The Art of Reading: Exploring Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum is a public art gallery located in Baltimore's Mount Vernon neighborhood. The institution was founded in 1934 by art collector and philanthropist, Henry Walters. Upon his death, Walters donated his family's art collection—alongside a sizable endowment and multiple properties—to the city of Baltimore. 

Walters intended for the gallery to be "for the benefit of the public," making it free for any and all to attend. The museum has since become a cultural landmark, dedicated to joining art and people together. With a series of constantly evolving displays and installations, educational programming and events, and a permanent collection of 36,000 objects, Walters is an unrivaled resource within the Baltimore community.

I first visited Walters with my best friend, the history fanatic. She had studied one of the pieces in a class and was excited to see it in-person. Much of our time at the museum, I admit, was spent admiring its lovely collection of Renaissance artwork and recreating some of the more bizarre poses in the paintings. But I have since made an effort to visit the museum at least once a year to explore all it has to offer, including its latest exhibitions.

   

This latest trip, I was excited to learn that Walters has one of the largest rare books and manuscripts collections, featuring ancient prints and bindings from across the globe. According to the museum's website, “with more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books (ca. 1455 - 1500), and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions, this extraordinary collection chronicles the art of the book over more than 1,000 years.” 

I was especially lucky to view the museum's latest exhibition "If Books Could Kill." Available through the end of summer, this installation warns patrons about the dangerous science behind traditionally illuminated manuscripts.

Illumination refers to the colorful adornments that exist in many ancient, handwritten texts. Although the designs are remarkably beautiful, they pose a serious danger to readers; for thousands of years, toxic materials—most notably arsenic, lead, and mercury—were used in manuscript illumination. Walters team of conservators has taken special care in safely preserving these manuscripts for the public's viewing pleasure.

Whether you are a lover of all things art or a total museum newbie, the Walters Art Museum is the perfect opportunity to experience global history and culture in the heart of Baltimore City.