Learn the Secrets of Historic and Modern Buildings During the Second Annual "Doors Open Baltimore" Event October 24

The Baltimore Architecture Foundation and American Institute of Architects Baltimore (AIA Baltimore) invite the public to the second annual Doors Open Baltimore event on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The one-day, free and family-friendly event is being held in conjunction with Baltimore Architecture Month, and offers participants the opportunity to walk through and learn about dozens of historic and modern structures around Baltimore City, from Locust Point to Mount Washington.

“Doors Open” events take place in cities around the world to promote heritage and enhance public appreciation of architecture and its place in history. Last year, more than 600 people attended the inaugural Doors Open Baltimore and enjoyed a fun-filled and educational experience. This year event organizers hope to attract more than 1,000 visitors.

The theme of this year’s tour is “Undiscovered Baltimore” and showcases little-known buildings around the city along with heretofore hidden features and spaces within some well-known landmarks not regularly open to the public. In addition to opening their doors, many sites will offer special programs for visitors, such as trained guides who will share insights and point out special features of the exteriors and interiors of the buildings. Construction on some of the sites dates back as far as the 1800’s.

Buildings that will be open include:

· The American Brewery- This building is one of the finest surviving examples of the Teutonic Brewery style. Known locally as the “German Pagoda,” this symbol of a thriving East Baltimore was left to decay along with the surrounding neighborhood for over 40 years. The building has since been restored and is home to Humanim, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities.

· Aisquith St. Meeting House- The oldest surviving house of worship in Baltimore, the quaint, two-story building has a trapdoor, crawlspace, and hidden room that were discovered during renovations.

· The Fitzgerald- Designed by local firm Design Collective, this award-winning, eco-friendly building constructed in 2010 dazzles with seven-foot windows and a waterwall courtyard. The “green” rooftop houses butterflies and birds.

· Duchess of Windsor Museum- Home to the largest private collection of all things related to the Duchess of Windsor in Baltimore, Phil Baty has turned the basement of his townhouse into a museum. Baty owns countless replicas of her jewelry, memorabilia and old newspapers detailing her life with the Duke of Windsor who abdicated the throne of England to be with her.

Nathan Dennies of AIA Baltimore says, “’Doors Open’ celebrates Baltimore history and architecture on a large scale, revealing some of what makes our city so special.” He adds, “The neighborhoods of our city offer an incredibly diverse range of buildings, from industrial plants-turned-apartments and historic structures with secret rooms and period features, to hidden museums with unusual collections and contemporary constructions that boast the latest in sustainable trends. Both residents and visitors to Baltimore will enjoy discovering ‘Undiscovered Baltimore’ on October 24.”

The information hub for Undiscovered Baltimore is in the Baltimore Museum of Industry (1415 Key Highway.) Visitors will receive a voucher for free entry to the museum. For a list of participating locations, special events and general information about Doors Open, go to www.doorsopenbaltimore.org. The website also includes details about what visitors can expect to see and do at each site. Additional historical background for select sites will be provided by Baltimore Heritage on the Explore Baltimore Heritage website (http://explore.baltimoreheritage.org/) allowing people to learn more about various location on their smartphone as they participate in the event. Participants are encouraged to share their experience and photographs with the hashtag #DOBalt2015.