The Museum started 1931 when Henry Walters (1848–1931) bequeathed to the City of Baltimore an extensive art collection begun by his father, William T. Walters (1819–1894), two buildings, and an endowment. The then called Walters Art Gallery openend as a public institution in 1934.
The Walters Art Museum was originally called the Walters Art Gallery. In 2000, the Walters Art Gallery became the Walters Art Museum.