Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
Iconic Baltimore tower blending history, art, and a giant clock. Explore 15 floors of artist studios and learn about its past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see art
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see art
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Baltimore tower blending history, art, and a giant clock. Explore 15 floors of artist studios and learn about its past.
"A wonderful experience for a great price, blending history, creativity, and unbeatable city vibes."
🎟️ Grab a Groupon Deal
Look for Groupon deals for affordable admission for two!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to explore all 15 floors of art and history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Four-Faced Clock
Clock Tower Room
Witness the intricate, gravity-driven clock mechanism, a marvel of engineering from a bygone era.
Artist Studio Exploration
Floors 1-15
Wander through 15 floors showcasing diverse works by resident artists, photographers, and writers.
Bromo Seltzer Museum
15th Floor
Discover the history of the iconic Bromo Seltzer bottle and the building's past as a pharmaceutical factory.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tours
Affordable Art & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Grab a Groupon Deal
Look for Groupon deals for affordable admission for two!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to explore all 15 floors of art and history.
⏰ Arrive Early on Saturdays
Tours are popular and can fill up quickly.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers unique perspectives of downtown Baltimore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Grab a Groupon Deal
Look for Groupon deals for affordable admission for two!
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to explore all 15 floors of art and history.
⏰ Arrive Early on Saturdays
Tours are popular and can fill up quickly.
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers unique perspectives of downtown Baltimore.
💡 Support Local Artists
Consider purchasing art directly from the studios.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower for its affordability, unique blend of history and art, and the fascinating clock mechanism. The opportunity to explore artist studios on multiple floors is a major draw, offering a vibrant glimpse into Baltimore's creative scene. Some wish for more souvenir options and note minor accessibility challenges due to the historic nature of the building.
"I was so happy to visit the Bromo-Seltzer Clocktower! I bought a Groupon that was for two people, and I was solo, so I gave my extra ticket to one of the ladies that showed up to the tour.
I got to the tower at 11 AM on a Saturday and was really happy to not only ride the Otis elevator, but to visit inside the clock tower and see the relay system for the elevator along with the weighted mechanism that runs the clock. The museum was also fascinating !
This clock tower is bigger than big Ben! The folks working inside this historical attraction were very informative and kind. My only wish is that there were some posters to buy or postcards or T-shirts that features the clock tower. I would’ve been happy to buy some souvenirs!
I would definitely return here again and it was a wonderful experience to walk down the 15 flight of stairs and see all the artwork lining the walls. The entrance fee was very affordable, and it is a great lesson in history!
This tower used to be topped with a stainless steel 51 foot blue bromo-seltzer bottle that rotated - with a crown on top - it was lit up at night. I wish I could’ve been alive prior to the 1930s and gotten to see such a sight -before it was taken down!
I am a person with a disability, to see the clocktower was doable - if you can do two short flights of steep stairs. There are handrails on the stairs."
Emily V V
"A very cool and unique experience. The clock tower itself feels like a step back in time, and almost fairytale-esque.
Then floor after floor of art pieces to enjoy. A wonderful experience for a great price."
Gill Peters
"At the Bromo-Seltzer tower, you can hear the echoes of the past ringing loud and clear. Of the many artworks on display in the building, one artist brings visuals of bright jazz music to mingle with those echoes of clinking cobalt and heavy machinery. Although some notable aspects of the museum (honestly, the whole building is a museum in a way) were out of commission this visit due to inspections and repairs, I can imagine how incredible this attraction would be in full swing - bold sculptures in the lobby, the clock ticking away, the hand elevator working with an operator at the ready dressed in period garb, drinks in the clock tower at night, ringing in the New Year, secret tours to the extra levels above the clock. Okay, so they don't do the last few in the list according to the docents, but wouldn't it be cool? A girl can dream! Still, it was fun to see the art, clock and machinery and to learn about the history of the factory from the friendly docents. This is a place to come back to over and over again."
Alyssa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is located in downtown Baltimore. It's accessible by public transportation, including buses and the Charm City Circulator. Parking garages are also available nearby.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the vicinity of the tower. It's advisable to check parking rates and availability in advance.
If you are staying in the downtown Baltimore area, the tower is within walking distance of many hotels and attractions.
Many visitors find that using ride-sharing services or public transport is convenient for reaching the tower, especially on Saturdays when parking can be busy.
The closest train station is Baltimore Penn Station, which is a short ride-share or bus trip away from the tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tower is typically open to the public for tours on Saturdays from 11 AM to 4 PM. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
Admission is very affordable, often around $8 for adults and less for seniors. Keep an eye out for Groupon deals that can offer even greater savings.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early on Saturdays is recommended, as tours can fill up.
Yes, seniors often receive a discounted rate, and Groupon frequently offers deals for two people.
Admission typically includes access to the museum, the clock tower room, and the opportunity to explore the artist studios on each floor.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the historic clock mechanism, a museum dedicated to Bromo Seltzer history, and 15 floors of studios featuring works by local artists.
Yes, tours allow you to visit the clock tower room and see the impressive gears and relay systems that operate the clock.
The tower has some accessibility challenges due to its historic nature. There are two short flights of steep stairs to the clock tower, but handrails are available.
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the tower, enjoying the art, and learning about its history.
Yes, docents are available to share information about the building's history, the clock mechanism, and the resident artists.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially to capture the art and the unique clock mechanism.
The clock tower room offers dramatic shots of the machinery. The stairwells with the art displays and the views from higher floors also make for great photos.
It's always a good idea to ask the artist directly before taking photos of their work.
For commercial photography or filming, it's best to contact the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower management in advance to inquire about permissions and fees.
The lighting varies throughout the tower. The clock tower room is illuminated by the clock's own backlighting, while artist studios will have their own studio lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are stairs to climb, the handrails offer support, and the journey up is part of the adventure. The affordable ticket price makes it a budget-friendly outing for a family looking for something different. Consider it a fun history lesson combined with an art exploration.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
This is a fantastic opportunity to discover emerging artists and potentially find unique pieces to take home. The informal nature of the studio visits allows for a more personal connection with the art and the creators.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum and the preserved clock mechanism offer tangible links to the early 20th century, providing insights into the city's architectural and industrial heritage. The docents are knowledgeable and eager to share historical anecdotes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Bromo Seltzer Clock
The clock's operation is controlled by a complex relay system, which is a treat for anyone interested in vintage technology. The guide mentioned that the clock advances two seconds for every swing of the pendulum, highlighting the meticulous calibration involved. The frosted glass dials are illuminated from behind, creating a striking visual, especially at night.
Before its renovation, the tower was topped with a giant, rotating Bromo Seltzer bottle. While this iconic feature is no longer present, the tower's current iteration as an arts hub preserves its historical significance while embracing contemporary creativity.
A Hub for Baltimore Artists
These studios provide a unique opportunity for visitors to see artists at work and even purchase pieces directly from them. This aspect of the tower fosters a strong connection between the community and its artistic talent, making it more than just a historical monument but a living, breathing creative space.
The Bromo Art Walk, which sometimes includes the tower, further highlights its role in Baltimore's arts scene, connecting it with other venues and showcasing the city's creative energy.
A Glimpse into Baltimore's Past
The museum on the 15th floor delves into this history, showcasing artifacts and information about the Bromo Seltzer brand and the building's original purpose. Visitors can learn about the iconic blue bottle that once topped the tower and its significance to Baltimore's skyline.
Even the elevator itself, an old Otis model with an arched dial, feels like a step back in time, adding to the immersive historical experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit