BMA Turns 90

The Baltimore Museum of Art plans a yearlong series of exhibitions to celebrate its anniversary.

On any given day, visitors might find director Doreen Bolger strolling through The Baltimore Museum of Art, basking amid the stunning artwork. "That's one of the rewards of working here," she admits. "I think people would be surprised by the size and the beauty of the collection."

Indeed. The museum was founded in 1914. Now 90 years later, the BMA, Maryland's largest museum dedicated to the preservation and display of art, houses more than 90,000 objects. The centerpiece is an exceptional collection of Postimpressionist and modern art that includes a group of 500 works by Matisse.

"This was essentially an empty building that has been filled with art given by the residents of the city and the region," Doreen explains. "People love it, and they come often."

As the museum embarks on a year-long celebration of its anniversary, Doreen and her colleagues want to make sure more people than ever have a chance to enjoy the museum's riches. In addition to a number of special exhibitions and events scattered throughout the year, a larger portion of the permanent collection will be pulled from the vaults.

The first of the major exhibitions celebrating the 90-year milestone highlights the work of Frenchman Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, recognized as the first artist to truly understand the possibilities of commercial imagery and production. The exhibition, which runs through May 23, offers more than 100 posters, prints, advertisements, and lithographs by the artist and his contemporaries.

On June 20, the BMA continues with the work of Kerry James Marshall, and then follows with Theodore Robinson on October 17.

The Baltimore Museum of Art: 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218; (410) 396-7100 or www. artbma.org.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2004
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