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Discover the Baltimore Museum of Industry Tours in Maryland

Located on Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor waterfront, the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI) offers immersive tours that explore the city’s industrial past through preserved factories, hands-on exhibits, and interactive storytelling. Visitors can step inside real historic workplaces to see how manufacturing, labor, and innovation shaped Baltimore and American industry.

Why it’s special:
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is not a factory tour—it’s an authentic industrial museum housed in former waterfront industrial buildings. Instead of replicas, visitors experience real factories, original machinery, and working demonstrations that bring America’s industrial age to life.

History/Story of the Baltimore Museum of Industry

The Baltimore Museum of Industry opened in 1977 on the site of the former Platt Oyster Cannery and other historic industrial buildings. Its mission is to preserve and interpret Baltimore’s role as a major American manufacturing center, highlighting industries such as canning, garment production, printing, and metalworking. Today, BMI is recognized as one of the country’s leading industrial heritage museums.

What You’ll See & Do on Baltimore Museum of Industry Tours

Tour full-scale historic factories including a garment loft and cannery
Watch live demonstrations of historic industrial processes
Learn how workers’ lives and labor movements shaped industry
Explore interactive exhibits focused on innovation and manufacturing
View rotating exhibitions related to industrial history and technology

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and live demonstrations
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed; flash restricted in exhibit areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum shop with books, gifts, and industrial-themed merchandise

Pricing for Baltimore Museum of Industry Tours

Museum admission is paid, with general admission covering access to all exhibits and tours.
Discounts are available for children, seniors, students, and members.

Visiting information

Duration: 90–120 minutes
Format: Self-guided museum visit with scheduled guided tours and demos
Schedule & Seasonality: Open year-round
Audience: Families, students, history enthusiasts, industrial heritage travelers
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Safety & Restrictions: Follow posted exhibit guidelines; children must be supervised
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group and school tours available with advance booking
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes
Facilities: Museum exhibits, restrooms, café, gift shop, parking
Closures & Downtime: Closed select holidays
Working hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; closed Monday–Tuesday

Nearby

Inner Harbor Baltimore
Federal Hill Park
National Aquarium

FAQs About Visiting the Baltimore Museum of Industry

Is this a working factory tour?
No. BMI is an industrial history museum featuring preserved factories and demonstrations rather than active production.

Are demonstrations included with admission?
Yes. Many exhibits feature live demonstrations included with general admission.

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Interactive exhibits make the museum engaging for families and students.

Do I need to book tours in advance?
Individual visitors typically do not; groups should reserve in advance.

Is parking available on-site?
Yes. On-site and nearby parking options are available for visitors.