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The Gumball Machine: A Sweet Spot in Trolley Square

A whimsical public art installation in Wilmington's Trolley Square, offering a nostalgic nod to classic gumball machines and community revitalization.

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The Gumball Machine is a vibrant and whimsical utility box transformed into a retro gumball machine mural. Located in Wilmington's lively Trolley Square, this public art piece adds a touch of nostalgia and fun to the neighborhood, attracting visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to The Gumball Machine

  • Delaware Avenue &, N Rodney St, Wilmington, Trolley Square, DE, 19806, US
  • 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

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mural's vibrant colors and capture the best photos.
  • Explore the other murals in Trolley Square as part of the revitalization project.
  • Enjoy the diverse dining and entertainment options in Trolley Square before or after visiting the Gumball Machine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Union Street in Trolley Square, walk east along Delaware Avenue for approximately 0.1 miles. The Gumball Machine is located on the right side of Delaware Avenue at the corner of N Rodney St.

  • Public Transport

    From the Wilmington Train Station, take the DART First State bus route 33 towards the Wilmington Public Library. Get off at the stop at Delaware Avenue & N Rodney St, which is a short walk from The Gumball Machine. Cross the street and walk towards the intersection. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Wilmington, a taxi or ride-share to The Gumball Machine at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and N Rodney St will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

Unlock the Best of The Gumball Machine

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Discover more about The Gumball Machine

In Wilmington's trendy Trolley Square, amidst a bustling scene of restaurants and nightlife, sits an unexpected gem: The Gumball Machine. However, this isn't your ordinary vending machine; it's a utility box artfully painted to resemble a classic gumball machine. The Gumball Machine is the brainchild of artist Remi Poindexter, who transformed the once-overlooked utility box into a vibrant piece of public art. Painted bright red with multi-colored gumballs lining the screen and a coin slot, it captures the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned gumball machines. A painted tray reads 'THANK YOU,' adding to the playful illusion, though it never dispenses any actual gumballs. The mural is part of a larger community initiative by the Trolley Square (Delaware Avenue) Community Association, which partnered with a local council member to revitalize the neighborhood by painting murals on 18 utility boxes in the spring of 2022. The Gumball Machine stands out as one of the most popular and recognizable of these murals, drawing smiles and photo opportunities. Trolley Square itself is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history. Once known as Forty Acres, it got its name from the Wilmington City Railway, which established its trolley car barn there in the 1850s. While the car barn was demolished in the 1970s to make way for the Trolley Square Shopping Center, the neighborhood retains its lively spirit, offering a mix of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

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