WINTERTHUR MUSEUM AND GARDENS
De. Route 141, Wilmington, DE
302.658.2400
Website
Formerly the estate of Henry Francis duPont, a duPont family heir and outstanding American collector and horticulturist, Winterthur is home to an unrivalled collection of American furniture and decorative arts from the period 1640 to 1860.
Set amid 963 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands, Winterthur also boasts one of America's finest naturalistic gardens, with displays ranging from magnificent specimen plantings to massed displays of colorful azaleas in season.
Special exhibits and guided tours of the museum's more than 200 period rooms and exhibit spaces enhance the visitor's experience. Reflecting Winterthur's international reputation, audio aids are available in five languages.
Scholars from around the world also gather in the Winterthur Library, a research facility with a wide collection of materials on art, history and decorative arts.
Winterthur's Point-to-Point steeplechase races - a highlight of the local events calendar - recreate the ambiance and excitement of an elegant country race meet every May, while festive Christmas displays fill the museum with the holiday spirit each winter.
Cafeteria-style dining and a museum shop featuring authentic reproductions from the museum's collections are also located on the grounds.
The Library
The Winterthur Library, a research facility with a wide collection of materials on art, history and decorative arts, is frequented by scholars from around the world.
Special Events
Point-to-Point Races steeplechase races, first Sunday in May.
Craft Festival, Labor Day Weekend.
Delaware Antique Show, November.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Sunday, noon - 5pm. Last tickets sold 3:45pm. Last period room tour starts at 4pm. Garden open until dusk. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
General Admission
General admission includes access to The Galleries, The Garden (including a garden tram ride, space permitting) and The Touch-It Room for children. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $4 for children 5-11, under 5 free.
Guided Tours
45-Minute Guided Tours: $5 each Open to all ages
Elegant Entertaining - Experience the elegant rooms where the family entertained
Discover the Winterthur Estate - A ride through the landscape, woodlands, waterways and rolling hills of this American recreation of the great European estates of the 18th and 19th century.
Yuletide at Winterthur - Holidays past tour.
45-Minute Guided Tours: $5 each 12 and over
Private Spaces & Gaming Places - See where when and in what style the du Ponts spent their personal and leisure time.
Stylish Suites - Visit the guest rooms where weekend visitors enjoyed the hospitality of the du Ponts.
Gracious Living - American furnishings 1600 - 1800s. Rooms designed by H. F. du Pont.
Distinctive Collections - From Shaker to Pennsylvania German. Urban, rural, glass, stoneware and more.
Study Visas: $15 Two-hour, in depth, small group tours with guide specialist.
Focus Tour - An exploration of American craftmanship. Choose furniture or ceramics. New for 2002.
Conservation Tour - 1st Wed. of the month. 1-3PM. A visit to Winterthurs laboratories where works of art and antiques are examinged, studied and conserved.
Special Subject Tours - Call for schedules and availability. 800.448.3883.
Handicap Accessible
For accommodations required by a disability call 800.448.3883, 302.888.4600, TTY 302.888.4907.
Museum & Garden Store
Open during Museum hours. An outstanding offering of reproduction home furnishings and accessories, plants, books and gifts. Extensive seasonal catalog service. Call 302.888.4800.
Dining: Visitor Pavilion
Continental breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch and afternoon tea are served in the Visitor Pavilion. Light snacks are served at the Cappuccino Cafe. Open Monday thru Sunday 8 am to 4:30 pm. Reservations for Sunday brunch and afternoon tea are suggested. Call 302.888.4826.
Directions
Winterthur is located on Del. Route 52 (Kennett Pike), six miles north of Wilmington, DE, and 5 miles south of U.S. Route 1 in Pennsylvania.
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