Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Columbia

"Start off at the Walters Art Museum, a gorgeous and free exhibition space that contains an encyclopedic collection of art, including ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, Meso-American carvings and works by French impressionists. Sated on art, take a peek inside the George Peabody Library. Its centerpiece is a soaring atrium ringed with five stories of cast-iron balconies. The collection contains 300,000 volumes, many dating to the 18th and 19th centuries."

"And while you're there, visit the Walters Art Museum; admission is free and the art spans the ages, from the third millennium B.C.E. to the early 20th century. Once you get hungry, hit Charles Street:There's Afghani food like sweet, pan-fried baby pumpkin at The Helmand (also the very historic site of my very first date) and the pillow-iest gnocchi ever at Sotto Sopra. The restaurant hosts opera nights, where you'll be serenaded with live performances as you eat a multi-course dinner."

"The museum has over 94,000 pieces of art, showcasing everything from modern, contemporary and 19th-century art. Make sure to check their page for any special exhibitions. The museum generally showcases various exhibitions for a limited time."

"A post shared by Andy Kutcher (@andyknola) on Apr 6, 2017 at 5:23pm PDT. Arguably the crown jewel of Baltimore’s art scene, the American Visionary Art Museum (a.k.a. AVAM) is a wonderfully romantic place for an art lover. The winged “Black Icarus” statue at the center of the main stair is an especially great place to propose."

"The nation's primary museum and education center for self-taught or "outsider" art has won great acclaim by both museum experts and those…"

"Comic book and pop culture lovers have their own museum at Geppi's. "A Story in Four Colors" exhibit is an extensive comic book library illustrating how character-based products have entertained and educated children for generations. "America Tunes In" explores the influence of television from 1946-1960 and continues through exhibits leading up to "Going Global," that covers the effect of 24-hour news broadcasts in addition to computer and internet use."

"As a major cultural destination for the greater Baltimore region, The Baltimore Museum of Art presents a variety of exhibitions and innovative programs throughout the year. The BMA does charge for some special exhibits, so stick to the comprehensive permanent collection. The museum boasts more than 1,000 works by Henri Matisse, as well as large collections of African art, ancient mosaics and European and American paintings."

"Visitors to the Baltimore Museum of Art will be pleased to find a museum full of works from the 19th century to contemporary times. The collection of about 95,000 pieces of art includes the largest number of works by Henri Matisse in the world, as well as pieces by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and many others. Don't forget to take a stroll through the sculpture garden, which is set on nearly three landscaped acres."

"A visit to the Maryland Historical Society provides you with a great way to learn more about the history of Baltimore and of the state itself. You can look forward to learning through a variety of fascinating exhibitions and displays, with some wonderful collections and exhibits that form part of the museum. This is a place that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults, providing the whole family with a great opportunity to learn more about local history."

"The exhibits at the Maryland Center for History and Culture reflect the state’s diverse heritage and have everything from the journals of Benjamin Banneker to the original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The museum also has furniture, ceramics, and other artifacts that depict life in Maryland."

"From Business: Maryland Historical Society, established in 1844, is one of the oldest cultural organizations in the United States. It provides a museum, library, press, and…"

"1534 Eastern Avenue Baltimore, MD 21231 (410) 522-5800baltimoretattoomuseum.net/index.htm. The Baltimore Tattoo Museum offers a look into the history of tattoos, as well as photographs of some of the tattoos done throughout the years. You can also get a tattoo there, if you’re so inclined."

"The Baltimore Tattoo Museum preserves the history and art of American tattooing; while you’re there, add to its history by getting your own piece from one of their talented artists."

"Pizza has always been one of America’s most popular take out food and it is no surprise that our essential pizzarias are working extra hard to keep the pizza supply lines open during the Great Quarantine of 2020. Baltimore is awash in pizza chains and artisan pizza shops, but where can one find that super elusive New York style slice?"

"This specialty pizza place has a great variety of choices including Lasagna Pizza, Eggplant Parmesan, and Chicken Bruschetta. You can expect a reasonable delivery time as well so that’s a definite plus!"

"I don’t ask a latte (pun intended) in a community coffee shop. Just some strong joe, a varied selection of sweets and savory treats, and a strong wifi signal to get some work done. Charmington’s – the co-op coffee shop and cafe across the street from the shuttered Parts and Labor – checks all those boxes and then some."

"A single food has been known to change the course of a person’s life. For Dane Thibodeaux, co-owner of Sacre Sucre in Fells Point, it was a fig macaron he ate in Paris while on vacation. He still remembers biting into the seed of the fig jam in the middle."

"Sacre Sucre’s one of THE most amazing dessert shops I’ve ever been to, like in the world. Their work is edible art, and you absolutely need to experience their sweets firsthand. They started off with macarons, but I personally like their pastries best."

"This Fell’s Point shop offers a variety of seasonal pastries, from classics like eclairs and croissants, to special stylized apple tarts and caneles. They even offer monthly classes for you to learn how to make French macarons."

"Owners Cole and Aisha Pew created Dovecote Café with the motto “community first, café second.”. This charming little café in Reservoir Hill started as a passion project for owners Aisha Pew and her partner Cole, who were looking to create a community gathering spot. At Dovecote Café, you’ll find artists serving up locally roasted coffee, activists discussing politics over homey desserts like the upside-down peach cake and foodies indulging in grown-up grilled cheese and spinach pie."

"A charming local favorite in the Reservoir Hill neighborhood, Dovecote has delicious coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches, but also serves as a community hub for the neighbors. Tufted couches, local art, eclectic wallpaper and friendly workers make this an inviting spot to get a cuppa coffee along with a taste of local culture. Look out for their monthly chef’s dinner series where they invite guest chefs to cook a meal for the community."

"While cafes half as popular as this Reservoir Hill fixture discourage lingering in hopes of turning your table, the Dovecote crew goes out of its way to make sure you don't skedaddle. But the warm family vibe extends well past the hospitality into the eats. The baked goods are especially appealing, including all manner of sticky buns and muffins and the sought-after peach upside-down cake (co-owner Gilda Pew's secret recipe)."

"The lime green exterior of Spring Cafe signals a new arrival to the Avenue. Inside, owner Rose Ebadi and her parents, former physicians, are serving up tea and cuisine from their native Afghanistan. “In Afghanistan, green tea is really big,” Ebadi said."

"The Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite places in Baltimore City. It includes outdoor gardens, as well as five indoor rooms that feature a distinct environment. There’s the Palm House, Orchid Room, Desert House, Tropical House, and Mediterranean House, each with a climate and plants to match the environment."

"A true hidden gem in Baltimore, the Rawlings Conservatory is a historic greenhouse and botanical garden right next to the Maryland Zoo. Entry is donations-based, so you can pay as much as you want for total exploration of vibrant tropicals, gorgeous orchids, and a room full of impressive palms. By @willpowerphotos."

"The Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens has been in Druid Hill Park since 1888, so it’s an important part of Baltimore’s history. Who wouldn’t love to receive a marriage proposal surrounded by flowers and plants from around the world?"