Rodney Square: Wilmington's Civic Heart

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Discover Rodney Square, the historic heart of Wilmington, DE, with its beautiful architecture and civic significance.

Rodney Square, the heart of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, is a historic public square designed in the early 20th century, inspired by the City Beautiful movement. It offers open space and architectural backdrops for various activities.

A brief summary to Rodney Square

1000 N Market St, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801, US
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Check the InWilmington website for events happening in Rodney Square.
Visit the Hotel DuPont, near Rodney Square, to see its opulent interior spaces.
Explore the architecture around the square, representing Italian Renaissance, Classical Revival, and Beaux Arts styles.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House: Wilmington's Opulent Landmark

Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall: A Glimpse into Wilmington's Past

Delaware History Museum and Mitchell Center for African American Heritage

Getting There

Walking

Rodney Square is located in downtown Wilmington and is easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest. From the Wilmington Transit Center, head north on French Street, then turn left onto 10th Street. Rodney Square will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 10 minutes. No cost involved.
Public Transport

DART First State bus routes serve Rodney Square. Several bus routes stop near the square, including routes 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 25, and 301. Check the DART website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A one-way fare is $2.00.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Wilmington. A short ride from the Riverfront area to Rodney Square typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

Rodney Square is accessible by car, with several parking garages located nearby. From I-95, follow the signs to downtown Wilmington. Parking is available on the streets surrounding Rodney Square, free after 6 PM and on weekends. Garages like Park BPG Garage, Mid-Town Garage, and City-Center Garage are within a few blocks. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $5-$10 per hour. Street parking is free after 6pm and on weekends.

Discover more about Rodney Square

Rodney Square, located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Delaware, has been the city's symbolic center since the early 20th century. The square's origins trace back to the DuPont Company's vision to create a unified civic center. Prior to its transformation, the site served as Wilmington's first water reservoir from 1827 to 1877, and later as the location of the New Castle County Courthouse from 1881 to 1919. The transformation of Rodney Square was heavily influenced by the City Beautiful movement, which aimed to improve social order through urban beautification. Pierre S. du Pont and John Jacob Raskob developed a master plan that unified the surrounding buildings and created a cohesive civic space. Construction began in 1915, and the square was completed in 1921. Today, Rodney Square is surrounded by significant buildings showcasing revivalist architecture, including the DuPont Building and the Wilmington Public Library. Although the equestrian statue of Caesar Rodney was removed in 2020, the square continues to host events such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and the Downtown Wilmington Farmer's Market. The square's central location and historical significance make it a must-see destination in Wilmington.