Long before the more famous obelisk in Washington, Baltimore built its own monument to George Washington. The marble column rises above Mount Vernon Place at 699 Washington Place, and it is the centerpiece of four elegant squares lined with townhouses, churches and museums that make this one of the most handsome neighborhoods in America. A heroic bust of Washington has faced the south entrance since 1843. Inside the base, a free gallery uses interactive touchscreens, a virtual tour and live camera views from the top to tell the story of the monument, and a video kiosk covers its restoration. Above it, a stair tower of 227 marble steps spirals up in nine rotations to a lookout with views in four directions, over the rooftops of Mount Vernon to the harbor and the stadiums. The climb is short, timed and cheap, so it is one of the best small things you can do in the city. The monument is also a natural starting point for a stroll around the squares, past the Walters Art Museum and the grand Peabody Library nearby.
How to visit
The monument is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The gallery is free. The lookout level needs a climb ticket, listed at a few dollars for adults and less for children, and tickets can be bought on site or online, which is advisable on busy summer weekends.
Climbs leave every 20 minutes in groups of up to five, so the stairs never feel crowded. The monument closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and on Code Red heat days in Baltimore. The conservancy’s site conflicts on payment methods, so confirm by email with the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy if you plan to rely on cash.
What to expect
The 227 steps are steep, narrow and enclosed, with no air conditioning, so choose a cool day and wear sensible shoes. There are no restrooms in the monument, and large bags, backpacks, glass bottles, food, drinks other than water and pets are not allowed, so travel light. Bring water and a camera, since the view at the top is the point. If you do not fancy the stairs, the free gallery at the bottom still gives you the history.
Making the most of it
Arrive at opening for the easiest booking, then spend an hour wandering the four squares, which are lovely in any season and particularly pretty when the trees are bare and the lights are on. The Walters Art Museum is a two-minute walk away and free, and the Mount Vernon walking tour adds the history of the great houses. Hotel Revival and The Ivy are within a short stroll if you want to stay nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A free gallery at the base and a timed climb of 227 marble steps to a lookout, in groups of up to five every 20 minutes.
Best time
Opening time on a cool day, when climb tickets are easy to get and the stairs are comfortable.
How long
About 45 to 90 minutes including the gallery, the climb and a stroll around the squares.
Tips
Travel light, bring water, avoid hot days and buy a climb ticket ahead on busy weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs, couples and anyone who likes a view and a short, characterful climb.
- Families
- Active children enjoy the spiral stairs, but the steps are steep and enclosed, so it is not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
- Couples
- Climb at opening, then walk the squares and have lunch in Mount Vernon.
- Pair with
- The Walters Art Museum next door and the Mount Vernon walking tour.
- Time needed
- About an hour, or a morning with the squares.
Good questions
How many steps are in the Baltimore Washington Monument?+
The stair tower has 227 marble steps that spiral through nine rotations up to the lookout.
When can I climb the Washington Monument in Baltimore?+
It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Climbs leave every 20 minutes for groups of up to five and need a climb ticket.
Is the monument gallery free?+
Yes, the gallery at the base is free, with touchscreens, a virtual tour, live camera views from the top and a history of the monument. Only the lookout climb needs a ticket.
What should I not bring up the monument?+
Large bags and backpacks, food, drinks other than water, glass bottles and pets are not allowed, and there are no restrooms inside.
When is the monument closed?+
It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and on Code Red heat days in Baltimore.
