The Observation Gallery at BWI Marshall
The Observation Gallery at BWI Marshall
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
42 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Vicki K
Linthicum Heights, MD52 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Took the light rail here with the children (ages 2 and 6) to spend a few hours away from the house. They enjoyed the train ride as well as the observation gallery. It had a number of interesting items for the 6 year old and items for them to climb and play on for both of them. A airplane tail, a well section from an airliner and a cockpit available for the children to check out and explore. I was also pretty impressed with the gallery. Many years ago, when BWI was known as Friendship International Airport, my father used to take us to the outdoor observation deck there. We are now carrying on that tradition with our own grandchildren. Ask a security person for access elevator for the observation gallery -- you will miss it unless directed towards it!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Written 11 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ToniPortland_OR
Portland, OR297 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We had some time to kill at BWI before our flight and saw a sign in the rental car shuttle for an Observation Gallery. Curious, we went in search of it and were so surprised! What a well done exhibit and space! When we were there, it was very quite and chill. People were quietly reading the exhibits, a few folks were quietly chatting at the bar, and the rest of us were happily rocking in chairs watching planes land and take off. I saw a few things for kids and assume there is a restroom but didn't see one.
The Gallery is located OUTSIDE of security so it is open to the public. It also means you have to be mindful of the time to make sure you don't get so drawn into relaxing that you forget to leave enough time to get through security on the way to your flight.
The stairs and elevator to the gallery are located next to the Subway restaurant right next to the B/C Security Checkpoint. One other tip -- we were heading to B terminal and the line at the B/C security was much shorter. Another reason to head to the gallery!
The Gallery is located OUTSIDE of security so it is open to the public. It also means you have to be mindful of the time to make sure you don't get so drawn into relaxing that you forget to leave enough time to get through security on the way to your flight.
The stairs and elevator to the gallery are located next to the Subway restaurant right next to the B/C Security Checkpoint. One other tip -- we were heading to B terminal and the line at the B/C security was much shorter. Another reason to head to the gallery!
Written 22 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roblyn
Maryland697 contributions
Jun 2019 • Business
It was my first time visiting the Observation Gallery. I was glad to have time to visit prior to heading through security and a gate. If you arrive to the airport very early, stop at the gallery to chill for a bit. You can grab eats there as well.
Written 23 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Remel Lloyd Miller
London, UK881 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
What better Way to honour Thurgood Marshall then see his Monument as you enter the city of his birthplace, Thurgood Marshall is a ture inspiration to us all his fight for Justice is legendary. He founded the NAACP which stand for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He also helped to abolish the segregation laws in the case Brown vs Board of Education with was a landmark case in History 1954. Which was an amazing achievement. I think the Monument an amazing concept just wish it was a bit bigger and made more publicised, I actually found this Monument looking for the toilet, after being in the airport 3 hours, as I said the concept amazing and this could definitely set a trend, and amazing idea all airports should do something like this have a little hall of fame and points of interest while people are waiting. But I do believe a bigger memorial should be right outside the air his contribution to history was truly outstanding.
Written 25 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amitava Michael K
Lake Stevens, WA578 contributions
Jun 2019 • Business
So I was wandering around BWI, looking for a place to have a quick, affordable meal - somebody recommended the observation gallery,somebody recommended the observation gallery, and also told me that there was a Starbucks nearby as well as couple of other food options. much to my delight, there was a pizzaMuch to my delight, there was a pizza place place as well as a place to get some good salads and they were all under $10! and they were all under $10! That's pretty amazing for an airport. I might add that I had just left my priority passI might add that I had just left my priority pass membership-entitled Club at BWI: for a free airport club, they were dirty, crowded, and the bartender at the Club couldn't tell the difference between tonic and soda – even when I told him there was a BIG difference when mixing it with gin :) I actually found the paid meal options and the view at the observation gallery far more enjoyable than a free lounge opportunity - that should tell you something!
Written 9 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F9657CYrobertt
Essex, MD54 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
It gives a great overview and ability to watch planes land and take off. Good way to relax and spend some time while waiting for your flights.
Written 4 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert L
Folly Beach, SC9 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Great place to relax and just watch the planes . Clean and comfortable . Great views and staff very nice .
Written 20 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lLittleMsWanderer
London, UK64 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
What a lovely place! The play area kept my toddler entertained, great views and super comfy seating. Not sure how well known it is, it was very quiet when we visited.
Written 9 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
katiea714
Pineville, NC702 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This was exactly the type of space we were looking for to spend time before my fiance left on his flight. There's a bar/cafe, floor-to-ceiling windows, binoculars, rocking chairs, and even a play area for kids. It's quiet and perfect for relaxing before a flight. It's nice to watch planes take off and land. We'll definitely go back when in the airport.
Written 5 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kege1
Baltimore, Maryland21 contributions
Jun 2016
You can watch the planes take off and land while enjoying the relative peace of the upper level observation deck. The added Food and beverage lounge and changing areas make this my favourite waiting area.
Written 18 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David would like to know if access is LIMITED to those on the public side of TSA Security screening - in other words, if you've been through security and are wandering around waiting for a flight, you can not access the Gallery? Thanks.
Written 2 December 2018
Correct, this Observation Gallery is prior to TSA Security. There are lots of areas in the airport, after you have cleared Security to view the airplanes during taxi, takeoff, and landings.
Written 10 December 2018
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