Explore Charm City’s Most Fascinating Spaces and Places at Doors Open Baltimore

Hear the riddle of the “Poe Toaster” and see Edgar Allan Poe’s two grave sites– one of Sunday’s special event sites. Photo courtesy of Westminster Hall

Celebrate the Day of the Dead, waltz through an 1879 ballroom and tour an ancient tomb at this year’s Doors Open Baltimore, a celebration of Baltimore’s architecture and history.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 28-29, 2017, the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, in partnership with AIABaltimore, unlocks the doors to notable buildings and landmarks around the city, including many not typically open to the public. The event is separated into two distinct days of fun: Saturday is designated for open house visits of more than 50 sites around Baltimore, and Sunday features an exclusive array of special events. Although Saturday’s open house tours do not require registration, visitors are asked to sign up in advance for Sunday’s special events at doorsopenbaltimore.org/events. From history to Halloween-themed activities, choose from a variety of events, including:

• Celebrate Mexican culture at the Day of the Dead event at the Walters Art Museum. Bring an item to place on the community altar created by Baltimore artist Edgar Reyes in memory of a loved one, then take in one of the performances including a dance performance by Bailes de Mi Tierra. There will also be multiple art-making activities for all ages.
• For more spooky fun, explore the mystery and macabre of the famous Baltimore native author at a private tour of The Edgar Allan Poe House and museum. Then head over to the Westminster Burying Ground, Catacombs and Hall to view Poe’s two grave sites, and hear the horrific tales of premature burial, grave robbing and body snatching. Those who dare can view the interior of an ancient tomb.
• Take a guided tour of Chase Court, an 1879 Gothic former Episcopal parish house that is now a stunning wedding and event venue. This beautiful location includes secret shade gardens with a pond and pergola, a large ballroom with diamond-leaded glass windows and intricate historic woodwork, and loft-style living quarters featuring stained glass windows and a cathedral-style ceiling soaring 35 feet high.
• Enjoy free admission to the Jewish Museum of Maryland Tour at the Lloyd Street Synagogue, the oldest Synagogue in the state and third oldest in the entire United States. Don’t miss the 1:00 program, “Scapegoats: The Fate of Iraq’s Jews 1917-2017” to hear Maurice Shohet, a Baghdad resident who fled in 1970 and returned in 2003, discuss the decline of the Jewish population of Baghdad from 80,000 to five.

On both Saturday and Sunday, make your first stop the Maryland Historical Society, the information hub for the event, to pick up a collectible Doors Open Baltimore map and brochure and take advantage of free admission to the museum and the historic Enoch Pratt House. Although Saturday’s site tours do not require registration, visitors are asked to register in advance for Sunday’s special events at doorsopenbaltimore.org/events.

Can’t wait until the 28th? Mark your calendar for the event’s kick-off lecture Thursday, October 26 from 6:00-7:30 p.m., in the auditorium of the Earl G. Graves School of Business & Management at Morgan State University. Through the support of the Morgan State University School of Architecture + Planning, Professor Dale Glenwood Green will showcase Maryland’s African American architects who practiced prior to 1970 with a special focus on their education, experience and emergence.

Doors Open Baltimore 2017 is made possible by sponsorship by the Maryland Historical Society; Younts Design Inc.; and Full Circle Ltd; with a grant provided by the Baltimore National Heritage Area.

For additional information on participating locations, special events and general information, go to www.doorsopenbaltimore.org. While there are plenty of sites easily enjoyed by foot or bicycle, visitors are encouraged to utilize Baltimore’s public transit services when travelling between sites further apart. Stay updated on the latest Doors Open Baltimore news and site announcements by liking Doors Open Baltimore on Facebook and following @DoorsOpenBmore on Twitter and Instagram. Share your adventures using the hashtag #ExploreMoreDoors.