Maryland Supreme Court rules Walters Art Museum is a private entity, overturning lower court’s decision

The Walters Art Museum is a private entity, not a public one, according to a ruling by the Maryland Supreme Court on Tuesday.

With its decision, the Maryland Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had established that the museum is a public entity.

“We are gratified that the majority of the Maryland Supreme Court has ruled in support of the museum’s position,” said Kate Burgin, Andrea B. and John H. Laporte Director and CEO of the Walters Art Museum, in a statement.

Walters Workers United, employees of the Baltimore museum, voted to form a union through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The group sought records of communications from Walters leaders about the workers’ unionization efforts.

The Walters refused the group’s Maryland Public Information Act request, asserting that the museum is not subject to the MPIA because it is not a public institution.

The workers argued otherwise, pointing to the fact that Baltimore City owns Walters buildings and land.

In 2022, Walters Workers United sued the museum for its refusal to honor their records request.

Following Tuesday’s decision, AFSCME stood by its position that the Walters is a public entity and should comply with the MPIA.

“AFSCME believes the Supreme Court erred in its ruling today. (We think the dissent got it right.) The Walters’ collection belongs to the people of Baltimore and ought to be overseen by the City,” AFSCME Maryland Council 3 said in a statement. “The City supports the Walters in myriad ways, including supporting its dedicated employees. Those employees are our focus, and the Supreme Court’s ruling does not change that those employees chose to find power in AFSCME. That choice led to a collective bargaining agreement with the Walters that includes real wage improvement, real rights, and a real voice in the Walters. It is unfortunate that the citizens of Baltimore do not have the ability to scrutinize the Walters using the MPIA, but it is of great benefit to the employees that they have a voice within the Walters, and the ruling does not change that.”