B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore

The B&O Railroad Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of American railroading, located in Baltimore, Maryland.

It preserves and interprets the heritage of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Visual Characteristics

The museum complex comprises several brick buildings, including the historic Mount Clare Station and the Roundhouse. The Roundhouse is a 22-sided structure constructed of brick and steel, featuring a central turntable. The collection includes numerous historic locomotives and railcars, varying in size and construction materials from early iron to later steel designs.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223. It is approximately 1.5 miles west of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. On-site parking is available for a fee. Public transportation options include the Charm City Circulator's Orange Route, which stops near the museum, and local bus routes serving West Pratt Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The B&O Railroad Museum occupies the site of the original Mount Clare Shops, the first major railroad repair and manufacturing facility in the United States. Construction of the Roundhouse began in 1884. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad itself was chartered in 1827, making it the first common carrier railroad in the United States.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the historic Roundhouse and view a collection of over 200 artifacts, including locomotives and railcars. The museum offers train rides on select days, operating on a portion of the original B&O line. Interactive exhibits are available for children. Guided tours of the collection are offered at scheduled times.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum buildings. Limited shaded areas are present in outdoor exhibit spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available on the grounds. Food and beverage options are available for purchase at the museum's cafe.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds. For photography of the locomotives and rolling stock, morning light provides direct illumination on the west-facing facades of the Roundhouse. Train ride operations are subject to a seasonal schedule.

Facts & Legends

The B&O Railroad Museum houses the oldest surviving American-built steam locomotive, the "Tom Thumb," a replica of the original which competed in the famous 1830 race against a horse-drawn carriage.

Nearby Landmarks

• 0.8km East: Camden Yards Sports Complex
• 1.2km East: Inner Harbor
• 1.5km Northeast: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
• 2.0km Northeast: Baltimore Convention Center