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The Delaware Art Museum (DelArt) sits in Wilmington's Kentmere Parkway neighborhood, a residential area a short drive from downtown. Founded in 1912 originally to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, it has grown into one of the mid-Atlantic region's most respected art institutions, occupying a purpose-built facility surrounded by a small sculpture garden.
The museum's permanent collection spans American art from the mid-19th century to the present, with particular depth in Brandywine region painters, the Ashcan School, and a nationally significant holding of English Pre-Raphaelite works — one of the largest outside the United Kingdom. The Howard Pyle collection, including original illustrations for books and magazines, remains a cornerstone of the institution.
DelArt also mounts rotating special exhibitions that regularly draw visitors beyond the regular audience, covering topics in American realism, illustration art, and contemporary practice. Its scale is manageable — most visitors can explore the permanent collection and a temporary show in a half-day without feeling rushed.
Before You Go
Admission and Hours
Admission fees and opening hours change periodically. Verify current information on the museum's official website (delart.org) before your visit. The museum is typically closed on certain weekdays; confirm the schedule, especially around public holidays.
Membership and Free Days
DelArt periodically offers free or reduced-price admission days and participates in programs such as the Blue Star Museums initiative for military families. Check the website for current offers.
Accessibility
The building is wheelchair accessible with elevators serving multiple floors. Accessible parking is available in the museum's lot. Contact the museum directly if you have specific accommodation needs.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes; gallery floors can be hard on feet during a long visit
- A camera or phone — photography policies for personal, non-commercial use are generally permissive in permanent galleries, but verify for special exhibitions
- Bags larger than a small backpack may need to be checked
Getting There
By Car
The museum is located at 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806. Free on-site parking is available in the museum's lot, which is the most convenient option for most visitors. Street parking on adjacent residential streets is also possible.
By Train
Wilmington's Amtrak and SEPTA regional rail station (Wilmington Station) is served by trains from Philadelphia (approximately 25 minutes), Baltimore, and Washington D.C. From the station, the museum is roughly 2–3 miles; a rideshare or taxi is the most practical connection. DART First State local buses also serve Wilmington, though the route and walk to the museum should be confirmed before traveling.
By Air
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest major airport, approximately 30 miles northeast. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) is a reasonable alternative for travelers coming from the south. Car rental, Amtrak, or rideshare services connect both airports to Wilmington.
Things to See & Do
Permanent Collection Highlights
- Howard Pyle Galleries: Original works by the father of American illustration, including paintings and drawings that shaped generations of artists including N.C. Wyeth.
- Pre-Raphaelite Collection: Works by Rossetti, Burne-Jones, and contemporaries — a rare concentration of this material in the United States.
- American Art Galleries: Paintings, sculpture, and works on paper tracing American artistic development from the 19th century onward, with strong Ashcan School representation.
- Craft and Decorative Arts: Selected holdings reflecting American material culture.
Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden surrounding the museum building offers a pleasant space to pause between galleries, with rotating works by contemporary and modern artists set among mature plantings.
Special Exhibitions
DelArt maintains an active exhibition schedule. Past shows have covered illustration history, regional painters, and photography. Check delart.org for the current program before planning your visit.
Programs and Events
The museum offers lectures, family programs, art-making workshops, and evening events throughout the year. The calendar varies seasonally — the website is the most reliable source.
Food & Drink
The museum has an on-site café, though its hours and offerings should be verified locally, as café operations can vary. Vending machines or a small refreshment area may be available when the café is not in full service.
Wilmington's restaurant scene, concentrated downtown along Market Street and in the Little Italy and Trolley Square neighborhoods, is a short drive away. Trolley Square in particular — roughly a mile from the museum — has a cluster of independent restaurants, cafés, and bars suitable for a meal before or after your visit. Cuisine options range from casual American to Italian and international.
For a quick bite nearby, several coffee shops and casual eateries operate along Delaware Avenue and the surrounding area. Confirm hours locally, as the neighborhood has a mix of business-hours and evening establishments.
Practical Information
Contact and Information
The museum's official website is delart.org. For current hours, admission prices, and event listings, the website is the authoritative source. The museum can also be reached by phone — the number is listed on the official site.
Coatroom and Storage
A coatroom or locker area is typically available for large bags and outerwear. Confirm availability on arrival.
Museum Shop
A gift shop offers art books, prints, cards, and items related to current exhibitions. It is accessible without paying museum admission in most cases — verify locally.
Nearby Amenities
- ATMs are available at banks along Delaware Avenue and downtown Wilmington
- Pharmacies and grocery stores are within a short drive in the Trolley Square area
- Emergency services: dial 911 for all emergencies in the United States
Safety
The Kentmere Parkway neighborhood where the museum is located is a stable, largely residential area. Standard urban common sense applies: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and note where you parked.
Wilmington as a city has neighborhoods with varying safety profiles. The museum's immediate vicinity and the Trolley Square area nearby are generally considered safe for visitors during daylight hours. As with any city, exercise additional caution after dark and stick to well-lit, populated streets.
For emergencies anywhere in the United States, dial 911.
