Ryves Holt House
Ryves Holt House: Delaware's Oldest Echo
Zwaanendael Museum: A Dutch Legacy in Lewes
Explore Delaware's Dutch roots and maritime history at this unique museum modeled after a Dutch town hall.
The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware, commemorates the state's first European colony, Swanendael, founded by the Dutch in 1631. Modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, Netherlands, the museum showcases the maritime, military, and social history of the Lewes area.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Zwaanendael Museum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Wednesday
10 am-4:15 pm
Thursday
10 am-4:15 pm
Friday
10 am-4:15 pm
Saturday
10 am-4:15 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Zwaanendael Museum
Getting There
Walking
The Zwaanendael Museum is located in historic downtown Lewes. If you are already in the downtown area, the museum is easily accessible on foot. From Second Street, walk east on Kings Highway. The museum will be on your left. Allow a few minutes to reach the museum, depending on your starting point.
Public Transport
The Lewes Line, a seasonal transit program, has a stop at the Zwaanendael Museum. The Lewes Line operates from May to September. A single ride is $1, and multi-ride cards are available. DART Route 204 also serves the museum. The pickup is at the corner of Savannah Road and Third Street, in front of the museum.
Driving
If driving, navigate to 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958. Street parking is available in downtown Lewes. Metered parking is in effect from May 1 to October 14 and costs $1.50 per hour. Check the meters for time limits. Non-metered parking is available at the lot off Schley Ave, the lot at Roosevelt Inlet, and the Otis Smith Park Parking Lot.
Local tips
✓
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
✓
The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays year-round.
✓
Street parking is available in downtown Lewes within walking distance of the museum.
✓
Restrooms are not available at the Zwaanendael Museum.
Discover more about Zwaanendael Museum
Step back in time at the Zwaanendael Museum, a tribute to Delaware's Dutch heritage and the short-lived Swanendael colony. Established in 1931 to mark the 300th anniversary of the colony, the museum's architecture is a faithful replica of the Hoorn, Netherlands, city hall, featuring a stepped facade gable, terra cotta roof tiles, and carved stonework. A statue of David Pietersen de Vries, the leader of the Swanendael expedition, graces the building's front.
Inside, exhibits explore the history of Sussex County, highlighting its maritime connections and the lives of those who shaped Delaware's southeastern coast. Learn about local history, shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the War of 1812 bombardment of Lewes. Current exhibits include displays on Delaware Railroads and the British warship DeBraak.
The museum also explores more recent history, with exhibits such as 'Shared Truths,' which focuses on individuals who have witnessed, shaped, and recorded Delaware history. You can also delve into the state's past with exhibits about segregated beaches during the Jim Crow era.
A brief summary to Zwaanendael Museum
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Rehoboth Beach
Discover Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - a coastal paradise with sandy shores, a vibrant boardwalk, and a lively arts scene, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Tell me more about Rehoboth Beach