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Museum and garden · Wilmington, Delaware
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
The country house of Henry Francis du Pont, with about 175 rooms of American decorative arts and a natural garden amid hills and woodlands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur was the country home of Henry Francis du Pont, who assembled there over the 20th century one of the largest collections of American decorative arts, including furniture, silver, ceramics, textiles, and objects made or used in the country between 1640 and 1860. He arranged about 175 period rooms inside the mansion, some with paneling and wainscoting brought from old houses.
The house opened as a museum in 1951. Guided tours cover part of the rooms, and the galleries in an adjacent building hold permanent and temporary exhibitions about the collection.
The garden, about 25 hectares, was designed by du Pont himself in a naturalistic style, with azaleas, magnolias, daffodils, and large trees spread across hills and woodlands. An internal tram runs through the garden with commentary, and a children’s area, the Enchanted Woods, has little houses and fairy-tale paths.
The entire estate is nearly 400 hectares, with fields and woods. The library serves researchers by appointment.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day.
Best time
From April to May, for the azaleas and spring blooms; in October, for fall colors; and during the Christmas season. Closed Mondays.
How to get there
By car, about 10 km northwest of Wilmington via DE-52. Parking is next to the visitor center.
Tip
Book the guided house tour, which has scheduled times; general admission includes the garden and the internal tram. Check the programming, which changes with the season.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
What is Winterthur?
The former country home of Henry Francis du Pont, now a museum of American decorative arts with a large natural garden.
Do I need to reserve a visit to Winterthur house?
It is recommended: the mansion’s guided tours have set times and small groups.
Is Winterthur in Wilmington?
It is in the village of Winterthur, about 10 km northwest of downtown Wilmington.