American Visionary Art Museum

One of Baltimore's most unique museums is the American Visionary Art Museum. Featuring over 4,000 pieces of eccentric artwork, the museum is a popular destination for Baltimore residents and visitors alike. Built in 1995, the museum started out with two old warehouse buildings and a few popular exhibits. Growing in popularity, the museum expanded with a third building and added outdoor sculptures. The museum has incredible visionary art pieces that run the gamut from moving metal sculptures to figures created out of paper mache. Tours are routinely given for those wishing to learn more about each art exhibit and the many artists that have contributed to the museum.

How to get to the American Visionary Art Museum
The museum is very accessible by car, cab, public buses, and a water taxi stop across the street. Metered parking is available in a back lot behind the museum. Travelers arriving by the water taxi can easily walk across the roadway to enter the museum.

Best and worst time to go to the American Visionary Art Museum
The best time to visit is in July and August. The museum has numerous outdoors exhibits such as the famed Art Car. During the summer there are numerous outside activities including the popular, free film presentation on weekends. During the winter months many outdoor exhibits are closed or have a reduced presence.

Must see/do at the American Visionary Art Museum
Some of the best exhibits include the Tree of Life, Wind in My Hair, the Art of War and Peace, and What Makes Us Smile. Kids will enjoy the Art of Storytelling exhibit. Other exhibits include painted screens, robot sculptures, a giant whirligig that moves in the wind outside, and many kinetic art pieces. Kids can sign up for special summer camp classes to learn more kinetic forms of art building.

Other places to visit near the American Visionary Art Museum
The museum is adjacent to Federal Hill Park and is located across from the Inner Harbor. Downtown Baltimore is located north of the museum. Visitors may also want to explore other nearby attractions including Fort McHenry, Fell's Point, and Little Italy.

Insider tip for visitors to the American Visionary Art Museum
When parking is available, be sure to add enough time to adequately explore the museum. Always double check to ensure that a parking space is not restricted during the time of a visit. Large families or groups of friends may want to consider buying a group pass with a small discount.

Author's bio: Bruce Emmerling is a freelance writer residing in Baltimore, MD. He's been writing independent articles about technology, travel, events and news for over six years.