Tucked away in Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore Museum of Art holds a secret that even many art lovers don’t know about — it is home to the world’s largest public collection of Henri Matisse artwork. This incredible treasure trove exists because of two bold sisters who had an eye for greatness long before the rest of the world caught on.
From stunning paintings to rare sculptures, the BMA offers an experience that rivals some of the most famous museums on the planet. If you’ve never heard of this hidden gem, now is the perfect time to find out what makes it so special.
The Cone Sisters: The Women Behind the Matisse Magic
Before there was a world-record collection, there were two sisters with extraordinary taste. Claribel and Etta Cone were Baltimore natives who began collecting art in the early 1900s, at a time when most people hadn’t even heard of Henri Matisse.
They personally befriended Matisse and purchased his works directly from him over several decades. Their passion and boldness created a collection so massive and meaningful that it changed art history…