BALTIMORE, MD.- The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum, under the leadership of BMA Director Doreen Bolger and Walters Director Gary Vikan, will eliminate admission fees this fall and open free to the public for the first time in more than two decades. This unprecedented initiative is made possible thanks to a unique government partnership with Baltimore City and Baltimore County that will provide greater public access to two world-class museums. Free admission will begin Sunday, October 1, in conjunction with the launch of Free Fall Baltimore, an innovative citywide program under the direction of The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts designed to make the arts available to everyone.

Opening the doors free of charge renews the original vision of the two museums, each founded for the benefit of the public during the last century. A lead gift of $800,000 from Baltimore City and Baltimore County will make free admission possible at both museums beginning this year, with additional support from Anne Arundel County. The museums are continuing to seek funding to sustain free admission.

"This partnership between the museums and the county and city governments will have a transformative impact on the community for both residents and visitors,” said Mayor Martin O’Malley. “This significant investment will provide many more people with the opportunity to experience the beauty, creativity, and significance of art in our lives.”

“This is an investment in the future of the entire metropolitan area,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “I am delighted that both museums are approaching this initiative together for the benefit of the people in our community.”

“I believe the arts are a critical component to our quality of life,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens. “The ability to expose all citizens to great art will enormously enhance our region.”

Future additional support for this regional initiative is being sought from the remaining counties in the Baltimore metro region, including Howard, Harford, and Carroll counties.

Today general admission for adult visitors to the BMA and the Walters is $10, however both museums were free for the larger part of their histories. In recent years, the BMA and the Walters have made free hours and free days for the public a significant component of their programs. During these times, each museum consistently attracts a larger and more diverse audience than times when general admission is charged. As a result, each museum independently had explored the possibility of offering free admission again, studying positive results from other major U.S. museums that have eliminated admission fees. This year, the leadership of each museum decided to join forces in seeking greater financial support for free admission.

“The first sentence of the Walters’ mission statement is to bring art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning,” said Walters Board President William L. Paternotte. “Free admission eliminates all financial barriers to the achievement of this mission and demonstrates a commitment to our community—enabling everyone to enjoy these exceptional art museums.”

“The big, bold ideas in The Baltimore Museum of Art’s 2003 Strategic Plan were free admission and making 10 Art Museum Drive a place where everyone feels welcome, energized, and inspired,” said BMA Board Chair Suzanne F. Cohen. “Art should have a place in everyone’s life, and free admission makes it possible. How lucky for Baltimore to have these two great museums—and visionary government officials who recognize the value and importance of the cultural riches of our entire community.”