Location: Wilmington
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Top 10 Museums in Wilmington, Delaware (DE)
Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
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1. Hagley Museum And Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By JPGPhilly - Worcester, United States
Hagley is a gem and definitely worth a visit, even during the abbreviated winter tour schedule. our tour was memorable in large part due to the wit and wisdom of our tour guide / interpreter - Rodney. the tour encompasses two parts - the beginnings of the DuPont fame and fortune as black powder makers and their first manor house on site. honestly Winterthur and Nemours are more impressive, but it all began here at Hagley and the black powder making process is unique. there is a restored and working 19th century water powered machining building on site that is fascinating
2. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By suesaut - Delaware, United States
This art museum does a great job of both blending in (it's situated in an amazingly beautiful residential neighborhood) and standing out (largest collection of pre-raphaelite art outside of europe, as well as revolving, thoughtful exhibits). There's also a lovely outside sculpture garden. Lot's of parking behind the museum as well as a lovely cafe and gift shop. Thursday nights in summer there's a happy hour from 5-7PM and admission is free; it's also free on Sundays. Great way to spend a few hours relaxing.
3. Nemours Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Opening April 1st, 2021 Owned and developed by our founder, Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Reviewed By rochelleforster - Randolph, United States
We had a few hours before our return home and stopped at this museum. Given the cold weather, we toured the house. It is worth taking a guided tour as we learned so many interesting facts about the family, their possessions and the history of the estate. The furnishings are intact to the time when the family lived here which makes it so neat. And Alfred DuPont was way ahead of his time in so many ideas he created for the house and the things he put into it, like a back up generator; controls in his bathroom to make sure tings were working properly; bottling his water, 2 tanks with 1 for back up and so on. Fascinating to hear the stories too.
4. Rockwood Park & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By retired605 - Newark, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed our private tour with Leone for Newark History Museum volunteers. She was a wonderful guide and very passionate about the Museum. It was interesting hearing about the Shipley and Bringhurst families and the history of the estate - a part of Delaware history. I was amazed at the number of original artifacts that exist in the house and how impressive the restoration had been on a house that had been sitting untouched for 20 years. I would definitely recommend this tour whenever public tours begin again.
5. Delaware History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
In 2016 the Delaware History Museum reopened after extensive renovation. Come enjoy the exhibition, Delaware: One State, Many Stories! The exhibition is suitable for all ages. One of the most striking features of the renovation is a two-story glass connector linking the 18th-century Old Town Hall building to the Delaware History Museum and Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. Now fully accessible, Old Town Hall is used for rotating exhibits and education programs.
6. The Delaware Contemporary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
The Delaware Contemporary is a dynamic gathering place for the exploration of new ideas in art, design, and technology. Our compelling exhibitions, innovative educational experiences, and access to the artistic process inspire us to infuse creativity into our daily lives. Founded in 1979, The Delaware Contemporary presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists that explore topical issues in contemporary art and society. Art sales through our galleries and Alternatives Museum Shop support area and exhibiting artists and our commitment to the importance of contemporary art. The Delaware Contemporary offers a variety of educational and outreach programs, integrating contemporary art into public school curriculum and with underserved community groups.
Reviewed By PaleoGypsy - Philadelphia, United States
Located a stone’s throw away from I-95, The Delaware Contemporary is adjacent to Wilmington’s Riverfront. If you don’t like cities, the good news is that you don’t have to go deep into the city to see the collection. The parking lot is surprisingly spacious. Two handicapped parking spots are available. The building, in-and-of-itself, is a work of art. The signage from I-95 to the attraction is very helpful. While you may enter for FREE, a donation of $12.00 per adult is suggested. $6.00 per child is suggested. Anyone who is 18 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Assess the readiness of your child’s ability to deal with some of the sensitive and controversial subject matter of the collection. Not everything is about rainbows and unicorns, if you catch my drift. As I only had a twenty dollar bill, I got change from the person who worked in the gift shop. Exact change is better because there is no guarantee that the twenty-dollar-bill, or whatever denomination you have, may be broken. The artworks are nicely displayed. The “security guard” seemed to be more interested in looking at his phone than anything else. Look for the binder that shares each artist’s mission statement. The artists are local to the area. During certain times of the year, special events take place for children in a small classroom. Lessons are offered and directly relate to the artists whose works are displayed. Children have the opportunity to learn about the artists and create art as well. The person who greeted me was so very kind and helpful. He shared a lot of interesting information about The Delaware Contemporary. If you are in the mood to see some contemporary art, feel free to visit. The bathrooms are very clean. There is an area to place your coat and umbrella. Tours are available if you make arrangements ahead-of-time.
7. Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm is a living history museum with tours and programs focusing on a variety of aspects of the Early Republic (1790-1830): the gristmill, the textile factory, and daily life at the 1794 Philips House and 19th century farm with heritage livestock. Open to the public the second Saturday of the month (April-October) from 11-3pm except holiday weekends. Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm is open through the week, year round, by reservation both for groups and individuals.
8. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 441anthonyr - Wilmington, United States
Tiny Delaware often suffers from an identity crisis. We natives immediately recognize iconic symbols like the Blue Hen, Caesar Rodney, or the Tri State Male water tower. But what do others see and think “Delaware?” Well I suggest the Kalmar Nyckel. It’s image is atop the monument in Fort Christina Park, a sailing ship is prominent on our state flag, and Delaware’s past, present, and future are intimately linked to its maritime heritage. The meticulously crafted replica that now bears the name Kalmar Nyckel is an absolute joy to sail or tour. The skilled crew and we’ll-trained volunteers are engaging, and make even short sails enjoyable. History buffs (like myself) can learn about the ship, the Swedish settlers it brought, and the role they played in Delaware’s founding. Depending on where you sail, and there are several routes available, you can really drill down and get a feel for what it must have been like to travel under sail on the Christina River, Delaware River, or Delaware Bay. Soft drinks and light snacks are available on board, but you may bring food and beverages. The deck is rather spartan, so not a lot of places to sit or dine. Sunscreen and headgear is a must. Also, don’t get too dressed up...if it’s windy enough to raise the sails, you might become part of the press gang that helps the crew haul lines! The visitors’ center is highly technical, and is better appreciated by sail enthusiasts, but it’s worth a trip if you want to learn more about this beautiful ship.
9. Delaware Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 214salinab - New Castle, United States
I went out on a friend-date with a girlfriend whose son, Parker, is just shy of 3 years old. LIke every other young patron in the building, he had a blast! Me - I'm more "grandparent" age, so my recollection of kids museums is musty and dated. When I walked into this intelligently designed, colorfully kid-centric mecca, I was floored! There are activities for every possible interest a child about 8 and younger could possible have: 1) coloring books and light and shape art for the artistic 2) Climbing features and a giant maze (temp attraction) for the adventurer 3) A car mechanic stop and boats to 'drive' and large roads with cars for the transportation intrigued 4) A water world (with aprons) for those who love things that splash and float 5) A science exploration area - they had the parts of the body, including stuffed pieces like brain cells, blood cells, liver, etc. 6) A restaurant and kitchen and grocery area for the culinary-minded. Truly - it's an experience that no child local or visiting should miss! Every single one who I saw leaving the building was exhausted with joy.
10. Delaware Military Museum
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
The Delaware Military Museum is dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices of Delawareans for more than 350 years of military service to Delaware and the nation. With exhibits spanning the colonial era, to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts the museum offers a first-hand look at the artifacts, images, and stories of our service men and women. Library and archive.
