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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library: A Treasure of American Decorative Arts

Explore American history, decorative arts, and stunning gardens at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in the heart of the Brandywine Valley.

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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, nestled in the Brandywine Valley, is the former estate of Henry Francis du Pont and showcases an unparalleled collection of American decorative arts and a stunning naturalistic garden. Visitors can explore a 175-room mansion filled with antiques, wander through 60 acres of gardens, and delve into American history and culture.

A brief summary to Winterthur Galleries

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Check the Winterthur website for special events, exhibitions, and seasonal garden highlights.
  • Allow ample time to explore both the mansion and the gardens; plan for at least a half-day visit.
  • Consider taking a guided tour of the mansion to learn more about the history and significance of the collection.
  • Visit during the spring or summer to experience the gardens in full bloom.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Winterthur Museum is located at 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52) in Wilmington, DE. From I-95, take exit 7 for Delaware Route 52 North. Follow Route 52 for approximately 6 miles. Winterthur will be on your left. Free parking is available in the visitor parking lot. Reserved handicapped parking is available in front of the Visitors Center lot.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    From Wilmington Amtrak Station, a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the most direct way to reach Winterthur. The ride is approximately 7 miles and takes about 15 minutes. Expect to pay between $26-$31 for the trip.

  • Public Transport

    While bus lines used to service the museum, as of November 2024, there is no public bus transportation to Winterthur due to DART policy changes. Check the DART website for any updates to this policy.

Unlock the Best of Winterthur Galleries

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Discover more about Winterthur Galleries

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, located in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a unique and immersive experience into American decorative arts and horticulture. The museum was once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, a renowned collector and horticulturist, who transformed his estate into a public museum in 1951. The centerpiece of Winterthur is the 175-room mansion, showcasing a remarkable collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860. Visitors can explore period-room displays and admire some of the most important pieces of American furniture and fine art. The museum also hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, with galleries chronicling furniture styles and goods made from various materials. Beyond the mansion, Winterthur boasts a 60-acre naturalistic garden, considered one of America's finest. Designed by du Pont, the garden features magnificent plantings and colorful displays throughout the year. Visitors can stroll through the grounds, explore walking trails, and discover the Enchanted Woods, a children's garden. Winterthur is also a leading center for the study of American art and culture, with a research library containing over 87,000 volumes and approximately 500,000 manuscripts and images. The library is open to the public by appointment and supports research in American history, decorative arts, architecture, and horticulture. Whether you're interested in American antiques, stunning gardens, or historical research, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library offers something for everyone.

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