Bromo Seltzer Tower

Note: The purpose of creating a separate Tours @ review is to distinguish commentary about what’s discussed and showcased on the tour separately from the main purpose of the host building (in this case, as a gallery and working space for a variety of artists). If you’re thinking of stopping by this site to check out a tour (and aren’t looking for tips on its shows, performances, etc), this is the review for you!
The short line: Depending on your guide, this can either be a very interesting introduction to a piece of Baltimore history, including a close encounter with a mechanical wonder… or an amateurish tour that’s interesting despite whatever your guide may or may not have to say.
As part of Bromo Seltzer Tower’s Saturday Open Houses, short tours are offered that include a brief presentation on the history of the building and access to the interior of the clock itself. The story of the building is colorful and over 100 years long, but most of that was lost in the brief speech given by our guide. Key dates were missed. Interesting anecdotes were half-​told. More questions were raised than answered. Even the difference between gravity-​driven clocks and mechanical ones, a point that the guide brought up as being a landmark feature, wasn’t explained.
Despite all of the hiccups on this tour, I still consider the time (45 minutes) and money ($ 5) well-​spent.
Keep expectations low (surely some guides are more thoroughly versed than others), do a little research in advance (and stop by the room dedicated to the preservation project) and mostly go for the one-​of-​a-​kind experience of venturing inside of a unique, early skyscraper.
Notes:
* Be sure to check Facebook to confirm dates/​times that tours are available.
* Aside from the clock workings, the elevators (especially the still-​working, manual one) are also mechanical highlights.
* The final ascent into the clock tower involves a steep, ladder-​like climb. This may not be suitable for young children and is not accessible in an ADA sense.
* I didn’t notice credit cards being accepted as payment.
* The Open House appeared to be free with the charge only being for the tour and access to the clock room. If you do happen to stop by for the tour though, it’d be a shame not to walk down from the 11^th floor and enjoy the various displays if you have the time.