Given the timely return of Hairspray the Musical to the London Coliseum, Baltimore will be top of mind among Brits. With the opening of new and innovative art exhibitions, and the transformation of the city’s historic Lexington Market, now is the perfect time for UK travellers to visit Charm City.
Events:
Hairspray returns to London theatres in 2020 – 23 April – 19 July
Look who’s back! Hairspray the Musical returns to the London Coliseum in 2020 and it’s bigger and better than ever, with Michael Ball starring in the show. The feel-good, smash-hit musical is set in 1960’s Baltimore and tells the story of quirky teenager, Tracy Turnblad who has one dream – to dance on national television. The musical features songs such as ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, as well as ‘I Can Hear the Bells’ and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’. The musical will bring a taste of Baltimore to London and inspire travellers to visit Charm City where they can view some of the iconic places that inspire director and producer of the original Hairspray film, John Waters.
Art scene:
The Baltimore Museum of Art: 2020 Vision – Year of the Woman
2020 will showcase exactly why Baltimore is recognised as a melting pot for its exceptional art and culture. The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is organising 2020 Vision, a year-long celebration dedicated to the achievements of female-identifying artists. The initiative builds on the BMA’s recent efforts to expand its presentations of women and minority artists and coincides with the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment, which guaranteed women in the U.S. the right to vote. Highlights of the year include two major solo exhibitions with video installations by Candice Breitz (opening March 2020) and paintings, drawings, and prints by Joan Mitchell (opening September 2020), and the re-installation of most of the museum’s collections to emphasise the depth and diversity of people who have shaped the trajectory of artistic expression.
The American Visionary Art Museum’s newest exhibit: “The Secret Life of Earth: Alive! Awake! (and Possibly Really Angry!)”
Next year celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and in turn, The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), welcomes its newest opening exhibit “The Secret Life of Earth: Alive! Awake! (and Possibly Really Angry!)” from 5 October 2019 to 6 September 2020. The theme of the exhibit is the Earth and the current climate, featuring works from artists in Maryland and around the world. The artwork aims to bring attention to the current climate crisis and highlight the majesty of Earth. The exhibit was designed to be approachable, memorable and something that will spark family conversation.
Developments:
Port Covington – a revitalisation project
Port Covington is a 235-acre mixed-use redevelopment project located on Baltimore City’s prime waterfront and is slated to unveil in autumn 2021. At completion, the $5.5 billion transformative project plans to include: up to 18 million square feet of new, mixed-use development; 2.5 miles of restored waterfront; and 40 acres of parks and green space. As one of the largest urban revitalisation efforts in the United States, the neighbourhood of Port Covington will have a fundamental and far-reaching impact on Baltimore’s future. The Port Covington redevelopment is expected to generate fresh opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship for Baltimore City residents and its local workforce.
Harbour Point’s largest transformation
Harbour point is currently undergoing its biggest transformation to date, into a vibrant, highly integrated neighbourhood with a focus on sustainability and innovation. As the city’s largest downtown waterfront site, Harbour Point will be composed of up to three million square feet of mixed-use space on 27 acres and will be a leading development over the next 10 years. Parts of the development are expected to open from 2020 onwards and this rejuvenated neighbourhood will feature thoughtfully designed space including 9.5 acres of beautiful waterfront parks and a continuation of the Inner Harbour promenade along the stunning water’s edge.
Hotels:
Canopy by Hilton to open at Harbour Point
Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s newest hotel brand that redefines the lifestyle space, is slated to open Canopy Baltimore at Harbour Point in April 2020. Targeting vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhoods in select cities across the United States, this new luxury hotel brand will showcase Baltimore as a colourful, diverse waterfront destination and allow guests to experience all that the city has to offer.
Culinary scene:
Lexington Market multimillion-dollar renovation
Since 1782 the Lexington Market has been a Baltimore staple and in the summer of 2021, this Baltimore icon will unveil its multimillion-dollar renovation. Developers plan to use part of the current three-building footprint to build a whole new market which will blend traits of the existing landmark with the vibe of a modern-day food hall. Housing 40-65 different vendors offering both prepared and fresh delicious foodie treats, the building will span the block between Paca and Eutaw streets and open onto a stunning open plaza with outdoor seating. The marketplace adds to Baltimore’s growing portfolio of contemporary food halls, including R. House, Mount Vernon Marketplace and the recently renovated Broadway Market and Cross Street Market.
