| 1914
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| The BMA is formally incorporated by eight civic-minded Baltimoreans. |
| 1923
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| The Museum's inaugural exhibition opens at its temporary home in the Garrett mansion at 101 West Monument Street. Attendance tops 6,775 during its first week. |
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| 1924
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| Baltimore's citizens approve a $1 million dollar loan to construct a municipal museum. Prominent neoclassical architect John Russell Pope is commissioned to design the new building. |
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| 1925
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| One of the finest decorative arts collections in the region begins with the gift of the BMA's first period room (c. 1700). American decorative arts, especially from Maryland, become a great strength in subsequent years. |
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| 1927
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| Anthony van Dyck's masterpiece Rinaldo and Armida (1629), commissioned for King Charles I of England, becomes the centerpiece of the BMA's distinguished collection of European art.
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| 1929
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| The BMA's John Russell Pope-designed building opens to the public on April 18. It is one of the first art museums in the country to create an Education Department to present tours, lectures, and classes. |
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| 1930
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| An internationally renowned collection of master prints becomes the foundation for the BMA's outstanding holdings of prints, drawings, and photographs, which is particularly strong in 19th-century French art. |
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| 1936
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| The BMA presents one of the nation's earliest exhibitions of African art and goes on to form one of the most important collections on the East Coast. Several items are internationally known as the best of their type. |
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| 1936-1937
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| The BMA brings ancient mosaics from Antioch to Baltimore after participating in archaeological excavations. |
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| 1939
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| One of the earliest exhibitions of the work of contemporary African-American artists in the country opens, marking the beginning of a distinguished record of collecting and exhibiting both historical and contemporary works by African-American artists. |
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| 1950
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| Committed to "improving the spirit of appreciation for modern art in Baltimore," Cone sisters Claribel and Etta secure the BMA's international reputation through their gift of works by Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, and Gauguin, one of the most outstanding modern art collections in the world.
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| 1960
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| The Museum's commitment to modernism is cemented when its leaders are invited to curate the Venice Biennale, the most prestigious international exhibition of contemporary art. |
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| 1970
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| "Vincent van Gogh: Paintings & Drawings" draws record crowds and establishes a new demand among the regional public for major art attractions. |
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| 1980-1988
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| With the opening of the Wurtzburger Sculpture Garden—and in 1988 the adjoining Levi Sculpture
Garden—the BMA creates an "art park" in the heart of the city that features a 100-year survey of modern sculpture.
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| 1982
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| The BMA inaugurates its new east wing featuring an auditorium, a restaurant, The BMA Shop, and galleries for changing exhibitions. The new facility permits the BMA to expand its exhibition programming and to performing arts and film, attracting a wider and more diverse audience. |
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| 1994
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| The West Wing for Contemporary Art opens with 16 galleries for the display of a diverse and growing collection of post-1945 art. |
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| 1996
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| After being on extended loan to the BMA for more than 60 years, the acclaimed Lucas Collection of 19th-century French art is purchased from the Maryland Institute College of Art through the support of the State of Maryland and the great generosity of numerous individuals in the community. |
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| 2001
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| The BMA unveils completely redesigned galleries for the famed Cone Collection, representing the largest and most significant holding of works by Henri Matisse in the world. |
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| 2006
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| The BMA offers year-round free general admission for the first time in nearly two decades. |
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