University of Delaware Museums: A Triad of Cultural Treasures
Explore art, history, and natural science at the University of Delaware Museums: Old College Gallery, Mechanical Hall, and Mineralogical Museum.
The University of Delaware Museums offer a diverse collection of art and natural history, spread across three locations on the university's Newark campus: the Old College Gallery, Mechanical Hall Gallery, and the Mineralogical Museum. Each museum provides a unique experience, contributing to the cultural and educational landscape of the university and the wider community. The Old College Gallery, housed in the historic Old College Hall (a National Historic Register building dating back to 1834), features a wide range of art from the University's collection, loan exhibitions, and student/faculty-generated shows. The gallery's holdings include American prints and drawings, Pre-Columbian and Native American ceramics, and an extensive collection of vintage and contemporary photographs. Mechanical Hall, built in 1898 and also on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to the Paul R. Jones Collection of African American Art. This significant collection, donated in 2001, serves as a focal point for the university's growing collection of African American art and supports educational inquiry and interdisciplinary engagement. The Mineralogical Museum, located in Penny Hall, displays approximately 350 specimens from the university's mineral collection. The collection was founded in 1964 with a gift from Irénée du Pont and has grown to include approximately 3,000 specimens of minerals, meteorites, gems, and carvings. The museum showcases fine crystallized minerals, significant discoveries, and themes such as crystallography. All three museums are free and open to the public, serving as laboratories for University of Delaware students and enriching cultural life beyond the campus.
Local tips
- Check the University of Delaware Museums website for current exhibitions and hours, as they may vary.
- Parking is available in the Trabant University Center Garage for the Old College and Mechanical Hall Galleries.
- The Mineralogical Museum is located in Penny Hall, with parking available in the Perkins Garage.
- Admission to all University of Delaware Museums is free.
A brief summary to University Delaware Museums
- 30 N College Ave, Newark, Delaware, 19716, US
- +1302-831-8037
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Getting There
-
Walking
From the center of the University of Delaware's Newark campus, the museums are easily accessible on foot. Old College Gallery and Mechanical Hall are a short walk from each other on North College Avenue. The Mineralogical Museum is located in Penny Hall, a few minutes walk away on Academy Street. Walking allows you to appreciate the historic architecture and campus atmosphere. No costs involved.
-
Public Transport
The University of Delaware has its own bus system that is free to use. Several bus routes stop near the museums, including the North/South Loop which stops at Old College. Check the UD Transportation website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. The Unicity Bus System is also a free service that runs Monday-Friday and covers Main Street and the surrounding areas. No costs involved.
-
Driving
If driving, visitor parking is available in several garages and lots on campus, including the Trabant University Center Garage (for Old College and Mechanical Hall) and the Perkins Garage (for the Mineralogical Museum). Visitors can also pay to park in Passport app spaces. Parking fees vary by location. As of July 2025, expect to pay around $2-3 per hour in the garages. A visitor parking permit can be purchased online.
