Background

University of Delaware Museums: Art, History, and Minerals

Explore diverse collections of American art, African American art, and minerals at the University of Delaware Museums in Newark, DE.

4.5

The University of Delaware Museums comprises three distinct venues: the Old College Gallery, Mechanical Hall, and the Mineralogical Museum. Showcasing a diverse collection from American art and African American art to minerals, the museums offer a rich blend of cultural and historical artifacts. Located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark, these museums provide educational and engaging experiences for students and visitors alike.

A brief summary to University Delaware Museums

  • 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

Local tips

  • Check the University of Delaware Museums website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Parking is available in the Trabant University Center Garage and Perkins Garage; check the University's parking website for visitor parking options.
  • Admission to all three museums is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all.
  • Allow ample time to explore each museum, as each offers a unique and extensive collection.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and to fully enjoy the museum experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of the University of Delaware's campus, the museums are easily accessible by 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 south.

  • Public Transport

    The University of Delaware is served by DART buses. Several bus routes stop near the central campus area. From the Newark Transit Hub, take any of the Unicity bus routes or DART routes 4 or 5 to reach the museums. A single ride on DART costs $2.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach the University of Delaware via I-95 and follow signs for Newark. From Main Street, turn onto North College Avenue. Limited metered parking is available behind Old College Hall. Additional parking is available in the Trabant University Center Garage and Perkins Garage. Check the University's parking website for visitor parking options and rates. Expect to pay around $2 per hour.

Unlock the Best of University Delaware Museums

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about University Delaware Museums

The University of Delaware Museums offer a multifaceted exploration of art, history, and natural science. The museums consist of three locations each with its own unique focus. The Old College Gallery, situated in the historic Old College Hall, a building on the National Historic Register since 1834, features a collection of over 10,000 works, including American prints and drawings from the 19th century to the present. The gallery is known for its extensive holdings of vintage and contemporary photographs, including comprehensive surveys of Gertrude Käsebier and Clarence Hudson White, as well as Pre-Columbian and Native American ceramics. Mechanical Hall, which was renovated in 2004, houses the Paul R. Jones Collection of African American Art. This collection includes works by artists such as Kofi Bailey, Romare Bearden, and Elizabeth Catlett, and serves as a focal point for the study and appreciation of African American art. The gallery offers changing exhibitions of African American art drawn from the University's collection and elsewhere. The Mineralogical Museum, located in Penny Hall, displays approximately 350 specimens from Irénée du Pont's original collection, which he acquired in 1919. The museum's collection has grown to include approximately 3,000 specimens of minerals, meteorites, gems, and carvings. Exhibitions highlight fine crystallized minerals, specimens from significant recent discoveries, and themes such as crystallography and crystal growth. The University Museums also enrich cultural life beyond the campus through the presentation of recognized artists and outreach programs to K-12 students, educators and historically black colleges and universities.

Popular Experiences near University Delaware Museums

Popular Hotels near University Delaware Museums

Select Currency