The Baltimore Museum of Art
Founded in 1914, The Baltimore Museum of Art is a major cultural destination recognized for engaging diverse audiences through dynamic exhibitions and innovative educational and community outreach programs.
The BMA’s internationally renowned collection of 95,000 objects encompasses more than 1,000 works by Henri Matisse anchored by the famed Cone Collection of modern art, as well as one of the nation’s finest holdings of prints, drawings, and photographs. The galleries showcase an exceptional collection of art from Africa; important works by established and emerging contemporary artists; outstanding European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts; ancient Antioch mosaics; and exquisite textiles from around the world.
The 210,000-square-foot museum is distinguished by a grand historic building designed in the 1920s by renowned American architect John Russell Pope and two beautifully landscaped gardens featuring an array of 20th-century sculpture.
The BMA is located in Charles Village, three miles north of the Inner Harbor, and is adjacent to the main campus of Johns Hopkins University.
General admission to the BMA is free so that everyone can enjoy the power of art.
BMA Mission
The Baltimore Museum of Art connects art to Baltimore and Baltimore to the world, embodying a commitment to artistic excellence and social equity in every decision from art presentation, interpretation, and collecting, to the composition of our Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers—creating a museum welcoming to all.
BMA Vision
Over 100 years ago, The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) was founded on the belief that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life. This belief is at the heart of the BMA and remains our core value.
The BMA has long focused on acquiring the art of the present moment, while maintaining and deepening a historic collection made relevant through vigorous development and reinterpretation in all collecting areas. Through the courageous and risk-taking vision of previous Museum leaders, the BMA assembled and presented one of the most important collections of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century art in the United States. These visionary actions established the fundamental character of this Museum.
Building on this legacy of excellence, the BMA will form an equally compelling collection for the 21st century. Socially relevant, cutting-edge acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs will lead the way both locally and globally—and historical accuracy, merit, and equity will become the basis for a new canon across our Museum. Through collecting, researching, presenting, and interpreting the Museum’s rich and varied collection, and by listening to the needs of our audience, the BMA will embody its commitment to excellence, fairness, relevance, and social justice. Every Museum policy and practice, strategic decision, as well as the composition of the Board of Trustees, staff, and volunteers will be driven by these responsibilities. Bold, brave, and essential, it is the unwavering vision of The Baltimore Museum of Art to be the most relevant publicly engaged museum in the United States and a dynamic model for all others.
BMA Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees offers leadership that fosters ongoing support for our ambitious mission and vision. This group is comprised of a diverse group of regional and national leaders in art, philanthropy, and business who are deeply engaged and deeply committed to ensuring the long-term strength of the BMA.