Free museums in Maryland

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Baltimore Basilica, holds a significant place in American history as the first cathedral built after the adoption of the Constitution. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, this cathedral was constructed between 1806 and 1821 based on the designs of Benjamin Latrobe. It served as the bishop's church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The Walters Art Museum, nestled in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution that houses a private art collection, which is open to the public. This collection was primarily assembled by two men, William Thompson Walters and his son Henry Walters. The museum offers a diverse range of art pieces from different periods and regions, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is a significant landmark in the history of space exploration. Established on May 1, 1959, it was the first space center of NASA. The center is located about 11 km northeast of Washington, DC, in Greenbelt, Maryland, United States. Named after Robert H. Goddard, a pioneer of modern rocket propulsion in the United States, the center has been instrumental in NASA's core programs since its inception.

The Hampton National Historic Site is a protected area located in Baltimore County, Maryland. This site was designated as a national historic site on June 22, 1948. It is a significant location that offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of the region.

The Thomas Stone National Historic Site, also known as Haberdeventure or the Thomas Stone House, is a significant location situated about 25 miles south of Washington D.C. in Charles County, Maryland. This site is a testament to the life and contributions of Founding Father Thomas Stone, one of the 56 signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Brookside Gardens, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a sprawling 54-acre space that combines an arboretum, botanical garden, and Japanese garden. This expansive garden offers a diverse range of plant life and garden styles, making it a unique destination for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

Monocacy National Battlefield is a significant historical site managed by the National Park Service. It was the location of the Battle of Monocacy, a pivotal event in the American Civil War that took place on July 9, 1864. This battlefield is a testament to the nation's past and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Civil War's history and its impact on the country.

The present-day Fort Washington, preserved by the National Park Service, was initially built in 1824. It is a stone structure that offers a clear cannon shot down the Potomac River. This fort provides a glimpse into the architectural and military strategies of the past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

Adkins Arboretum is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 162 hectares (400 acres) and is located in Ridgely, Maryland. It is a member of the BGCI and works towards the International Agenda for Conservation in Botanical Gardens. The arboretum is situated on the Delmarva Peninsula within Tuckahoe State Park.

Piscataway Park is a protected area under the National Park Service. It is situated approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Washington, D.C., in and around the area of Accokeek, Maryland. This location makes it a convenient destination for those visiting the capital city and looking for a natural retreat.

The Turkey Point Light is a historic lighthouse located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. Despite its tower only being 35-foot (11 m) tall, it stands on 100-foot (30 m) high bluffs, making it the third highest light off the water in the bay. This unique positioning offers visitors a unique perspective and view of the surrounding area.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark located at Fenwick Island, on the border of Maryland, in Sussex County, Delaware. It is a significant part of the local history and has been a beacon for sailors since the 19th century. The lighthouse is surrounded by a neighborhood of houses and businesses, adding to its charm and appeal.

The Concord Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in Havre de Grace, Maryland. It is strategically located at the point where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This unique location offers visitors a chance to enjoy stunning views of the river and the bay, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

The Cray House, located in Stevensville, Maryland, is a unique two-room house built around 1809. It stands as a rare surviving example of post-and-plank construction, a building style that was once prevalent in the local landscape. This architectural style and the house's historical significance make it an interesting site for visitors interested in history and architecture.

The Laurel Museum, situated in Laurel, Maryland, is housed in a mill workers' home that was constructed by Horace Capron between 1836 and 1840. The City of Laurel restored this historical building, and it was opened to the public as a museum on May 1, 1996. This museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of Laurel and its citizens.

The first lighthouse at the Choptank River location was constructed in 1871 by Francis A. Gibbons. This lighthouse was built to replace a lightship that was previously stationed at the same location. The transition from a lightship to a lighthouse marked a significant development in the maritime history of the region.

The Baltimore Museum of Art boasts a robust collection of 19th and 20th century art. It is home to Baroque period paintings by artists such as Giambattista Pittoni, and includes a globally acclaimed masterpiece, 'Reinaldo and Armida', by Anton van Dyck. The museum also showcases works by Titian, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Chardin.

The Anne Arundel County Free School is a historic school building situated in Davidsonville, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. This school holds a significant place in history as it was established by an Act of the General Assembly of colonial Maryland in 1723. The school building is a testament to the educational history of the region and offers a unique insight into the early schooling system of Maryland.

The Ballestone-Stansbury House, previously known as the Ballestone Mansion, is a historic plantation home situated on Cedar Point, nestled between Back and Middle Rivers in Essex, Baltimore County, Maryland. This location offers a unique blend of history and scenic beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Teackle Mansion is a historic estate located at 11736 Mansion Street in Princess Anne, Maryland, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the past with its rich history and architectural beauty.

The National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) is a unique institution that delves into the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis. Opened to the public on December 16, 1993, the museum is situated in Fort Meade, a US military facility in the state of Maryland. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of cryptology in a setting that has been central to its development.

Glenstone is an American art museum situated in the scenic locale of Potomac, Maryland. This museum offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and landscape for visitors to explore and appreciate.

The System Source Computer Museum is situated in the scenic Hunt Valley, Maryland, USA. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of computing in a dedicated museum setting.

The Peale, located in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as the city's Community Museum. It is dedicated to providing local creators and storytellers with the necessary space and support to create a comprehensive and accessible cultural legacy for Baltimore. This makes it a unique place where visitors can explore the city's rich cultural heritage through the works of its local artists and storytellers.

Canal Place, a 58.1-acre heritage area, is situated in Cumberland, Maryland at the western end of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This location is rich in history and offers a unique insight into the past. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and nature.

The Poplar Hill Mansion is a historic mansion located at 117 Elizabeth Street, Salisbury, Maryland. It is open to the public as a house museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The mansion has a rich history, having been owned by several notable figures over the years.

The Bowman House, located at 323 North Main Street in Boonsboro, Maryland, is a historic log house. This structure is a significant local example of the type of houses built in the area during the early 19th century. It provides a glimpse into the architectural style and living conditions of that period.

The Belair Stable Museum, situated at 2835 Belair Drive in Bowie, Maryland, is managed by the City of Bowie. This location is steeped in history, once housing the Belair Stud Farm until 1957. The museum is a testament to the city's rich equine heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

The United States Naval Academy Museum is a public maritime museum situated in Annapolis, Maryland. It is housed within Preble Hall on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the United States while being immersed in the environment of one of the country's most prestigious military academies.

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (WCMFA) is a prominent art museum situated in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States. The museum building, which is located off Park Circle, serves as a centerpiece in Hagerstown City Park, making it a significant landmark in the area.

The Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, located in Ellicott City, Maryland, holds the distinction of being the oldest remaining passenger railway station in the United States, and one of the oldest in the world. This historical significance makes it a unique destination for those interested in the history of rail travel and transportation.

The Chesapeake Beach Railway Station was built in 1898 for the Chesapeake Beach Railway. Today, it operates as a railway museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. In recognition of its historical significance, the station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

This site commemorates the history of Irish immigrants in Baltimore. You should surely pay a visit if you have Irish blood in your veins.

The Banneker-Douglass Museum, located in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is a historic site with a rich history. Formerly known as the Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, the building has served various roles over the years, reflecting the evolving cultural and social landscape of the region.

The Smithsonian Gardens, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is in charge of the landscapes, interiorscapes, and horticulture-related collections and exhibits. These serve as an outdoor extension of the Smithsonian's museums and learning spaces in Washington, D.C. Established in 1972, the gardens have become a significant part of the Smithsonian's educational and research efforts.

The Bowie Railroad Museum is located in the town center of Bowie, Maryland, and is made up of three small frame structures that were part of the former Bowie train station. These buildings are situated at the junction of what is now known as the Northeast Corridor and the Pope's Creek Subdivision. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the history of rail transportation in the region.

The Belair Mansion, a Georgian style plantation house, is a significant historical landmark in Bowie, Maryland. Constructed around 1745, the mansion is located in the historic Collington area. It was once the home of Samuel Ogle, the Provincial Governor of Maryland, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion's architecture and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.

The Clara Barton National Historic Site, which was established in 1974, is a significant location that includes the Clara Barton House. This site is dedicated to interpreting the life and accomplishments of Clara Barton, an American pioneer teacher, nurse, and humanitarian who was the founder of the American Red Cross. The site offers a unique insight into the life of this remarkable woman and her significant contributions to society.

Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Cove Farm is a significant national historic district that houses a living farm museum. Operated by the National Park Service, it is situated in Oxon Hill, Prince George's County, Maryland. The park and farm have been recognized for their historical importance and were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The Sandy Spring Museum was established with the primary aim of preserving the history of the surrounding area of Sandy Spring, Maryland. It was founded as a local history museum and has since evolved to support community-driven cultural arts and educational programs. The museum's mission is to gather the community and foster a sense of place and belonging.

The Brunswick Heritage Museum, located in Brunswick, Maryland, is a unique institution that combines the history of railroads with the local history of the area. The museum was originally focused solely on railroads, but has since expanded its mission to include the broader history of Brunswick, a company town of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

The University of Maryland Art Gallery is the primary art museum located on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. It serves as a significant cultural hub for the university and the surrounding community, offering a diverse range of art exhibits and collections.

Eden Mill Nature Center is a nature center located in Pylesville, Maryland, United States. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the natural environment in a serene setting.

The Maryland Art Place, established in 1981, is a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery located in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. This gallery is dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art and offers a variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

The University of Maryland School of Nursing Living History Museum, situated in Baltimore, Maryland, is a unique institution that is committed to preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of the nursing profession. This museum provides an in-depth look into the evolution of nursing, showcasing its development from its early beginnings to its current status as a vital part of the healthcare system.

This place is a part of the Baltimore Museum of Art and offers a nice outdoor exhibit of various sculptures and other objects.

The J. Tawes Historical Museum is situated in a picturesque location on the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, Maryland, United States. This location not only offers a rich historical experience but also provides a scenic view of the marina, making it a perfect spot for tourists who appreciate both history and nature.

The Massey Air Museum is an aviation museum located near Massey, Maryland, in the United States. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the aviation heritage of Maryland and Delaware. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of aviation in the region.

The Steppingstone Museum, located on the Susquehanna River, northwest of Havre de Grace, Maryland, is a non-profit educational and cultural institution. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the rural heritage of Harford County, Maryland. This makes it an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the region's rural history and culture.