A vibrant community of artists lives and works in Annapolis. Luckily, their work is easy to find. And we’re not just talking about galleries with pictures of sailboats or crabs (and you know we love those). In the Annapolis Arts District, you’ll find kaleidoscopic murals, vibrant paintings, wild vintage finds, and more.
Head down to West Street between Church Circle (to the east) and Bates Legacy Center (to the west). Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, going for a leisurely stroll, or finding something to do with the kids, you’ll have a day full of artistic energy.
Step Into History
As you walk along these brick streets, you’re walking the same path that artists, musicians, makers, and more walked for hundreds of years. The intersection of West Street and Calvert Street is the former site of the Annapolis city gates, which welcomed travelers entering the city, whether they stayed or traveled onward.
It is also the site of the Old 4th Ward, established in the early 20th century. The Stanton Community Center was formerly the Stanton School, which started as an elementary school before it became the first high school for Black children in the county. The Old 4th Ward also came to be known as the Harlem of Annapolis for its dynamic community of theaters, dance halls, saloons, and hotels. Musicians, dancers, singers, and artists of all kinds lived here. There are historical markers and detailed signs reminding us of this history so it’s not forgotten. You can learn more about the Old 4th Ward on the Anne Arundel County website.
Public Displays of Art
The art throughout the Arts District surprises you around every corner. These works have power, joy, and a bit of whimsy.
The most impressive sculpture is not on West Street, but around the corner on Franklin Street. Outside of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is the work Araminta with Rifle and Vévé by Baltimore artist Dr. Joyce J. Scott. The grand and stately piece shows Harriet Tubman standing tall with her rifle and a vévé, a protective object. The rifle appears to sprout flowers, and is decorated with beads, glassworks, and found objects.
The murals throughout the district represent the talent, creativity, and vision of the community. There is a fun mix of styles and media, from black and white photos to imaginative street art, and from abstract to photorealistic. They were created by artists from around the world and students who call Annapolis home.
My favorite may be the wonderfully weird and playful collaboration from Brazilian artists Tikka, Vermelho, Gen Duarte, and Binho Ribeiro and produced by local artist Roberta Pardo and painted at Lemongrass in 2014.
Social media lovers may want to visit the Pearl Bailey or President’s Hill murals for impressive photo backdrops. You can learn more about the subjects and artists on the Annapolis Mural Tour by scanning the QR codes by the murals, or by visiting their website.
And don’t forget the cute bike racks. A crab, a fish, a guitar, a Blue Angel launching into the air, and other designs make good company for any bike.
Shop To Your HeART’s Content!
If you visit these stores, you’re likely to be surrounded by art, and I don’t just mean paintings on the wall! You can buy jewelry, vintage clothing, glassware, toys, and more. You’ll support local makers and artists, and get some ideas for your wish list (the holiday season is only nine months away).
All the Rage Vintage
Location(s): 208 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Funky vintage items. There are multiple rooms with everything from clothes and boots to trinkets and wall art.
Days/Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Annapolis Collection Gallery
Location(s): 55 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Gallery of paintings, photography, sculpture, and more by Annapolis artists.
Days/Times: Monday to Friday, 1 to 6 PM. Saturday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM.
Annapolis Pearl Gallery
Location(s): 32 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Art and objects by local makers. Paintings, wood, glass, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more.
Days/Times: Wednesday to Monday, 11 AM to 6 PM.
Avocations Antiques & Jewelry
Location(s): 77 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Custom-made furniture and jewelry, plus antiques.
Days/Times: Thursday to Saturday, noon to 5 PM.
Compassion Place
Location(s): 230 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Resale shop and some grocery items.
Days/Times: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM. Chapel on Wednesdays at 10 AM.
Gallery 57 West
Location(s): 57 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Collection of art, jewelry, ceramics, and more by local artists.
Days/Times: Wednesday to Monday, 11 AM to 6 PM.
Gracia Bin Collection
Location(s): 35 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Dry cleaning, clothing alterations, decorative art, and housewares.
Days/Times: Monday to Tuesday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Wednesday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
The Streets are Alive with the Sound of Music
The Arts District is also a great place to take in the local music scene. Stop in at one of the venues along West Street for rock ‘n’ roll, acoustic, or jazz. Over on Chase Street at Maryland Hall you can find operatic acts, sweeping symphonies, and elegant dance. Maybe you can expand your repertoire by going to all of them!
49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery
Location(s): Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: New music acts every evening with pure acoustic coffeehouse vibes.
Upcoming Events: Visit their website to view their calendar.
Annapolis Opera
Location(s): Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Opera both old and new. Fresh takes on classics and family-friendly performances to introduce to your little one.
Upcoming Events: Hansel and Gretel, Hansel and Gretel: Family Performance, 38th Annual Vocal Competition, Opera Up-Close.
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
Location(s): Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Virtuoso performances from both the professional company and students in the Annapolis Symphony Academy.
Upcoming Events: Space, and Out of This World Symphony Performance, Cecelia Wyatt Honors Recital, Rhythm to Revolution, Mozart & Cookies, and more.
Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Location(s): Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Beautiful choreography and exciting new interpretations of traditional works.
Upcoming Events: La Esmeralda
Live Arts Maryland
Location(s): Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Accessible classical music and orchestral takes on modern music. Features the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Annapolis Chorale & Chamber Chorus, and the women’s vocal ensemble Cantori.
Upcoming Events: Bach’s Birthday Concert at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, And the Winner Is… at Live Arts Studio in the Annapolis Mall, Timeless Brilliance at Maryland Hall.
Rams Head On Stage
Location(s): 33 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: The perfect date night, starting with dinner at Rams Head Tavern followed by a show with one of their incredible acts.
Upcoming Events: Visit their website to view their calendar.
Stan & Joe’s Saloon
Location(s): 37 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Lively atmosphere and nightly music to rock out and dance to.
Upcoming Events: Visit their website to view their calendar.
Your Turn to Learn and Create
What if you don’t just want to look at the art, but want to make some too? There are lots of classes where you can try your hand at pottery, ceramics, painting, dance, fiber arts, and so much more. Maybe you or your kiddos will have an exhibition in one of these galleries!
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
Location(s): 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: It would take less time to list what they don’t have! They have visual arts, performing arts, studio arts, and so much more.
Age Range: All ages, including family classes for toddlers with their parents.
The Resin Room
Location(s): 209 West Street, Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401
Come Here For: Resin-pouring art for glass, wood, and other objects.
Age Range: Workshops available for ages as young as 8.
Events for Everyone
The arts district is fun any day of the week. But the energy is at its best during one of their many arts-based events. See performances, enjoy a gallery tour, and eat some chocolate. Did I have you at “chocolate?”
Performing Arts Fest
Location(s): Maryland Hall
Come Here For: Class demonstrations, activities for kids, and art supplies to buy.
Date(s): Sunday, March 22 at 11 AM to 3 PM
Annapolis Film Festival
Location(s): Various locations in Annapolis, including Maryland Hall, The Graduate Annapolis, Asbury United Methodist Church, Rams Head On Stage, and more.
Come Here For: A celebration of how film allows us to see and feel the experiences of other people through screenings, panel discussions, and more.
Date(s): Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29
Songbird Festival
Location(s): Maryland Hall
Come Here For: Soulful voices and empowering performances from women and non-binary musicians.
Date(s): Sunday, May 3, 10 AM to 4 PM
First Sunday Arts Festival
Location(s): Annapolis Arts District on West Street
Come Here For: A monthly opportunity to meet artists and other makers at their booths, while enjoying a beautiful day out in Naptown.
Date(s): May 3 to November 1, 11 AM to 5 PM
Dinner Under the Stars
Location(s): West Street. Visit their website to see which restaurants will participate.
Come Here For: An outdoor dining experience from your favorite West Street restaurants.
Date(s): Wednesday evenings, May 20 to September 30. Occasional Saturday evening concerts.
Paint Annapolis
Location(s): Citywide
Come Here For: Painters out in the open, working on landscapes that capture nearly every part of the city.
Date(s): Sunday,May 31 to Sunday, June 7
Annapolis Arts Week
Location(s): Citywide
Come Here For: Gallery tours, workshops, performances, and many other ways to celebrate the arts in Annapolis!
Date(s): Sunday, June 7 to Sunday, June 14
Chocolate Binge Festival
Location(s): West Street
Come Here For: If you’re not going for the chocolate, there are vendors selling accessories, art, candles, ornaments, among other things.
Date(s): Sunday, December 6, 2026
That’s Not All…
Of course, you don’t have to go just for the art, and there’s more to do than walk around. You can start at the Visitors Center (I love the gorgeous blue!) to check out what’s going on in the city. Then you can go to the Arundel Center to see their gallery or the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum for exhibits showcasing both history and art. Maybe you can grab a coffee or some food at Curate, Light House Bistro, Miss Shirley’s Cafe, or one of the many other restaurants nearby. If you come across an issue of Up.St.ART Magazine, grab one so you can stay informed about everything going on in the Arts District. Then take your little one to the tot lot in The People’s Park or take a longer hike on the Spa Creek Trail. You could even keep walking west and head to the Busch Annapolis Library.
Research parking options on the Annapolis Parking website before your visit, then when you park you can hop on the free purple circulator bus to go from Park Place to City Dock and back!
The Future is Bright
The Annapolis Arts District is not the only place to see amazing murals (try the Design District off of Chinquapin Round Road), boutiques and antiques (a trip to West Annapolis is always an excuse to shop), work by local painters and sculptors (Eastport has local art galore), and shops that offer a little of everything (Main Street, for the win). Public art on West Street has come and gone with times changing and people moving. Walking around, I saw many blank, pristine walls just begging to be the next mural. But the community of the Arts District has a grand vision to support artists and patrons. You can read more about the plan on their website. And you can be part of this growth by visiting the Arts District organizations, businesses, creators, and entertainers.
There is a beautiful diversity of ideas and voices in Annapolis. And we can see that here, within this little stretch of West Street. Let’s support more art that will make Annapolis shine!
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