Background

Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar: A Historic Oasis

Explore a meticulously restored Italianate garden in Wilmington, DE, designed by pioneering landscape architect Marian Coffin. Open dawn to dusk, free admission.

4.4

Discover the serene beauty of Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar in Wilmington, Delaware. Designed by pioneering female landscape architect Marian Coffin in 1916, these meticulously restored gardens offer a tranquil escape with vibrant flower beds, historic statues, and unique architectural features. Open year-round, it's a testament to preservation and landscape artistry.

A brief summary to Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the winding paths and stone features.
  • Visit during different seasons to witness the changing blooms and colors.
  • Take your time to discover hidden corners and enjoy moments of quiet contemplation.
  • Check the Preservation Delaware website for seasonal events, tours, and possible volunteer opportunities.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Wilmington City Center, head east on Market Street. Turn left onto 18th Street, then right onto Greenhill Avenue. Continue for about 0.5 miles; the gardens will be on your left at 1405 Greenhill Ave.

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington City Center, take DART First State bus route 5 from Market Street. Get off at the stop near Greenhill Avenue and 18th Street. Walk east on Greenhill Avenue for about 0.2 miles; the gardens will be on your right at 1405 Greenhill Ave. A single fare is approximately $2.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take exit 7B for Delaware Ave/Route 52 North. Continue onto Route 52 North, turn left onto Greenhill Avenue. The gardens will be on your right at 1405 Greenhill Ave. Limited street parking is available along Greenhill Avenue.

Unlock the Best of Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

The Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, nestled in Wilmington's Highlands neighborhood, offer a captivating glimpse into early 20th-century landscape design. Commissioned in 1916 by Hugh Rodney Sharp and his wife, Isabella du Pont Sharp, the gardens were designed by Marian Cruger Coffin, one of the first female landscape architects in the United States. Coffin's vision, executed in the Italianate Beaux-Arts style, features a series of ascending terraces adorned with vibrant flower beds, classical statues, and formal walkways, all anchored by marble staircases. The gardens showcase Coffin's talent for blending formal geometry with the informal planting styles of English country gardens. The Sharps, avid travelers, enhanced the gardens with 35 statues collected from around the world. Key features include the Main Flower Garden, a symmetrical space bursting with seasonal blooms, the serene Reflecting Pool, and the Bald Cypress Allee, a striking walkway lined with towering, century-old trees. After decades of neglect, Preservation Delaware meticulously restored the gardens beginning in 1999, ensuring every detail aligned with Coffin's original plans. Today, the Marian Coffin Gardens stand as a living tribute to American landscape history, offering visitors a tranquil space to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature and the artistry of a pioneering woman. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk, and are free to the public.

Popular Experiences near Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Popular Hotels near Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Select Currency