Introducing “Extended Hours” at the BMI — A once-monthly opportunity to experience the history and culture of Baltimore, at the Museum of Industry, for FREE.
Once a month, the Baltimore Museum of Industry opens its doors for a special evening — free and open to all. Every 3rd Wednesday from 4 PM to 8 PM, we invite you to experience the museum, spend time with neighbors, and enjoy our waterfront campus — all at no cost.
At the Baltimore Museum of Industry, we strive to interpret the diverse and significant human stories behind labor and innovation in Baltimore—stories that cultivate a sense of belonging and inspire visitors to think critically about the intersection of work and society. To broaden our reach and expand our community, Extended Hours at the BMI encourage friends and neighbors to gather at our beautiful waterfront property, where parking is always free.
(See below for full schedule)
Why free admission?
Free admission means equal access; a family can come see us after an early dinner, a tired office worker can park and thumb their favorite book on our waterfront, and a small community group with no income can have their monthly meeting. To truly be a community hub, our museum needs to be accessible to the whole of our community.
What can I do during extended hours?
Extended Hours are your playground! But we’ve crafted a short-list of suggestions for you;
- Educator Led Tours: You can experience our “Forging Progress” and “History Alive” tours with our stellar staff of educators.
- Audio Tours: Take yourself on a tour with one of our pre-recorded audio tours narrated by our talented educators.
- Full Museum Access: See all the areas you may have missed — all exhibits and spaces will remain open for the full museum experience.*
- Small Group/Community Meetings: Fill out our meeting inquiry form for one of our available meeting spaces. (See available spaces below)
- Grab A Bite: Visitors may find their favorite local food trucks parked in our lot on a 3rd Wednesday. Grab some eats to enjoy in our lunchroom!
- Park For Free: Visitors to the BMI can always do this, we just really enjoy reminding folks!
How can I support extended-hours programming?
There are multiple ways you can support the future of Extended Hours and ensure free and inclusive programming for all!
- Donation: A gift of any amount will support free admission to the museum and programming during extended hours.
- Sponsorship: There are corporate sponsorship/underwriting opportunities available for extended hours; please contact giving@thebmi.org to learn more.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with the museum on community outreach and engagement initiatives.
Communications Gallery
With a stylized double door entrance into our Decker Gallery, our Communications Gallery doubles as event and meeting space. Seating 75 persons, this theatre-style room with a stage and projector is perfect for larger meetings and presentations.
BMI Cinema
Located in our lobby area with seating for roughly 35 persons, the BMI Cinema boasts plush red theatre-style seats, a 55-inch display and full sound for presentations, small screenings, and meetings.
Large Classroom
Hidden behind panels in our Transportation Gallery you’ll find our large classroom and restoration space. With capacity for 80 persons, this space comes complete with a whiteboard, projector with screen, and can be configured with tables and chairs to fit your needs.
Lunchroom
Located in our Decker Gallery with dual indoor entrances and a single ramped outdoor entrance, this classroom/lunchroom hybrid space is food and drink friendly, and seats 50-75 persons with and without tables and chairs.
Use the form below to submit a request for use of any one of the spaces listed above. The submission of a request does not guarantee use of the space. BMI staff will contact you to inform you of the status of your request.