Museums & Galleries in Baltimore

American Civil War Wax Museum, tucked in the historical and geographical shadow of the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, immerses visitors in the history of the fledgling Union's internal war with realistic scenes and life-size wax figures dressed in historically accurate attire and equipment. Patrons embark on a self-guided journey through a number of detailed exhibits, such as the Battle Room, which simulates the battlefield experience with a digital audiovisual presentation, or the animatronic Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, just as the first robot Lincoln did nearly 160 years ago. Across the way, Veteran's Park coaxes erstwhile museum-striders to soak in the historic surroundings on a bench or beneath a shade tree while relaxing among chirping birds. Since opening in 1962, the museum has broadened the historical knowledge of more than 8 million visitors and has hosted such notable orators as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

As the Potomac River flows in the distance, George Mason’s historical Georgian mansion overlooks sprawling gardens, hiking trails, and a 250-year-old boxwood tree. A senior statesman, Mason laid the foundation for this site in 1755, building his new family home just yards away from the site of his grandfather’s house. Though the original 18th-century carriage roads, tree banks, and wide vistas have since disappeared, experts have reconstructed much of the property’s original splendor through archaeological digs; the written memoirs of George’s son, John; and the testimonials of kidnapped time travelers.

Today, trained guides and museum docents lead guests on tours across the grounds, as well as through an exhibit of more than 50 pieces of art and furnishings detailing the life of the politician, his wife Ann, and their family. As guests learn about Mason’s role as the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights and as an advocate of freedom of the press and religious tolerance, they walk through opulent halls and rooms designed in French modern, neoclassical, and Chinese styles. In addition to tours, the house and grounds host seasonal events such as an old-fashioned candlelit Christmas celebration, a spring kite festival, and an autumn séance to summon the Great Pumpkin.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. escorts guests on an interactive journey through American history. Only here, the past isn't manifested through movies, but through wax. Inside, The President's Gallery brings visitors face-to-face with all 44 US presidents, from Harry Truman to Abe Lincoln and his signature spinning bowtie. Cultural leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., stand tall nearby, and rock stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan compose silent jam sessions in the Vintage Music Room. Hollywood stars, sports heroes, and nonpresidential political figures round out the collection, which can be visited 365 days a year.

Since opening in 1921, The Phillips Collection has nurtured an exquisite collection of modern and impressionist works by canvas camouflaging masters such as Renoir, Rothko, Bonnard, O'Keeffe, van Gogh, and Degas. In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the internationally recognized Dupont Circle landmark will orchestrate a rich bouquet of programs, exhibitions, and events throughout 2011 before blowing out the 90 candles blazing on its birthday cake.