The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum is one of Baltimore’s most distinctive and moving museums, devoted to telling the story of African and African American history through lifelike wax figures. The collection includes about 150 figures of historic and contemporary Black people, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, and the newest figure honors Shirley Chisholm, who died in 2005. The museum opened in 1983 in a downtown storefront on Saratoga Street and has grown into a major institution at 1601 East North Avenue, with new galleries, a cafe and a museum store in the works. Unlike a celebrity wax museum, it is built as a teaching experience: figures are arranged in dramatic tableaux that tell stories of the slave trade, the abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights era and the achievements of Black inventors, artists and leaders. Visitors can take a self-guided, individual, audio or group tour. It is a powerful visit for teenagers and adults and a good complement to the city’s Black history walking tours.
How to visit
The museum is at 1601-03 East North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213, north of downtown, so plan a rideshare or drive. It is open Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00, and closed Monday to Wednesday. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, but stays open on Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr.
Day, Presidents’ Day and Easter Sunday. Adult admission is $18, seniors 55 and over, college students with ID and students 12 to 17 pay $17, children 5 to 11 pay $15, and children four and under are free. Members enter free, and tickets can be bought online in advance.
What to expect
Allow at least two hours, since the tableaux reward slow looking and the stories behind them are intense in places. Some scenes, especially those about slavery, are graphic and may be hard for very young children. Reservations are required for groups of ten or more. The museum also offers an Extended Tour, a four-hour motorized tour of Baltimore’s African American landmarks led by local historians. Check the website for current exhibitions and events such as the Street Fair and holiday celebrations.
Making the most of it
Come early in the day, when groups are fewer, and read the labels as you go. Because the museum is expanding, some features, such as the new galleries and cafe, may be under construction, so confirm what is open. Combine the visit with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and a Black history walking tour on a second day for a deeper picture of the city’s history.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided, audio or group tour of about 150 wax figures arranged in tableaux that tell the story of Black history.
Best time
Early in the day on a Thursday to Saturday, when there are fewer school and tour groups.
How long
At least two hours.
Tips
Buy tickets ahead, check the website for what is open during the expansion and remember some scenes are graphic.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs, teenagers, families with older children and anyone interested in Black history.
- Families
- Powerful for older children and teens, but some scenes about slavery are graphic and may upset younger ones.
- Couples
- A thoughtful daytime outing, followed by a meal in the city.
- Pair with
- The Reginald F. Lewis Museum and a Black history walking tour.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the trip from downtown.
Good questions
What are the Great Blacks in Wax Museum hours?+
It is open Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. It is closed Monday to Wednesday.
How much is admission to the Great Blacks in Wax Museum?+
Adults pay $18, seniors, college students and students 12 to 17 pay $17, children 5 to 11 pay $15 and children four and under are free. Members are free.
How many wax figures are there?+
The museum has about 150 wax figures of historic and contemporary Black people, including Dr. King, Rosa Parks and Barack Obama.
Is the Great Blacks in Wax Museum suitable for children?+
It suits older children and teens well, but some scenes about slavery are graphic, so parents of younger children should preview the content.
Is the museum open on holidays?+
It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, and stays open on Veterans Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
