The Maryland model was introduced more than 30 years ago as an integrable model of localization by aperiodic order. Even though it is quite popular and is rich with fascinating mathematical properties, this model has so far remained quite artificial, as compared to other models displaying dynamical localization like the periodically kicked quantum rotator or the Aubry–André model. Here we suggest that light propagation in a polygonal optical waveguide lattice provides a photonic realization of the Maryland model and enables us to observe a main prediction of this model, namely fragility of wave localization in the commensurate potential limit.