American Visionary Art Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The American Visionary Art Museum is the nation's museum for self-taught, intuitive artistry. Three historic buildings house wonders created by farmers, housewives, mechanics, the disabled, the homeless, as well as the occasional neurosurgeon—all inspired by the fire within. From carved roots to embroidered rags, tattoos to toothpicks, ‘the visionary’ transforms dreams, loss, hopes, and ideals into powerful works of art. "one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America" - CNN "Best Museum in Maryland" - USA Today "a temple of outsider art" - New York Times. Tickets: $9.95-15.95. Children 6 and under and museum members are free.
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Neighborhood: Federal Hill
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,643 reviews
Excellent
1,188
Very good
323
Average
88
Poor
23
Terrible
21
Richard C
Virginia727 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
During the pandemic, I was in a zoom that mentioned the American Visionary Art Museum, so it was a destination now that travel is open again. I wasn't sure what I would find there, but to be sure, I'm very happy to have visited. It's a mixed bag, some of the work deserves to highlighted on a national level while some of it is just down right fun. Yes, art can be life altering in its embracing of fun! That said, the gift shop alone is worth the visit. It's colorful, at times silly, and overwhelming and adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the museum and of the wonderful city that sponsors it. Do go.
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phillygem
New Castle, DE376 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I came to the museum on a Saturday by myself. I bought tickets the night before for about $15. It's definitely worth the price. There was 4 floors and each floor has its own theme. The art was very visual and thought provoking. Even the gift shop had interesting items to look at and purchase. There was the main museum building and then a secondary building with artwork. Both buildings had courteous staff from the reception desk to the guards around the museum to the people in the gift shop. There was metered parking right outside the building. I stayed there for about 3 hours. I recommend checking out this museum as it is very unique compared to others. I want to say more about the artist and the artwork itself but I'll let that speak for itself.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbug61
Washington DC, DC1,549 contributions
May 2023
I finally made a trip to Baltimore to visit this amazing museum of self-taught and intuitive art, after meaning to do so for many years. The art is so superb I can't believe I waited this long to see it, and I can't wait to visit again. Some of the art is fun and whimsical eye candy, while the "Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family" exhibit is deeply moving and thought-provoking, beautiful and heart-wrenching. This museum is a treasure.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackrobrien
1 contribution
May 2021
This museum used to be dedicated to the crude but amazing art of the untrained artists, and folk artists, including physically, mentally, or emotionally burdened artists. The artists skewed heavily toward Appalachia and included a large number of Black and poor White artists.
Yesterday I visited to find that many of the wonderful exhibits I recalled were gone. I have seen better private collections. Instead, I was subjected to multi-media lectures about Global Warming, species extinction and the shameful price we pay for the concrete, steel, plastic and electricity that made the museum and its exhibits possible.
What they call art in Baltimore, used to be called propaganda.
Yesterday I visited to find that many of the wonderful exhibits I recalled were gone. I have seen better private collections. Instead, I was subjected to multi-media lectures about Global Warming, species extinction and the shameful price we pay for the concrete, steel, plastic and electricity that made the museum and its exhibits possible.
What they call art in Baltimore, used to be called propaganda.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mominct24
Stamford212 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Teens enjoyed the weird but powerful stuff. Only giving 3 stars because it was way too crowded during COVID. Plus there’s a long line in even if you buy tickets beforehand. And no instruction that you have to wait online. Perhaps they should start doing timed tickets on the half hours to disperse the crowds a bit. I ended up leaving early because I was just too nervous even being vaccinated and they were strict with masks.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley
New York City, NY1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Couples
My interest in AVAM was piqued when I read the description for their "Healing and the Art of Compassion (and the Lack Thereof!)" exhibit online, but after reading the review here from the gentleman who was upset that there were no displays about the nonexistent "attacks by antifa and BLM," I knew I would have a good time. Frankly, I underestimated just how much I would enjoy the exhibit and museum as a whole. It's a wonderful space filled with beautiful, non-traditional works of art made by creators from all walks of life.
We spent most of our day in the main building, which is packed with purposefully curated artwork and quotes everywhere you look. It speaks to our interconnectedness as a society and who we are as America. I'm confused how anyone could spend time in a space with wall-to-wall creations from people of all races, genders, and religions (including their own religious figures and texts!) and not find it inclusive. The message of the museum to me was neither conservative nor liberal but simply the truth by the people who live(d) it. It was emotional and impactful, and I left feeling inspired. In addition to the Healing and Compassion exhibit, we were especially moved by the collection of embroideries created by Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz.
The only thing I disliked is that the hours are way too short for the amount of art they have on display if you're the type to spend time taking it in and reading about the artists. We came around 1 but hardly got to see the second building before they closed at 5. Guess we'll have to return the next time we're in town!
We spent most of our day in the main building, which is packed with purposefully curated artwork and quotes everywhere you look. It speaks to our interconnectedness as a society and who we are as America. I'm confused how anyone could spend time in a space with wall-to-wall creations from people of all races, genders, and religions (including their own religious figures and texts!) and not find it inclusive. The message of the museum to me was neither conservative nor liberal but simply the truth by the people who live(d) it. It was emotional and impactful, and I left feeling inspired. In addition to the Healing and Compassion exhibit, we were especially moved by the collection of embroideries created by Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz.
The only thing I disliked is that the hours are way too short for the amount of art they have on display if you're the type to spend time taking it in and reading about the artists. We came around 1 but hardly got to see the second building before they closed at 5. Guess we'll have to return the next time we're in town!
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gt6243c
Baltimore, MD133 contributions
Jul 2021
This reason for my poor review is due to my experience and not the museum collection.
I purchased my ticket online with a timed entry, which the website stated was required. I arrived shortly before my ticketed time and waited outside because the line inside seemed to be quite long. When I finally joined the line, it was to find only one person working at the entrance. She was having to handle membership purchases, sell tickets for times later in the day, and print the receipts for those of us with prepurchased tickets. I was able to start my visit approximately 30 minutes after my ticketed time.
The museum's main building seemed crowded, and it was difficult to stay socially distanced. The Jim Rouse Visionary Center was much more enjoyable and less crowded.
I purchased my ticket online with a timed entry, which the website stated was required. I arrived shortly before my ticketed time and waited outside because the line inside seemed to be quite long. When I finally joined the line, it was to find only one person working at the entrance. She was having to handle membership purchases, sell tickets for times later in the day, and print the receipts for those of us with prepurchased tickets. I was able to start my visit approximately 30 minutes after my ticketed time.
The museum's main building seemed crowded, and it was difficult to stay socially distanced. The Jim Rouse Visionary Center was much more enjoyable and less crowded.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie M
Woodstock, NY23 contributions
Sep 2022
So much creativity and inspiration in this unusual museum. I especially liked the many quotes displayed. Don’t skip the gift shop (which I normally would). It is fun and special and I even bought things that were fun and reasonably priced. The folks who run the shop are also a pleasure.
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElvisAndrus
Arlington, TX805 contributions
Apr 2023
I loved every second but the brief but highly informative statements about the artists made it all the richer. The place just felt great. Lots to see, space well used. Felt down to earth just like the art.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isela C
Chicago, IL16 contributions
Aug 2021
This was such a fun place. It is different and contains unique quirky exhibits. Glad we made the trip. Took the train to Baltimore from DC enjoyed aquarium then a walk (about 20 min) to this museum.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PetVetNicole
Schwenksville, PA5 contributions
I have a 3 and 6 year old - will they find it interesting? Are there kid directed activities? They love science museums but their attentions spam isn’t the longest.
curlyheadAsheville
Asheville, NC53 contributions
I did not see anything specifically kid directed but I do think that this is a good museum for kids because the offerings are so visually interesting and everything has a story.
PetVetNicole
Schwenksville, PA5 contributions
I have a 3 and 6 year old - will they find it interesting? Are there kid directed activities? They love science museums but their attentions spam isn’t the longest.
Breathingmagic
Vero Beach, FL293 contributions
ok so I would call first. I initially said YES because my son was very much into such things at a young age and the museum often has sock puppet work shops etc. so you may want to schedule a visit when it is geared specifically for little ones.
Alejandro M
28 contributions
¿puedo entrar con una pequeña mochila?
En caso de que no se pueda, ¿Tienen un lugar donde pueda dejar mi mochila?
cyearick
Shermans Dale, PA5 contributions
Do they allow strollers?
gr8fish2017
Catonsville, MD182 contributions
Yes, they allow strollers.
American Visionary Art Museum (Baltimore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about American Visionary Art Museum
- American Visionary Art Museum is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near American Visionary Art Museum:
- (0.29 mi) Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
- (0.31 mi) Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
- (0.19 mi) New Photos! Best Location & Reviews - Bmore Charmed!
- (0.39 mi) The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore
- (0.36 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Baltimore
- Restaurants near American Visionary Art Museum:
- (0.13 mi) Rusty Scupper
- (0.04 mi) Ammoora
- (0.39 mi) Charleston Restaurant
- (0.48 mi) Joe Benny's Focacceria
- (0.43 mi) Dalesio's of Little Italy Restaurant