Please join the Club’s field trip on Saturday, 15 January 2021 for a private tour of the Basilica of the Assumption – America’s First Cathedral from 11am to 12pm. The historic Baltimore Basilica, built from 1806-1821, was the first great metropolitan cathedral constructed in the United States after the adoption of the Constitution. Click here for directions.

The tour includes all areas of the church, including the upper church, undercroft, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Crypt, and the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden (upon request.) The Adoration Chapel and any temporary exhibit space is not part of the guided tour.

A donation of at least $5 per person is requested (but not required) for all tours. Parking is available around the corner at Franklin Street Garage. Tours will begin in the back of the church (by the Jesuit Seal in the floor) at the southwest corner. In other words, if you do not see the “TOUR STARTS HERE” sign in front of the gift shop, please go inside the church to meet your guide.

Photography inside the Basilica, for personal use only, is permitted. Flash photography is not allowed if a Mass or liturgical service is taking place.

After the tour we will visit the Walters Art Museum which is two blocks north of the Basilica. The museum was founded and opened in 1934. It holds collections established during the mid-19th century. Click here for directions. Admission is free.

Members of the public are welcome to take photographs of works on display, unless otherwise noted, provided they do not endanger works of art, interfere with the viewing experience of others, impede access in any way, or violate copyright laws. Use only handheld cameras. No tripods or flash.

Just two blocks north we can visit the Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place. 

After the tours drive and visit the Baltimore Inner Harbor for lunch and a stroll or boar tide (water taxi and others) for a pleasant afternoon with lots of activities and things to photograph.