The European Gallery
Baltimore has some preeminent institutions of art and learning that, amazingly, are free and open to the public. In addition to the Baltimore Museum of Art, there is the Walters Art Museum and Peabody Institute. Last weekend, during a visit from Mardi's dad and Cathy, we all headed down to the Walters Art Museum, and then on to tour the Peabody Institute.
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is internationally renowned for its collection of art. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Deco jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.
The Walters truly is a great FREE experience. Did you note the "free" part? Yes, a preeminent collection of art free for the viewing. What a great deal! This truly is one of the perks of living close to the "big city". Currently at the Walters is a special exhibit Walter Wick: Games, Gizmos and Toys in the Attic. Walter Wick is the author of the I Spy and Do You See What I See books. It was great fun.
The Peabody is a hidden treasure in Baltimore. Part of The Johns Hopkins University, the Peabody, founded in 1857, is "the practical embodiment" of George Peabody's belief in "the power of the artist to open the minds and enrich the lives of others". We were given freedom to roam the institute between performances of the Youth Orchestra. We were "auditory voyeurs", walking the halls listening to the students practicing the instruments – from violins and cellos to brass – behind closed doors. It was a great, and surprisingly exciting, experience for the girls!
After our museum venture, we ended the evening having a memorable dinner at The Helmand Restaurant in the Mt. Vernon section of Baltimore. Appetizers of Kaddo Borawni (baked baby pumpkin) and roasted eggplant, entrees of lamb tenderloin and kabobs, all served with delicious Afghan bread and pallow rice, were a fantastic way to end the day! I don't know if I can recommend the Turkish coffee. I'm sure it was good, to Turkish coffee standards, but my palate was not liking it!
Get out and enjoy your city! There are treats and surprises waiting everywhere for your discovery. Branch out a little and try that ethnic restaurant you see from time to time. And take your kids! They will grow from the experience. It's worth it.
More photographs from our visit can be found at our SmugMug gallery – Walters Museum and Peabody Conservatory.
Enjoy! If you like what you see, be sure to click the "Like" button and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you.