The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is an art museum located in Baltimore, Maryland's Federal Hill neighborhood at 800 Key Highway. The museum specializes in the preservation and display of outsider art (also known as "intuitive art," "raw art," or "art brut"). The city agreed to give the museum a piece of land on the south shore of the Inner Harbor under the condition that its organizers would clean up residual pollution from a copper paint factory and a whiskey warehouse that formerly occupied the site. It has been designated by Congress as America's national museum for visionary art.
AVAM's 1.1 acre campus contains 67,000 square feet of exhibition space and a permanent collection of approximately 4,000 pieces. The permanent collection includes works by visionary artists like Ho Baron, Nek Chand, Howard Finster, Vanessa German, Mr. Imagination (aka Gregory Warmack), Leonard Knight, William Kurelek, Leo Sewell, Judith Scott, Ben Wilson, as well as over 40 pieces from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre of London. AVAM artists, the museum boasts, include “farmers, housewives, mechanics, the disabled, the homeless. . . all inspired by the fire within.” The museum's Main Building features three floors of exhibition space, and the campus includes a Tall Sculpture Barn and Wildflower Garden, along with large exhibition and event spaces in the Jim Rouse Visionary Center.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tod Bowen | Dec 26, 2017
I enjoyed this place immensely. There is much more to see here than you might think. The art is interesting, often thought provoking, sometimes beautiful, and always well displayed. The layout and feel of the place were very well done. Allowed you to wander in and out of places and while there were a lot of people there you never felt crowded. I will definitely be back next time I am in Baltimore.
Natalie L | Jan 18, 2018
One of the coolest spots in Baltimore. Interesting, beautiful and unique. Art work is all by self taught nonprofessional artists. They have interesting back stories like they were blind or just fanatic about making art. They offer free workshops for kids on weekends, check the website for details. Restaurant on site.
Ana Morales | Feb 27, 2018
Didn’t get a chance to go inside although I really wish I had. All around the museum you could find really cool art installations. I would definitely recommend going to go check it out if your an art lover.
Matthew Baker | Feb 24, 2018
Spent an afternoon here and it was great. So many interesting installations and pieces. The outdoor sculptures would best be seen in nice weather but I would easily go back despite any rain or cold.
Kai | Dec 23, 2017
This place is a must go for anyone who loves unique art. You have to pay to be able to go into the three buildings but the gift shop is free to enter. The gift shop is so nice you can just go there, its super affordable and filled with things you wouldn't find anywhere else. There are some sculptures scattered outside but most of it is in the three buildings. There is parking next to the buildings but you have to pay in a meter. Its a must stop stop to go if your in the Baltimore area. 10/10
Lara Star Martini | Mar 26, 2018
This is one of the most interesting museums you will ever go to. An entire museum devoted to untrained artists who have just been compelled to make art for one reason or another. Many of the works are done by people who have dealt with and suffered from mental health issues, and art was either an outlet or coping mechanism. The works in the permanent collection on display were done with an incredible amount of love and obsession. Their changing exhibitions also touch on one point or another - and I've seen a great one on alien abduction years ago. The museum opens people's eyes to who is allowed to make art and what we call art. The building itself is also beautiful and crazy - a true reflection of the Baltimore art world. Colorful, random, and just a trip. I love this place and try and visit every time I am in Baltimore.
Dana S | Mar 17, 2018
Interesting art museum where none of the artists have been classically trained. There are 3 buildings but one is used only for events. The main building has 3 floors of exhibits and is handicap accessible. There's a sculpture garden outside the main building. The 3rd building has a few exhibits but the main building in my opinion is the best. There is also a gift shop in the main building with unique gifts, books, cards, etc. We spent about 2 hours but did not read every detail on the displays. If you live in Baltimore and really enjoy going or bringing guests it may be more cost effective to buy a membership. It was $60 for 4 adults or $100 for a year membership for 4 adults.
Anita Randolph | Mar 29, 2018
Love this museum! Always eye catching. Every level has eye popping art. Clean cool bathroom. There’s a cafe upstairs, very beautiful! (Never eaten there) Right by federal hill. If you’re a Bank of America card holder, you can get in free every 1st weekend of the month!!!!!! But you have to mention it in order to get the deal! They won’t mention it for you!
Victor Wang | Apr 16, 2018
An absolute must see if you like quirky and thought provoking art work. This place brings the creativity and imagination of a kid and has artifacts that both kids and adults will enjoy. Extremely easy to get yourself lost in all the whimsical pieces. The admission prices are extremely reasonable and don't forget to check out the buildings nearby which house more art work.
Tiffany Parnell | Apr 16, 2018
Amazing curation of Intuitive Art. The permanent exhibits are mesmerizing. Mystery Exhibit quite thought provoking. Whimsy abounds, especially in the Sculpture Garden. Many many moments of great beauty, mixed with healthy doses of laughter & even a few tears. The perfect Art experience, in my opinion. You should treat yourself, I believe...
Andrew Bell | Jun 22, 2018
Over all this is a really great museum. The collection spans three buildings and has a great range of pieces. The mechanical pieces were a favorite of my group and we definitely doesn’t a fair amount of time there. There is pay street parking right out back of the museum, but we were able to find free street parking on the other side of Federal Hill Park - which is also worth a visit for the view of the city.
Arta Seyedian | Jun 13, 2018
Literally my favorite museum in the world, you get to see some amazing art created by individuals who were not classically trained at all. Great place to be inspired to create art and if you go, I recommend that you read the biographies next to the artwork. These people have some pretty interesting lives.
Jacqueline Copek | Jul 4, 2018
One of my favorite museums in Baltimore. The exhibits are always thought provoking and beautiful. It seems they rotate exhibits on a regular basis which makes it a perfect museum to go to a few times a year. The gift shop is wonderful but I do wish they had a book curating the exhibits. They have a wide selection of books- but I would have loved to take part of the museum exhibit home with me.
Travis Fiorina | Aug 1, 2018
Fun and eclectic museum. Most of the art is wonderful and thought provoking, but then there is also a fart exhibit which is just silly. I also really enjoy the restaurant at the top, Encantada, it has one of the best brunches in Baltimore on my opinion. The gift shop is also really fun.
Nina Diana -MDH- | Jul 8, 2018
this is a FANTASTIC little gem in Baltimore. it's an easy stroll from Harborplace, across from the Rusty Scupper. The museum is amazing and worth a couple hours. the real gem, however is the gift shop. It is glorious. recent purchases: pineapple sunglasses, a hat shaped like a giant birthday cake, a purse shaped like a rubber chicken, and a bobble-head Pope Francis. I was swooning. A definite Don't Miss!
Jennifer Gill | Jul 12, 2018
It's a neat little museum, but it's pretty small for the $16 adult and $12 child admissions they charge. I'd recommend going on one of the free admission days either through the city or a credit card. For free, it's definitely worth it.
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