Baltimore, MD is brimming with ADA-accessible sites welcoming to all visitors. Check out one of the city’s finest accessible destinations: the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Basics About the Reginald F. Lewis Museum

This sprawling museum, which measures over 82,000 square feet in total, is named in honor of America’s first Black billionaire businessman: Reginald F. Lewis. This man’s legacy of philanthropy is embodied by his foundation’s long-standing aspiration and support as a haven of African American history and culture. The ambitious vision was realized when the museum opened its doors in 2005, becoming the biggest museum devoted to Black culture on the entire East coast.

The facility includes meeting areas for special events, an outdoor terrace, classrooms for educational programs, a two-story theater, a gift shop, and 12,000-plus square feet of exhibition space containing about 10,000 objects. Interested individuals or groups can visit from 10 in the morning until five in the evening. Sundays have an opening time of noon, and the museum is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Exhibits and Collections

The museum includes both permanent and temporary exhibits. The McMillan African Artifact Collection is an insightful spread of objects dating back centuries, from ancient weaponry to masks and toys. The Scipio Military Collection includes the writings of African Americans who served on the battlefield, while the Steams Family Collection of Slavery Documents takes a harrowing dive into the nation’s darkest era.

Visitors can also follow African history through a fascinating button collection, trace the influence of jazz music on African American life, and behold a broad collection of the works of acclaimed photographer Robert Houston, the talent who “shot from the heart” during much of the 20th century.

A Legacy of Accessibility

Reginald F. Lewis left behind a high school, a college, a law center, a business school, a museum, and a foundation in his name. He dedicated his life to increasing opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. The Lewis Museum is no exception. Each of the objects in the permanent exhibits is digitized so that anyone can enjoy them.

As a partner of the Interpreter Mentoring Program, the museum provides interpreting services for the hearing-impaired Plus, the museum meets all of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and complements all types of mobility aid. Individuals needing special accommodations should contact the Visitor Services Department. Take advantage of accessible validated parking at the museum with the Honda Odyssey Touring. This beautiful minivan offers seating for eight and configurable MagicSlide 2nd-row seats for maximum versatility and space.

A Downtown Baltimore, MD Mainstay

The museum is in the beating heart of Baltimore’s downtown at 830 East Pratt St. Downtown is Baltimore’s top tourist destination, so if you visit the museum, you’ll find plenty of other attractions nearby: Oriole Park, the National Aquarium, Harborplace, the Baltimore Convention Center, Maryland Science Center, and more.

Baltimore’s also proudly hosts multiple museums on subjects ranging from dentistry to railroads. Cultural museums celebrate the American Indian, Baltimore’s immigrants, Jewish residents, and city history. For another incredible glimpse into African American contributions to Baltimore and beyond, pair your Reginald F. Lewis visit with a trip to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.  

Invest in the best. Visit Jerry’s Mobility for inventory and services designed with accessibility top of mind.

Image via Pixabay

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