon section of downtown Baltimore. There are also educational programs to engage students of all ages. The art collection is internationally renowned with Greek sculpture, Roman sarcophagi and art spanning Egypt prior to the dynasties through the last-century Europe.
830 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(443) 263-1800
www.rflewismuseum.org
Located in downtown Baltimore and named for a local entrepreneur and millionaire, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture always has something for kids. There are dance workshops held which are sure to captivate the dancer in everyone. The museum, starting 10 years ago, houses a resource center which focuses on African American History and Culture. Collections feature African Americans in Maryland, African Diaspora art history and folklore of Mary Carter Smith.
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Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.