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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library: A Glimpse into American Decorative Arts and Naturalistic Gardens

Explore American decorative arts and naturalistic gardens at the historic Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in the Brandywine Valley.

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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, located in Winterthur, Delaware, is a premier destination showcasing American decorative arts and horticulture. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, the estate features a 175-room mansion filled with an impressive collection of American antiques, surrounded by a stunning 60-acre naturalistic garden and 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands.

A brief summary to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 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

  • Plan your visit in advance to make the most of your time, as the estate is vast and there is much to see.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the extensive gardens and grounds.
  • Check the Winterthur website for special events, exhibitions, and seasonal programming.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the museum and gardens.
  • Visit during the spring or summer to experience the gardens in full bloom.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located on Delaware Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington. From I-95, take exit 7B (Delaware Avenue/Route 52) and follow Route 52 North. The museum is well-signed. Parking is available in the visitor parking lot. Dedicated parking spaces for disabled visitors are available in the Visitor Lot and on Old Gate House Road near the museum entrance. Parking is free. Be aware that during peak seasons, parking may be limited.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Winterthur, you can take Amtrak or Greyhound to Wilmington, DE. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the museum, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive. Taxi/ride-share cost from Wilmington to Winterthur is estimated at $30-$45. Check with local providers for current rates.

  • Walking

    From the Visitor Center, the museum building is a 10-15 minute walk. Paths through the garden are marked and a map is available on-site. A shuttle service runs between the Visitor Center and the museum building every 10 minutes. The shuttle is equipped with a hydraulic lift and one wheelchair securement device.

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Discover more about Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library offers a unique experience, blending American history, art, and horticulture. The estate was once the home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880–1969), a prominent antiques collector and horticulturist, who transformed his home into a museum in 1951. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of nearly 90,000 objects of American decorative arts from 1640 to 1860, displayed within a 175-room mansion. Visitors can explore period-room displays and special exhibitions showcasing furniture, ceramics, glass, textiles, paintings, and prints. The 60-acre naturalistic garden is a highlight, reflecting du Pont's passion for horticulture and landscape design. The gardens feature a diverse range of plant species and garden designs, with formal gardens near the house transitioning into a freer Wild Garden style. Visitors can explore 25 miles of well-marked paths and trails throughout the estate's 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and woodlands. The award-winning children's garden, Enchanted Woods, offers a magical space for kids to play and imagine. Winterthur also houses a research library with over 87,000 rare books and 800,000 manuscripts and images, supporting scholarship in American history, decorative arts, and culture. The library is open to the public by appointment. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house, garden, and grounds, as well as ongoing and special exhibitions in the galleries. Dining options are available at the Visitor Center Garden Café and the Cottage Café. Shuttles and garden trams provide transportation around the grounds, and wheelchairs and strollers are available for visitors.

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