Gallery 99 in Baltimore: Custom Framing for Art and Local Memorabilia
Gallery 99 is a custom framing shop in Canton that handles everything from fine art and photography to jerseys, certificates, and three-dimensional objects, with in-house design consultation and a focus on preservation-quality materials.
What Gallery 99 actually is
Located in the Canton neighborhood, Gallery 99 functions as both a framing studio and a small retail gallery. The operation centers on custom framing rather than off-the-shelf frames; a designer works with customers to select mat colors, frame styles, and glazing options suited to each piece. The shop also carries a curated selection of ready-made frames and matting supplies, though the core business is bespoke work. The space itself serves as a working studio where framing happens on-site, visible from the sales floor, which gives clients a realistic sense of turnaround time and craftsmanship.
Services and pricing
Gallery 99 charges by the hour for design consultation (typically $50 to $75 per hour, though many consultations are brief and included with the order) and then prices framing projects based on frame selection, mat materials, and glazing type. A basic framing job for a standard 8x10 print with a simple wood frame, single mat, and standard glass runs roughly $80 to $150, depending on frame finish. Museum-quality framing with acid-free matting, UV-protective glass, and higher-end frames can reach $300 to $500 or more for the same size. Large or irregular pieces, shadowboxes for three-dimensional objects, and specialty glazing (museum glass, acrylic) increase costs proportionally. The shop does not offer tiered package pricing; instead, each project is quoted individually after the consultation. Turnaround is typically two to three weeks for standard orders, faster for urgent requests if capacity allows. Gallery 99 accepts frames brought in by customers, rematting work, and restoration of older frames.
How it compares to other Baltimore framing options
For preservation-focused work and custom design, Gallery 99 occupies a different position than box-store framing at chain retailers like Michael's or Joann, where framers work from predetermined mat-and-frame combinations and turnaround is measured in days but consultation depth is minimal. Local competitor Artisan's Frame & Gallery in Fells Point offers similarly personalized service and also stocks fine-art supplies; both shops appeal to collectors and artists willing to invest in quality materials and design input. For budget-conscious framing of posters or basic prints, chain retailers remain cheaper and faster. Gallery 99 suits customers who own original art, photography with sentimental value, or objects (medals, textiles, memorabilia) that warrant acid-free matting and UV glass; it is not the place for quick, low-cost framing of mass-produced prints.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Gallery 99 works best for artists, photographers, and homeowners framing significant pieces or pieces with archival value. Collectors restoring or rematting older frames benefit from the in-house expertise. Small businesses and nonprofits commissioning framing for exhibits or permanent displays find the design consultation useful. It is not ideal for those needing same-day or next-day turnaround, or for anyone on a tight budget; a poster-size frame at a chain store costs a quarter of what custom framing runs here. Customers uncomfortable spending time in a consultation should expect either a longer decision process or reduced satisfaction with the final product.
What the first visit involves
Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are encouraged for complex or large pieces. Bring the item to be framed. A staff designer will ask about the piece's origin, condition, and the space it will occupy, then walk you through frame styles visible in the shop's samples and digital catalogs. They will discuss mat color psychology (whether you want contrast, harmony, or visual weight), glazing options, and any special needs like humidity control or UV protection. If the piece is valuable or fragile, this conversation will emphasize conservation-quality materials. Most consultations last 20 to 40 minutes. You will receive a written estimate before work begins.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Gallery 99 operates Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed Sundays and Mondays. It is located on a street with metered parking; nearby lot parking is available within a short walk. The shop is accessible by car or by the MTA's Canton-serving bus routes. Confirm current hours before visiting, as seasonal or staffing changes can affect schedules.
Gallery 99 fills a niche that chain retailers and big-box stores cannot: thoughtful design consultation paired with museum-quality materials for pieces that matter to you. In a city with a strong art community and neighborhoods full of original art and local memorabilia, that specificity is what keeps the shop relevant.
