Help Baltimore Tell Its Stories — Make Your Year-End Gift Today
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Help Baltimore Tell Its Stories — Make Your Year-End Gift Today
Donate

Help Baltimore Tell Its Stories: Make Your Year-End Gift Today

Donate
Illuminator Awards
April 16, 2026
Get tickets
Peale Fine Art Framing
Now Open
Grit Fund 2026 Is Open
Apply for Project Grants or Serve as a Juror
Learn more
Propose Your Idea
Collaborate with The Peale
Learn more
Gas Lighting at The Peale
The birth of Light City in 1817
Learn more

Baltimore's Community Museum

What's On?

Exhibits

Events

Illuminator Awards 2026

April 16, 2026 | Baltimore

Celebrating Baltimore’s brightest change-makers in arts, history, and community.

An evening celebrating the people and organizations shaping Baltimore’s future.

 

Get tickets

Objects Made Holy Opening Reception

February 15, 2026 01:00 pm
The Peale - 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

BNHA Hands on History Series: Henry Harden’s Baltimore

February 20, 2026 12:00 pm
Online Event

Improv @ The Peale

February 27, 2026 06:00 pm
225 Holliday St - 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

BNHA Hands on History Series: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

March 6, 2026 12:00 pm
Online Event

When Two Violins Speak: Geneva Lewis & Maria Ioudenitch

March 15, 2026 02:00 pm
225 Holliday St - 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Objects Made Holy Closing Reception

March 29, 2026 01:00 pm
The Peale - 225 Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

History Exhibits

See them this weekend!

On Now

What's On?

Book your tickets now!

Find events

Propose Your Idea

Collaborate with us!

Apply now

News

Who We Are

The Peale is Baltimore’s Community Museum, housed in the oldest museum building in the United States.

More than two hundred years after the museum was established in 1814, The Peale is once again going strong. We’re building an inclusive archive of Baltimore stories and offering a showcase for the city’s storytellers that honors their importance and historical value. 

The Peale’s mission is to provide local creators and storytellers with the space and support they need to realize a complete and accessible cultural legacy for the city of Baltimore.

The Curiosity Shop

Looking for something unique and fabulous? Stop by The Peale’s Curiosity Shop during regular hours Thursday to Sunday and check out our selection of cool consignment artwork and crafts, made by local Baltimore artists!

Plus, you’ll find a host of PEALE merchandise, like Peale T-shirts, mugs, water bottles, pens/pencils, and tote bags. 

Shop local this summer!

Record Your Story

We believe your voice is important to creating a representative and authentic impression of life in Baltimore. We welcome your stories. You just might find your story posted here and on SoundCloud! We update and add stories regularly. Not from Baltimore, no worries. We still love hearing from people!

Record your story!
People sit in a circle in chairs in a museum gallery and talk. A person stands on the right and does American Sign Language.

Listen to Stories

Over the last few years, the Peale has gathered hundred and hundreds of stories from people just like you. These story collections cover topics like the impact of COVID-19 on local communities, how art and culture have shaped people’s lives, first-time voting experiences, and more. Listen to Stories on SoundCloud or on the Peale’s Story map.

Explore Stories.
Screenshot of a map of the United States, showing pink and red pins.

Peale News!

Find out what we’re up to behind the scenes. Learn about the latest grant news, historic research, and community programs! Contact us if you’d like to author an article to include in our news section.

Peale Community News
Saw a fine concert in this little 209 year old building. The building, the staff and the music by the Poulenc Trio (piano, bassoon, oboe) all sublime. Even in the heart of downtown, easy parking! We'll be back!
William N.Google Review
"Go, go, go. The past and the future of Baltimore art."
A close-up detail on an old map that shows the Peale and Male and Female Colored School No. 1.
David Wright GrayGoogle Review
My children and I love this local gem 💎 of a museum. The exhibits are different and sponsored by local talents. I attended comic book workshops, migrant exhibits, LBTQIA events and look forward to visiting much more. There's a parking lot a few steps away and a very small few spots near the actual museum.
Jacqui EarleGoogle Review
"The Peale has their finger on the pulse of Baltimore culture with great events and meaningful exhibits. While also working hard to preserve memories and keep the past alive. I am thrilled to be able to enjoy this venue for so many different experiences."
The facade of a virtual building that looks like the Peale.
Andrea ClayvilleGoogle Review
A hidden gem. Why does no one know of this place ? Very easy parking on weekends.
R. CampanyGoogle Review
"There's so much going on other than just being a gallery in a museum. Definitely a place you should check out."
A historic garden with stone relief sculptures of reclining figures on a wall.
dddanimationGoogle Review
"Such a gorgeous space to learn about some of the history of this city. Not only is it a museum, but a safe space to perform, act, display the local arts of the city too!"
Emzi LoveGoogle Review
"This community museum is definitely worth a visit!"
Nicholas MilesGoogle Review
I enjoyed the Peale Museum. The 1st floor exhibits on the history of the museum and the Peale family were very interesting. I also enjoyed the garden and the community exhibits concerning the Guardians and the Chicory magazine.
RaymondGoogle Review
A gem in the heart of the city. Take an hour or two to tour the entire museum. It's a cool date idea for the low , low cost of ... free. BUT DONATIONS MATTER so drop some bills in the box. They don't mind the kind of money that jingle but the need the kind that fold 🙂
Tiffany S.'Google Review
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