While the Walters Art Museum is a museum, this blog post is about the architecture and details of the mansion, rather than the art within. Located at 1 West Mount Vernon Place, the Greek Revival mansion is part of the Walters Art Museum and also houses art. It is also known as the Hackerman House and has been beautifully restored for all to enjoy free of charge.
On one side of the building you’re met with pillars surrounding black doors and a unique hanging light fixture. The main entrance is in the front of the building, however. Once inside the mansion your eyes don’t know where to look first. There are architectural details on every surface – ceilings, fireplaces, chandeliers, pillars, doors and doorways, large windows with wooden shutters, and hardwood floors. You can see how much thought went into the design and restoration of this mansion. You’ll also see beautiful paintings and other pieces of art as you make your way from the first couple of rooms before you arrive at the grand staircase; and grand it is! It has a beautiful curve and a massive chandelier in the center. When you look up, you’ll see stunning Tiffany glass dome and plenty of wall details. Even the railings will catch your attention.
In the library there are wooden bookcases, wooden shutters and unique doors, and a fireplace. There is another room, that I believe was once a dining room, that has a unique fireplace. Two good tips for touring this mansion are: don’t forget to look up as you walk through, and while on the second floor, get a good view of the Mount Vernon neighborhood, including the other types of architecture that surround the Walters Art Museum.