American Visionary Art Museum
American Visionary Art Museum
4.5
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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- Y YScotch Plains, New Jersey174 contributionsOne of the best museums you will ever go to.This museum has THE best gift store I have ever seen with extremely unusual stuff. The museum itself has display items that are extremely unusual and cool! I loved the huge model of the titanic made out of toothpicks, an extremely well done tapestries that really help you understand her experiences when the Nazi's took over Germany and her story.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 14, 2024
- Garrett S147 contributionsUnique and amazingWhat a unique and amazing place! I love a good art museum and this one stands out. It balances very well the quirky/funky side of art, while also showcasing more serious message art. It's not huge, but they pack in some great exhibits with a variety of themes.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 8, 2024
- sfgrannySan Francisco, California222 contributionsExceptional approachable artA friend of my daughter recommended visiting this museum during a visit to Baltimore and it was a terrific choice. My two grandkids - ages 9 and 10 - found it interesting and all of us enjoyed the creativity from a variety of artists. We were fortunate that the fellow running the gift shop came over as we entered the museum and gave us a 10 minute overview of the art and artists which really enhanced our experience. The gift shop itself was unusual and the grandkids found some unique and reasonably priced souvenirs. If you’re with kids don’t miss the flatulence installation complete with sound effects!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 3, 2024
- elysec2018New Orleans, Louisiana87 contributionsA must do in Baltimore -- adults and children alikeThis is a must do in Baltimore! It was inexpensive (only $10 for an adult) and simply incredible. The variety of artwork and styles was incredible. The playfulness and bright colors of the space and artwork was attractive. We spent almost 2 hours walking through (including the sculpture garden and looking at the outside of the building). This was a very pleasant Baltimore surprise! I would definitely take children and friends!Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,651 reviews
Excellent
1,195
Very good
323
Average
88
Poor
23
Terrible
22
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
Stamford206 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.
gt6243c
Baltimore, MD136 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.
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.
phillygem
New Castle, DE369 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.
deejaytortuga
Chicago, IL11 contributions
Dec 2019
This place is filled with beautiful, relevant art on multiple floors in multiple buildings. I can't wait to return. Usually I dread gift shops, but this one is great fun. Find a child to bring!
Written February 12, 2020
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.
Leo
United States9 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
It was nice. Saw outside art with the windmill and also inside. For the first time on the first floor I was disturbed and creeped out by some of the art but I really liked that cause usually it’s not often I feel uncomfortable.
Written July 30, 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.
Dave M
Baltimore, MD137 contributions
Jun 2021
The museum specializes in the preservation and display of outsider art. Its exhibitions examine the relationship of art to the human condition. The shows on exhibition when we visited included a reflection on One Human Family and The Secret Life of Earth - both exhibitions were thought provoking, profoundly moving, and beautiful. The gift shop had a lot of fun things for both adults and children, so don't miss it.
Written July 1, 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.
RoyBoy
26 contributions
Jul 2021
The museum specializes in outsider art, generally defined as work by intuitive and self-trained artists. A fascinating and fun visit. While some of the works were light-hearted, while others reflected the artist's deep feeling or beliefs.. An exhibit of the beautifully embroidered panels by Esther Krinitz documenting her family history following the Nazi invasion of Poland was especially moving. Save some time to visit "Side Show," a museum gift shop like no other!
Written July 18, 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.
sfgranny
San Francisco, CA222 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
A friend of my daughter recommended visiting this museum during a visit to Baltimore and it was a terrific choice. My two grandkids - ages 9 and 10 - found it interesting and all of us enjoyed the creativity from a variety of artists. We were fortunate that the fellow running the gift shop came over as we entered the museum and gave us a 10 minute overview of the art and artists which really enhanced our experience. The gift shop itself was unusual and the grandkids found some unique and reasonably priced souvenirs. If you’re with kids don’t miss the flatulence installation complete with sound effects!
Written August 3, 2024
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.
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.
Written January 29, 2019
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.
Written January 30, 2019
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.
Written January 29, 2019
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.
Written February 13, 2019
¿puedo entrar con una pequeña mochila?
En caso de que no se pueda, ¿Tienen un lugar donde pueda dejar mi mochila?
Written April 15, 2018
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