The Walters is a small museum, with only some 36,000 objects. This is good news for tourists because it means a decent visit to the museum only takes 2-3 hours (by contrast, we spent more than 500 days visiting the Smithsonian and never saw it all). Walters was one of the those rich American who looted the treasures of Europe. What was unique about Dr Walter’s looting was his impeccable good taste. Every object in the collection is a first rate example of its genre, and rather than pile up a dozen Monet’s in several rooms, Walters only bought two, each an excellent representations of Monet’s early and middle styles. The jewelry display spans 5,000 years. Starting with ancient Egypt – including a small but spectacular mummy collection – and its neighbors, the Walters concise display of history’s great arts is unrivaled. Spend one hour or two hours or the full depth tour of three hours and you will experience a remarkable history of the best the art world has to offer. Among the world’s great museums, the Walters holds a very special place.
A rarity in America, Baltimore is easily reached from New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC by train.
