Housed in Baltimore's last surviving cannery, this museum takes a proud look at the world of work in Charm City. It celebrates the city's industrial leadership from the 1800s until modern times with exhibits on seafood packing, canning, printing, and garment manufacturing. And it does it in a visceral fashion, with visitors being invited to walk through an old-fashioned grocery store, sit at a desk with an old telelphone, or walk around antique delivery trucks. There's a metal shop and a timeline that displays artifacts about Maryland firsts, including the first gas lights in 1816, the first American umbrella company, the first railroad, and construction of the first transoceanic aircraft, the China Clipper. The best time to come to the BMI is Saturday when docents run the Linotype machine and work in the blacksmith shop. Guided tours are offered both Saturday and Sunday. Displays help tell the stories of the industries and the people employed by them, but the docents bring it all to life. The museum went through lots of renovations in 2013, with a new lobby, relocation of the old drug store, and some new temporary exhibit space. A cool little gift shop is oriented towards kids, just like the museum. The museum is a few blocks from Fort McHenry; a visit to both (perhaps with a picnic on Fort McHenry's waterfront lawn) could make for a swell day.
Baltimore
Travel Guide
Baltimore› Attraction
Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Hwy.
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Waterfront, south Baltimore
Hours
Tues–Sun 10am–4pm; closed Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Dec 24–25
Transportation
Bus 1 to Fort Ave. (1 block south of museum); on Banner Route of Charm City Circulator; free parking onsite
Phone
410/727-4808
Prices
$12 adults, $9 seniors, $7 ages 7–18
Web site
Baltimore Museum of Industry
Map
1415 Key Hwy. BaltimoreNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.