Delaware Art Museum: A Brandywine Valley Gem

Nestled in a peaceful residential area along Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington, the Delaware Art Museum offers a diverse collection spanning centuries and styles. Founded in 1912 as the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts to preserve the works of Howard Pyle, a renowned American illustrator, the museum has grown to house over 12,000 objects. The museum's collection includes American art from the 19th to the 21st century, with a strong emphasis on illustration. It also boasts the largest and most important collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art outside of the United Kingdom. Visitors can explore works by Howard Pyle and his students, such as N.C. Wyeth and Frank Schoonover, as well as pieces by John Sloan and other prominent American artists. In addition to its galleries, the Delaware Art Museum features the Copeland Sculpture Garden, a 9-acre outdoor space with a variety of sculptures and a labyrinth. The museum also houses the Helen Farr Sloan Library and Archives, a research collection related to the museum's holdings and regional art. The library contains over 40,000 volumes and extensive archives. The museum hosts special exhibitions, studio art classes, and various learning opportunities throughout the year. It also provides resources for researchers and educators.