Since we can't all live in London or Dubrovnik, here are some places to get your medieval fix in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. If you have other recommendations, please contact me and let me know! Last updated July 2010.
The Walters Museum - A substantial collection of medieval art, including early Christian and Byzantine, along with medieval manuscripts, early printed books, and renaissance art. There are also collections of medieval Islamic and Asian art, as well as Greek and Roman exhibits. Starting in October 2007, admission is always free!
July 17, 2010 - October 10, 2010: Checkmate! Medieval People at Play
February 13, 2011 - May 15, 2011: Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics, and Devotion in Medieval Europe
October 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012: Mind and Matter: The Amazing Story of the Archimedes Palimpsest
October 1, 2012: Face to Face: The African Presence in Renaissance Europe
Baltimore Museum of Art - While the bulk of the collections are (relatively) more modern, the museum has European paintings and sculpture from the 15th century onward. Starting in October 2007, admission is always free!
The Cloisters - Not to be confused with the NYC masterpiece, Cloisters Castle in Lutherville is a mansion built in the early 20th century in the style of a Tudor house. There are many authentic medieval artifacts incorporated into the architecture and decor. The site is used primarily for weddings and other affairs, but they have open houses where you can visit the site.
Peabody Renaissance Ensemble at JHU Peabody Institute
Towson University Early Music Ensembles - Towson University, just north of Baltimore, has several different ensembles dedicated to different types of medieval music, instruments, and styles.
National Gallery of Art - Sizeable European medieval and renaissance painting collection, as well as sculpture and decorative objects from the period.
May 16, 2010–November 28, 2010: German Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1580–1900
September 19, 2010–January 9, 2011: Arcimboldo, 1526–1593: Nature and Fantasy
Sackler and Freer Galleries - A large collection of ancient and medieval art and artifacts from Asia, and the Near, Middle, and Far East. Part of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Textile Museum - Claims an extensive collection of rugs and textiles, ancient through modern, focusing on early Islamic and Coptic, parts of Asia, and Latin America.
Folger Shakespeare Library - A library, exhibit hall, and performance space dedicated to William Shakespeare and his times.
June 10, 2010–September 4, 2010: Lost at Sea: The Ocean in the English Imagination, 1550–1750
September 24, 2010–December 30, 2010: Vivat Rex! Commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Accession of Henry VIII
Dumbarton Oaks - A library, museum, and research institution dedicated to Byzantine Studies.
Library of Congress - Sometimes has exhibits on medieval and renaissance topics.
Early Music DC - Links to local early music ensembles and concerts, as well as information on the Washington Early Music Festival.
Embassy Row - Many of the larger embassies in DC have events open to the public. Keep an eye out for concerts and special exhibits in your area of interest.