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

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.