Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower
The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, otherwise known as the Emerson Tower, is a 15-story landmark clock tower that was first erected in 1907 in downtown Baltimore. It was created by architect Joseph Evans Sperry and was modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence Italy.
The clock tower is credited to Captain Isaac Emerson, the inventor of the popular headache remedy Bromo Seltzer. It is a still-functioning clock, the face reading BROMO SELTZER and not showing any numbers. The clock was the largest 4-dial gravity-driven, non-chiming clock in the world when it was first constructed. It was topped by a revolving Bromo Seltzer bottle and was lit up by 596 lights, making it quite the sight to see! Inside you can explore a little bit of this history at the Emerson/Maryland Glass Museum, which houses the largest collection of seltzer and Maryland glass bottles, this little museum spot located on the 15th floor.
This historic clock tower now also houses art studios and gallery spaces for resident artists, photographers, and writers. The 15 story city landmark is perfect for artists, with a location near the Hippodrome Theater, Convention Center, and the University of Maryland. Inside the tower, artists will find plenty of space to 'create, exhibit, interactive with, and sell to the public', plus plenty of free exhibits, showcases, receptions, and regular events like music and spoken word for any guest, artist or not.
During your group's visit, you will be able to explore the aforementioned museum and artist spaces, and you will also have the option to take a 45-minute tour of the tower. The tour will include a historic presentation about the structure and Isaac Emerson himself, as well as have the opportunity to climb the ship's ladder and see the inside of the clock room.
