Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is an art museum in Wilmington that houses approximately 12,000 artworks spanning the 19th to 21st centuries within a renovated building surrounded by sculpture gardens. The galleries display paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures across multiple floors, covering various styles and periods.

The museum was founded in 1912 to honor the work of illustrator Howard Pyle and provide the city with a center for fine arts. It moved to its current permanent home in 1938 and developed into a major regional art institution over the following decades.

The collection reflects the history of American illustration and artistic movements from the late 1800s through early 1900s, shaping how visitors understand the region's creative past. You can walk through galleries that show how these works influenced local artists and continue to matter to people today.

Plan your visit for weekday mornings when galleries tend to be less crowded and you can take your time. Check ahead for any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit to make the most of your time there.

The nine-acre sculpture garden features a 13-foot bronze Giant by Tom Otterness that dominates the landscape and surprises many visitors. This work draws particular attention and often becomes the highlight of exploring the outdoor grounds.

Location: Delaware

Inception: 1912

Founders: Samuel Bancroft

Phone: +(302)5719590

Website: https://delart.org

GPS coordinates: 39.76528,-75.56500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57