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

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Explore American decorative arts, stroll through stunning gardens, and delve into history at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, located in Winterthur, Delaware, is a premier museum showcasing American decorative arts. Once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, the estate features a 175-room mansion filled with an unparalleled collection of American antiques, a 60-acre naturalistic garden, and a research library. Visitors can explore American history, art, and horticulture within this historic estate.

A brief summary to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Winterthur, Delaware, 19735, US
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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

Book tickets in advance, especially if you plan to attend a special event or exhibit, as they often sell out.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive gardens and grounds.
Consider taking the Winterthur Garden Tram Tour for a narrated overview of the gardens.
Check the Winterthur website for a calendar of events, including lectures, concerts, and live performances.
Visit the Touch-It Room in the Galleries for a hands-on experience, especially engaging for children.

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Getting There

Driving

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located at 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, approximately six miles northwest of Wilmington. From I-95, take Exit 7 for Delaware Avenue/Route 52 and follow Route 52 North. On-site parking is available in the Visitor Parking Lot. For GPS navigation, use the Wilmington address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. Parking is free. Accessible parking is available in the Visitor Lot and on Old Gate House Road near the museum entrance; mention your need for these spaces at the Gatehouse.
Public Transport

The DART Route 52 bus stops near Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. From Wilmington Station, the best option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Winterthur, which is about 7 miles away. A taxi from Wilmington Station costs approximately $26-$31. Alternatively, you can take the train from Philadelphia to Wilmington and then a taxi to Winterthur. A one way bus ticket is $2.

Discover more about Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library offers a unique experience, immersing visitors in American decorative arts and a stunning natural landscape. The estate, formerly the home of Henry Francis du Pont, features a remarkable 175-room mansion transformed into a museum. Inside, guests can marvel at an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America between 1640 and 1860. The 60-acre naturalistic garden, designed by du Pont himself, showcases a diverse range of plant species and garden designs, reflecting his expertise in horticulture. The grounds also include rolling hills, streams, meadows and woodlands. Visitors can explore the award-winning children's garden, Enchanted Woods. Winterthur is also a recognized research center with a library dedicated to American artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual history from colonial times into the twentieth century. The library's collections support scholarship in various fields related to art and culture. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur opened as a museum in 1951, with the aim of preserving the best of American style and craftsmanship. The name Winterthur, pronounced "winter-tour," comes from the small Swiss hometown of the family of Jacques Antoine Bidermann, who married into the du Pont family. Today, Winterthur continues to inspire and educate visitors through its collections, estate, and academic programs.