Our beautiful city of Wilmington, DE was founded in 1638 and has a long and exciting history. We’re known as the “Corporate Capital of the World”, and our city has played host to numerous men and women who have made their mark on our country. We have built some of the best museums in the state to preserve our history, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy visiting them.
Nemours Estate
This magnificent estate was owned by Alfred Du Pont, who designed and developed it to his exact requirements. The house is built in the late 18th-century French style and has 77 rooms. The rooms are beautifully maintained and filled with original antiques and artifacts. Alfred also added the latest technology, and many of his own inventions, to the house to make it one of the most modern homes in the world for its time.
The estate also includes the largest French gardens in North America and the Chauffer’s Garage which is filled with a wonderful selection of antique automobiles. There are more than 200 acres of woodlands, meadows, and lawns that you are free to wander on. Food is not available on-site, but visitors are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and enjoy the beautiful grounds. Tickets are available at $12 for adults and $5 for children. The estate is located at 1600 Rocklands Road.
Hagley Museum and Library
Hagley, originally a gunpowder factory from 1802 to 1920, was the first business of the famous Du Pont family in the US. Today the site incorporates Du Pont’s first house, many of the original factory’s restored buildings, and numerous stone ruins. All these buildings are set on a magnificent 235-acre site. The exhibits are amazing and cover the history of Delaware, early technology, and industrialist-employee relations. Outside the house, there is a French-style kitchen garden that is still in use today.
Buses are available to take you to the various buildings and exhibits. There is a museum store with a unique collection of gifts, and refreshments are available from the Belin House Organic Café. Picnic tables are available on the grounds, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy here. The estate is located at 200 Hagley Creek Road and is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Delaware History Museum
The beautiful building housing this museum was originally built in 1700, and it has been faithfully preserved. The building has an unusual feature, a two-story glass walkway that was built to link the museum to the Old Town Hall. The museum houses the largest private collection of items from Delaware’s’ history, with over 3 million unique artifacts. Amongst this incredible collection is an archive of newspapers from the 1700s to 1960, family papers, rare books, and numerous personal objects.
After seeing our fascinating past, come for a test drive at Lexus of Wilmington. We have a huge range of new and preowned vehicles available and a special deal just for you.
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