Background

Hagley Museum: Where Innovation Sparks

Explore the birthplace of DuPont, witness 19th-century industry, and discover American innovation along the scenic Brandywine River.

4.8

Explore the Hagley Museum, the original site of the DuPont Company's black powder works on the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware. Discover the story of American innovation through exhibits, restored mills, and the du Pont family's first American home.

A brief summary to Hagley Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 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 Hagley is a large, mostly outdoor museum with uneven terrain.
  • Check the Hagley website for special events, demonstrations, and seasonal activities.
  • Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum and grounds.
  • Start your visit at the Visitor Center to purchase tickets, pick up a visitor guide, and plan your route.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington, take the DART First State Route 10 bus towards Concord Mall. The bus departs from West St @ 11th St and arrives at 17Th St @ Tower Rd. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. From there, it's a short walk to the Hagley Museum entrance. The bus fare is $1 - $2.

  • Taxi

    From downtown Wilmington, a taxi or rideshare to Hagley Museum will take approximately 10 minutes, covering a distance of about 4 miles. Expect to pay between $18 and $22 for the ride.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take exit 7 for Delaware Route 52 toward Delaware Route 141/ Centreville. Follow signs for Route 141 North. The Hagley Museum entrance is located on Route 141, just north of the Tyler McConnell Bridge. Free parking is available at the Visitor Center. Private vehicles are not permitted in other areas of Hagley.

Unlock the Best of Hagley Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hagley Museum

Hagley Museum and Library, situated on 235 acres along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware, offers a captivating glimpse into the early days of American industry and innovation. This is the site where Éleuthère Irénée du Pont founded his black powder mills in 1802, harnessing the river's power to fuel his enterprise. Today, Hagley is a multifaceted museum complex that combines historical exhibits, restored buildings, and the du Pont family's original home and gardens. Visitors can explore the Hagley Powder Yard, where the DuPont Company manufactured gunpowder from the early 1800s to 1921. See massive stone structures, working 19th-century machinery, and demonstrations of a roll mill and gunpowder explosions. The museum's exhibits showcase the connection between early industrial technology and American history, with a focus on the du Pont family, the DuPont company, and the evolution of explosives. The Nation of Inventors exhibit celebrates diverse stories of innovation, displaying over 120 patent models from Hagley's collection. Tour Eleutherian Mills, the first du Pont family home in America, filled with American folk art and du Pont family treasures. Explore the E.I. du Pont Garden, a French-style garden reflecting the original 1804 plans. Discover what life was like in a restored workers' community. Hagley offers a variety of tours and demonstrations, including guided tours of Eleutherian Mills, the millwright shop, and the powder mill. Shuttles provide transportation between key locations.

Popular Experiences near Hagley Museum

Popular Hotels near Hagley Museum

Select Currency