The Peale

Open during ARTSCAPE 2025 and housing the Sondheim Semifinalist Art Exhibit...compact 3 storey museum right in downtown Baltimore. Clean bathrooms, working elevators and superb exhibit. Includes a cozy garden.

The Peale is a wonderful community museum located just a couple of blocks from the Sunday farmer’s market, making it a great addition to a weekend outing. Housed in a beautifully renovated 200-year-old building, the museum hosts rotating exhibits and features a gallery showcasing artists from diverse backgrounds. This past weekend, I visited to see an exhibit about Baltimore’s first Black firefighters, and it was both impactful and educational. From the moment I entered, I felt welcomed. Ms. Daisy greeted me with such warmth and enthusiasm, immediately sharing the building’s fascinating history and providing a guide on how to make the most of my visit. Her excitement for the museum was infectious, and her knowledge added a lot to the experience. Sam, who seemed to be managing the small gift shop on the main floor, was equally kind and helpful, creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere throughout the visit. While there’s a small garden at the back of the building, it’s more of a quiet nook than a central feature. It seems like it could be a nice spot for tea or a small spring gathering, but it didn’t play a major role in my visit. The real highlights were the exhibits, the wonderful art on the top two floors, and the sense of community that The Peale fosters, which left a lasting impression. I’m already looking forward to returning for another event or exhibition. While you won’t be able to visit before the farmer’s market starts, The Peale is worth planning your day around. It’s a special space where art, history, and storytelling come together in a meaningful way.

Wonderful historic venue for event. Parking on street and nearby. Valet preferred for attendees. Various spaces within venue for gathering. Indoor snd garden spaces. One large space on 2nd floor for presentation, entertainment set up. Nice Gift Shop Downside: stairs may be a challenge for some attendees. ADA accessible from street - elevator to all floors. Small and slow. Support our Historic Properties!

Very cute small museum. It is free to enter and they have a lot of replicas on the first floor and local art on the top two floors. The staff is very kind and the outdoor space is gorgeous!

I enjoyed the Peale Museum. The 1st floor exhibits on the history of the museum and the Peale family were very interesting. I also enjoyed the garden and the community exhibits concerning the Guardians and the Chicory magazine.

First building construction destined for a museum in the States. It’s now a community museum, hosting interesting exhibits and with the cutest shop ever. Staff is amazing.

Great exhibit Black Panthers in Baltimore. Loved our little free community museum!

I passed by the bldg all the time not knowing it was a museum the very first museum. I was only in there for a minute, amazed @ what I saw free post cards you can have. The hrs Thurs thru Sunday