City guides
United States of America
Delaware
Things to do in Wilmington
Wilmington is midway between New York and Washington DC, so it's perfectly situated for a weekend getaway or stop-over. In addition, it's full of undiscovered gems, such as the Mt Cuba Center's indigenous gardens, which makes it an ideal setting for a romantic holiday. The Brandywine Valley is lovely for couples, though its many museums cater to children as well.
Wilmington holds some treasures for art lovers, with the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Contemporary both highly regarded. History buffs should find something of interest in the Hagley Museum and Library, and the Delaware History Museum.
For those keen to discover some of the stately old homes of the region, the Nemours Mansion is in Wilmington and offers tours of the estate and gardens, and the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, another du Pont mansion, is nearby.
Sports fans may want to catch a game at Frawley Stadium, and the Grand Opera House is an impressive venue for the performing arts. Those looking for a taste of Delaware's scenic beauty within the city limits should visit the Alapocas Run State Park or the Brandywine Creek State Park.
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Featuring some fantastic exhibits, the Delaware Museum of Natural History is a great attraction for visitors of all ages and persuasions. The dinosaur gallery is a favourite with m…
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Featuring some fantastic exhibits, the Delaware Museum of Natural History is a great attraction for visitors of all ages and persuasions. The dinosaur gallery is a favourite with most visitors, with Tuojiangosaurus and Yangchuanosaurus skeletons towering over awe-inspired visitors. Anyone who stops by should absolutely view the Elephant Bird egg in the Hall of Birds; admire animals from around the world in the Hall of Mammels; or explore the Shell Gallery, which boasts an impressive collection of two million shells. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are constantly changing special exhibits on display, tours, and interactive outdoor experiences.
Website www.delmnh.org
Delaware Art Museum
Holding a collection of more than 12,000 works, the Delaware Art Museum was founded in 1912 by the Wilmington Society of Fine Arts in honour of the artist Howard Pyle, whose painti…
Delaware Art Museum
Holding a collection of more than 12,000 works, the Delaware Art Museum was founded in 1912 by the Wilmington Society of Fine Arts in honour of the artist Howard Pyle, whose painting 'Battle of Bunker Hill' was in the museum's possession until it went missing and was presumed stolen in 2001. Apart from the remaining works of the much-loved local artist Howard Pyle, and some of his American contemporaries, the museum is perhaps best known for its extensive collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art. The urban landscapes of John Sloan can also be viewed here. Temporary exhibitions are hosted regularly and public and group tours of the museum are available.
Website www.delart.org
The Delaware Contemporary
The state's only museum solely dedicated to contemporary art, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (now usually just called the Delaware Contemporary), features displays o…
The Delaware Contemporary
The state's only museum solely dedicated to contemporary art, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (now usually just called the Delaware Contemporary), features displays of local, regional, and international artists in its seven galleries. It also features about 26 artists' studios, a gift shop, a high-tech auditorium, and a classroom where workshops and lectures are held. The museum is best known for its challenging and intriguing exhibitions, which are curated to be relevant and topical. The fact that admission is free is an extra incentive for visitors with time to kill in the city, and the quick turnover of art on display ensures that there's always something new to see.
Website www.decontemporary.org
Hagley Museum and Library
The Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets the history of American enterprise and is a non-profit educational institution. With a range of exhibitions, guide…
Hagley Museum and Library
The Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets the history of American enterprise and is a non-profit educational institution. With a range of exhibitions, guided tours, walking trails, and demonstrations, there's so much to learn at the Hagley Museum. Visitors can experience 19th-century living on Workers' Hill, visit the Powder Yard, where massive stone mills, storehouses, and a waterwheel echo a time when water was the main source of energy, and tour the Eleutherian Mills, a mansion that has been home to five generations of the famous du Pont family and features breath-taking views over the Brandywine Valley.
Website www.hagley.org