Museum
Welcome to the Museum
Walk through History
Journey through Maryland history across 23,000 square feet of gallery space. Our thought-provoking exhibitions bring history to life using objects, artwork, and documents that engage visitors in the stories of events and people who have shaped Maryland and America over time.
current exhibitionsSince 1844, the museum at the Maryland Center for History and Culture has amassed the largest collection of Maryland culture in the state. This collection encompasses more than 350,000 objects, from pre-settlement times to present day, and represents nearly every aspect of Maryland history and life.
Highlights of our museum collection include:
- Native American archaeological artifacts dating to 5,000 B.C.;
- the world’s largest assembly of paintings by members of the Peale family;
- nine portraits by artist Joshua Johnson—recognized as the first professional African American artist in the United States;
- the largest national collection of B. Henry Latrobe sketchbooks;
- Maryland landscape painting by Francis Guy;
- the largest collection of Samuel Kirk silver, as well as their archive;
- decorative glass created by John Frederick Amelung;
- painted furniture from the early 19th century—the “Golden Age” of Baltimore furniture production;
- a fashion archive of 12,000 garments and accessories spanning four centuries; and
- the world’s largest collection of Baltimore Album quilts.
We are committed to preserving this collection and sharing it with everyone. Permanent and rotating exhibitions—as well as traveling exhibitions—highlight the best of the collection and continually present objects in new and changing ways within the context of today’s world.
Exhibitions
Experience history in person through the Maryland Center for History and Culture’s engaging exhibitions that showcase our incredible and unique…
Collections
The Maryland Center for History and Culture collections include more than 350,000 objects and 7 million books and documents, ranging…
Did you know?
Maryland history is full of exciting details and little known coincidences. New things are ready to be discovered every day!
More to Discover
Explore Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in history? Enjoy interacting with the public? Apply to become a volunteer docent.
Take a Guided Tour
Group tours of 20 or less are currently being offered, Wednesday through Saturday.
The Museum Blog
Read “Unlocked” – behind-the-scenes stories from the museum collections.