Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
13470 Dowell Road, Solomons, MD, 20688
The Smithsonian-affiliated Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is the perfect meditative blend of natural forest, manicured landscape, and human-sculpted abstract art. Set in a leafy peninsular nook between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay, the 30-acre (12-hectare) center contains dozens of permanent fixtures as well as installations on loan from the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.
The basics
In Solomons, Maryland, just outside Washington DC, the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center features an elevated boardwalk that meanders through the garden, where Stonehenge-like rock arrangements, gorgeous metal loops, contemplative human forms, and moss-encased natural sculptures live. Near the entrance is a gallery for rotating exhibits, and there’s also an on-site school offering art classes and workshops for both beginners and more experienced students. A visit here is usually part of a day trip from DC or downtown Baltimore to Solomons, which is known as a major boating center.
Things to know before you go
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash; bring your own poop bags.
Although daily admission is free, there is a nominal suggested donation.
The gift shop features handmade merchandise from Southern Maryland artists.
The garden’s path is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors typically spend about 2 hours at the gardens.
How to get there
The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is located in Solomons, Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay. The closest major cities are Washington DC, which is 65 miles (105 kilometers) north, and Baltimore, 79 miles (127 kilometers) north. From DC, follow Route 4 South, and from Baltimore, take I-97 to Route 301 South to Route 4.
When to get there
The arts center is open year-round, with a number of festivals and events in the spring and summer. In September, Artsfest includes artists’ booths, performers on four stages, activities for kids, and food and drink, and the holiday season brings an outdoor light show.
Calvert Marine Museum
Another popular attraction in Solomons, the Calvert Marine Museum showcases the maritime heritage of the region. At the family-friendly museum, visitors can learn about coastal species such as skates, otters, and rays, and see a collection of classic boats. The main draw is the historic Drum Point Lighthouse—a screw-pile, cottage-type lighthouse that’s one of only three remaining from the 45 that once served the bay.
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