List of public art in Baltimore facts for kids
Baltimore is a city full of history and amazing sights, and one of the coolest things to explore is its public art! Public art means sculptures, statues, and other artworks that you can see outdoors in public places. These artworks are like open-air museums, telling stories about the city's past, its heroes, and its culture. They are free for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
This article will introduce you to some of the famous and interesting public artworks you can find around Baltimore. Because there's so much public art, this list only covers a few highlights. You can find more detailed information about Baltimore's public art collection from these sources:
- Baltimore City Public Art Inventory (from 2012)
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Art Inventories Catalog (a database for Baltimore art)
Contents
Exploring Baltimore's Public Art
Baltimore's streets and parks are home to many incredible statues and monuments. Each one has a story to tell about the city's history and the people who shaped it. Let's take a look at some of these special artworks.
Statues of Famous People
Many public artworks honor important figures from history, sports, and culture. These statues help us remember their contributions.
The Armistead Monument
This monument honors George Armistead, a hero from the War of 1812. He was the commander of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore. His brave defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." The statue was created by Edward Berge in 1914 and stands proudly at Fort McHenry. It is made of bronze and is over 8 feet tall.
Babe's Dream
If you love baseball, you'll recognize this one! Babe's Dream is a statue of the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. He was born in Baltimore and became one of the greatest athletes of all time. The statue shows him in action, ready to hit a home run. Created by Susan Luery in 1998, it stands 16 feet tall and is made of bronze. You can find it at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles.
Statue of Billie Holiday
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This bronze statue honors Billie Holiday, a famous jazz singer who grew up in Baltimore. She was known for her unique voice and emotional songs. The statue was made by James Earl Reid in 1985. It is located at Pennsylvania and W. Lafayette avenues, remembering her connection to the city's music scene.
Edgar Allan Poe Monument
Edgar Allan Poe was a famous American writer known for his spooky poems and short stories. He lived in Baltimore for a time. This bronze statue, created by Moses Jacob Ezekiel in 1915, captures his thoughtful presence. It is located at the University of Baltimore Law Center Plaza.
Francis Scott Key Monument
This grand monument celebrates Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lyrics to the U.S. national anthem. He was inspired after watching the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The monument, designed by Antonin Mercié in 1911, features a bronze figure and stands tall at Eutaw Place & Lanvale Street.
George Peabody Statue
George Peabody was a wealthy businessman and a generous giver who supported education and art. He founded the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. This bronze statue, made by William Wetmore Story in 1869, is located in the east garden of Mount Vernon Place.
Johns Hopkins Monument
This monument honors Johns Hopkins, another important Baltimore businessman and giver. He founded Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. The monument, created by Hans Schuler in 1935, is made of bronze and marble. You can find it at Charles and 33rd Streets, near the university he created.
Washington Monument
Baltimore's Washington Monument is a very important landmark. It was the first major monument built in honor of George Washington, the first U.S. President. The monument was designed by Robert Mills and completed in 1829. It stands 188 feet tall with a large statue of Washington at the top. You can find it in Mount Vernon Place, a beautiful park area in the city.
Historical and Symbolic Monuments
Beyond famous people, Baltimore also has monuments that remember important events or ideas.
The Battle Monument
The Battle Monument remembers the soldiers who defended Baltimore during the War of 1812. It was built in 1825 and is one of the city's oldest monuments. Designed by Antonio Capellano and architect Maximilian Godefroy, it stands 52 feet high and is made of marble. You can see it at Calvert and Fayette streets.
Columbus Obelisk
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The Columbus Obelisk is the oldest monument to Christopher Columbus in the United States. It was built in 1792. This tall structure is made of brick and stucco and stands 44 feet high. It is located at Harford Road & Walther Avenue, in Herring Run Park.
Fallsway Fountain
The Fallsway Fountain is a beautiful and large public artwork. It was created by Hans Schuler with architect Theodore Wells Pietsch I in 1915. This impressive fountain is made of marble and measures 30 by 24 by 44 feet. It is located at Guilford Avenue and Biddle Street.
Maryland Line Monument
This monument honors the brave soldiers of the "Maryland Line," a group of Maryland regiments who fought heroically during the American Revolutionary War. The monument, created by Albert L. Van den Berghen in 1901, is made of bronze and stands over 60 feet high. It is located in Mount Royal Plaza.
Pulaski Memorial
The Pulaski Memorial honors Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and military commander who fought for American independence during the Revolutionary War. This memorial was created by Hans Schuler in 1942. It is made of bronze, marble, and brick, and can be found in Patterson Park at Linwood and Eastern Avenue.
Union Soldiers and Sailors Monument
This monument celebrates the soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was created by Adolph A. Weinman with architect Albert Randolph Ross in 1909. Made of bronze, it is located in Wyman Park at Charles and 29th streets.
Removed Statues
Some public artworks in Baltimore have been removed over time due to changing public views and historical understanding. These removals often happen after discussions about who or what should be honored in public spaces.
Columbus Monument (Canessa)
This marble statue of Christopher Columbus was created by Achille Canessa in 1892. It was located in Druid Hill Park. This statue was later removed by the city.
Christopher Columbus Statue (Bigarani)
Another statue of Christopher Columbus, this one made of marble by Mauro Bigarani in 1984, was located in Little Italy. This statue was also removed by the city.
Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument
This bronze monument honored Confederate soldiers and sailors from the American Civil War. It was created by Frederick Ruckstull in 1902. It was located at Mount Royal Avenue and Lafayette Avenue. This monument was removed by the city in 2017.
Confederate Women's Monument
This bronze monument honored women who supported the Confederacy during the Civil War. It was created by J. Maxwell Miller in 1917. It was located at Charles Street and University Parkway. This monument was also removed by the city in 2017.
Roger B. Taney Monument
This bronze statue honored Roger B. Taney, a former Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. It was created by William Henry Rinehart in 1871. It was located in the north garden of Mount Vernon Place. This monument was removed by the city in 2017.
Jackson and Lee Monument
This bronze monument honored Confederate generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. It was created by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1948. It was located in Wyman Park Dell. This monument was removed by the city in 2017.
Images for kids
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Force by Antoine-Louis Barye
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Military Courage by Paul DuBois
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Order by Antoine-Louis Barye
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Orpheus with the Awkward Foot by Charles Henry Niehaus
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Peace by Antoine-Louis Barye
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Seated Lion by Antoine-Louis Barye
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War by Antoine-Louis Barye
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George Washington by Edward Sheffield Bartholomew
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The Hiker by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson
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The John Eager Howard Monument by Emmanuel Fremiet
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Lafayette Monument by Andrew O'Connor, Jr.
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Latrobe Monument by Edward Berge and J. Maxwell Miller
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Severn Teackle Wallis by Laurent-Honoré Marqueste
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Wallace Monument by D. W. Stevenson
