A Tour of Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District
The Bromo Arts District is an indie creative community conveniently located downtown near Camden Yards, The Walters Art Museum and Lexington Market.
Named for the iconic Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower that anchors the district to the south, the Bromo Arts and Entertainment District consists of three sections–upper, middle and lower Bromo–roughly bookended by Lombard Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Its artsy reputation stems not only from the countless music venues, theaters and galleries within its bounds, but from the ample support and resources it provides to its resident makers. Together, these factors make Bromo an ideal home for aspiring creatives, and the perfect place to immerse yourself in Baltimore’s art scene.
Things to do in Bromo Arts District
Start your morning with a satisfying breakfast from the historic Lexington Market, the oldest continually operating public market in the United States. Enjoy a hearty breakfast platter consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage and homefries from the Omlet Side Show stand on the eastern side of the market, or pick up a delicious pastry from Buttercup Bakery before making your way to the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower.
The Bromo Tower, modeled after Palazzo Vecchio in Italy, was added to the Baltimore skyline in 1911 and now serves as a creative hub for artists, architects, writers and other makers to engage with the public. You’ll find new treasures on each floor, from the “Sounds of the Tower” performance space on floor three to the Emerson/Maryland Glass Museum on floor fifteen. Book a history tour to get a glimpse of the original pendulum and clock space, which features the largest four-dial gravity-driven non-chiming clock in the world.
From here, art lovers might enjoy touring Bromo’s many gallery spaces, including Maryland Art Place, Current Space and NoMuNoMu arts collaborative. Also be sure to check out the Eubie Blake Cultural Center, named for the legendary ragtime pianist and composer. Meanwhile, history buffs should not miss the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which houses the clothing, artwork, furniture and historic objects that tell the story of the state and the people that shaped it, and Westminster Hall & Burial Ground, the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe and General James McHenry.
For the ultimate end to your arts-centric day, attend a performance at Everyman Theatre or the Hippodrome!
Events in Bromo Arts District
Bromo Art Walks
Immerse yourself in Bromo Arts District’s creative scene through an evening of free performances, exhibitions and open studios. From 5-9 p.m., wander in and out of beloved Bromo institutions like the Baltimore Jazz Alliance, the Black Artist Research Space, Blackwater House, Current Space, the Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Le Mondo, the Media Rhythm Institute and more as you listen to live music, participate in art installations and photography sessions and glimpse previews of upcoming exhibitions and neighborhood projects. A shuttle is also available to help you move through the neighborhood. Along the way, sample delicious eats from food trucks or enjoy special discounts from neighborhood restaurants like Forno, Cuples Tea House and Cajou Creamery. After the art walk, head to Current Space for an after-party featuring music, dancing and late-night bites!
Play-A-Role with Everyman Theatre
This regularly-occurring interactive workshop allows you to step into the spotlight for an evening and read a play with fellow theater lovers—no acting experience necessary! In addition to a copy of the script, your tax-deductible ticket gets you a delicious meal or snack box courtesy of the hosting venue. Readings are also often accompanied by wine tastings or happy hours, perfect for getting to know your fellow playmates.
Maryland Art Place’s Under 500 Sale
Knock out some holiday shopping or treat yourself to a new one-of-a-kind statement piece at Maryland Art Place’s annual Under 500 exhibition and art show. Typically occurring in December, Under 500 is a winter benefit where regional artists can present and sell 1-3 art pieces, as long as they are no more than $500. As a bonus: artwork can be wrapped for you, so you can check one more item off your holiday to-do list.
Bromo Tower Public Access Weekends
On the second weekend of every month, the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower fully opens up to the public, allowing guests to view artwork and explore the spaces on all fifteen floors. Expect to find artists at work in their studios, many of whom are happy to answer questions about their work, creative process and life as an artist in Baltimore. Admission to the galleries, studios and 15th-floor museum are free, but for $8 you can book a tour of the historic clock tower and see the inner workings of the iconic clock.
