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Nemours Estate: A Gilded Age French Chateau in Delaware

Experience Gilded Age grandeur at Nemours Estate: a French-inspired mansion, gardens, and vintage car collection in Wilmington, Delaware.

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Nemours Estate, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a stunning 200-acre country estate featuring a French neoclassical mansion and formal gardens. Built by Alfred I. du Pont in the early 20th century, it showcases a blend of French elegance and American innovation, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of the Gilded Age.

A brief summary to Nemours Estate

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the gardens and mansion.
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully experience the estate, including the mansion, gardens, and Chauffeur's Garage.
  • Visit between April and October to enjoy the guided walking tours and shuttle garden tours.
  • Picnics are allowed on the grounds, so bring a blanket and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful scenery.
  • Check the Nemours Estate website for upcoming events, such as Third Thursday evenings with discounted admission and live music.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington Station, take DART First State bus route 028 towards Concord Pike. The bus departs hourly and the ride to the Nemours Childrens Hosp Main Entrance stop takes approximately 34 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Nemours Estate entrance. The bus fare is approximately $1 - $3.

  • Taxi

    From Wilmington Station, a taxi or rideshare to Nemours Estate takes about 12 minutes, covering approximately 4.4 miles. The estimated cost is $18 - $22. Note that rates may vary depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    Nemours Estate is located at 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. The entrance is on the campus of Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware; follow the signs for Nemours Estate. Free parking is available in front of the ticket office. From I-95, take exit 8 for DE-202 N toward Concord Pike. Continue onto Concord Pike, then turn right onto Rockland Road. The estate entrance will be on your right. Note that parking lots cannot accommodate buses.

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Discover more about Nemours Estate

Nemours Estate, a breathtaking example of early 20th-century opulence, is located in Wilmington, Delaware. This 200-acre estate, conceived by Alfred I. du Pont as a gift for his second wife, Alicia, draws inspiration from the grand estates of France. The name 'Nemours' pays homage to Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, Alfred's great-great-grandfather, who was a prominent figure in French history. The centerpiece of the estate is a 77-room French neoclassical mansion designed by Carrère and Hastings, the same firm behind the New York Public Library and the Frick Mansion. Inside, visitors can explore a remarkable collection of 18th-century French furniture, European antiques, tapestries, and significant works of art. Highlights include a Louis XVI musical clock and a clock made for Marie Antoinette. The Chauffeur's Garage displays a collection of vintage automobiles, offering a glimpse into early automotive history. The gardens at Nemours Estate are among the largest and most elaborate French-style gardens in the United States. Inspired by the gardens of the Petit Trianon at Versailles, they feature a one-acre reflecting pool, sculpted fountains, formal parterres, and the Temple of Love, housing a statue of Diana. The Sunken Garden is currently undergoing renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2026. Visitors can explore the grounds via self-guided tours, with knowledgeable staff available to answer questions. Guided walking tours and shuttle garden tours are offered between April and October.

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