The Delaware Contemporary
The Delaware Contemporary
4.5
Art Galleries • Art Museums
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Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Delaware Contemporary is a dynamic gathering place for the exploration of new ideas in art, design, and technology. Our compelling exhibitions, innovative educational experiences, and access to the artistic process inspire us to infuse creativity into our daily lives. Founded in 1979, The Delaware Contemporary presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists that explore topical issues in contemporary art and society. Art sales through our galleries and Alternatives Museum Shop support area and exhibiting artists and our commitment to the importance of contemporary art. The Delaware Contemporary offers a variety of educational and outreach programs, integrating contemporary art into public school curriculum and with underserved community groups.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
  • Sasha Lee
    Baltimore, Maryland31 contributions
    Delaware Contemporary Art Museum
    This place was wonderful. It was quiet and its not too small but just enough space for the display of abstract art. My brother and I went and we enjoyed ourselves. The staff were friendly and the entire place was very clean. Very good display of art with a vastness of abstract ideas and creativity.
    Visited July 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written September 28, 2021
  • SMGleb
    Wilmington, Delaware466 contributions
    Definitely worth going
    I’m more a lover of the impressionists but I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the contemporary art on display. Highly recommend. My favorite was the gallery featuring “Loam” but the artist combining 50s era women with household items was fabulous. Take time to enjoy the gallery of local area student artwork - it will blow your mind the talent of these kids! Well worth your time. And you can go to one of the many excellent restaurants nearby and take a lovely walk along the riverfront too.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 9, 2023
  • Brian D
    Denver, Colorado2,393 contributions
    Easy to Visit - Walkable from Riverfront - Great Gift Shop
    Stumbled across this gallery while walking around the riverfront area. Stopped in and only had time to visit the gift shop. The gift shop was great and had a lot of different and unique items available. If you are looking for a different kind of Delaware souvenir, this is the place to go. Unique items you won't find anywhere else that represent the state of Delaware. The rest of the gallery looked interesting and a return visit is a must.
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 3, 2020
  • DebbieJL876
    New York65 contributions
    Stop There Now.
    Let's be clear, I am not a big fan of contemporary art museums. History museums? Yes! Animals? Yes! Sex Museums? Heck to the yeah! However, upon leaving the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, I've found a new respect for it. I cannot believe I am saying this, but it took my visit to Wilmington to understand contemporary art. My favorite was "Spaceship Earth" by Dane Winkler. It leaves you thinking. The purpose of the piece was to ignite the conversation as Earth as a "vessel" in this life, but not necessarily a destination. Well, that's what I got from it. It was quite brilliant.  So if you're into this contemporary art stuff, please do not leave Wilmington without going for a visit. It's worth your exploration and your presence.
    Visited January 2017
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 21, 2017
  • Cynthia F
    Fair Lawn, New Jersey2,330 contributions
    Adults only, please, unless you are prepared to do a lot of explaining
    Great, small, FREE museum (those are my favorite kinds!) The various exhibits were colorful, wild, provocative, unusual, thought-provoking; yes, anything but boring. Listen to the other reviewers; leave the kids home! However, I do not consider anything I saw pornography; to me, it's ART.
    Visited November 2013
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 25, 2013
  • Paul L
    Reading, Pennsylvania36 contributions
    Excellent Represation of American Contemporary Thought
    The museum has many exhibits of contemporary working artists in many mediums. A gallery with some current political commentary was was a treat. The museum is huge converted railroad facility.
    Visited June 2017
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 4, 2017
  • litehaus
    Baltimore, Maryland81 contributions
    A Joyful Surprise
    When I arrived and found out that they have only a few gallery spaces I was disappointed. However, when I took my time looking at the art they had showing in those galleries - my heart was happy! There were many different types of artist and experiences to be had. They also have a cute little gift shop that I was able to find a homemade card for a friend! I hope to go back and see what is new in the galleries!
    Visited March 2017
    Traveled solo
    Written March 20, 2017
  • Elizabeth A
    236 contributions
    Small but Wonderful
    Don't miss the gift shop in this small but fascinating museum. The exhibits are changing; we saw Due South. If you are interested in contemporary art or just want to see something a bit "different" this museum is worth a visit! The exhibit spaces are large, but the museum is small, so you will not need a long time for your trip here. A free museum is a treat! If you visit the Riverfront, this is just a short walk or drive.
    Visited February 2017
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 27, 2017
  • ckatmomi
    Union, New Jersey415 contributions
    Very Good Venue
    The Center fro Contemporary arts is a spacious exhibition area with changing exhibits. We went to see Due South an exhibit featuring about 30 artists from both the United States and Italy who lived or traveled in Sicily. We enjoyed it very much but we might have appreciated it even more if it was easier to match up the brochure with each piece of work.
    Visited February 2017
    Written February 16, 2017
  • Maugie
    London, United Kingdom106 contributions
    Go often and you start to appreciate a variety of contemporary artists
    You have to get past the somewhat austere exterior and walk through the galleries to appreciate the high-quality exhibits in this non-collecting contemporary art museum; Art Loop Fridays (monthly) are fun and the center has education programs and special events for supporters. I've found some wonderful, unique items (jewelry, ceramics, glass and even salad tongs!) in the small gift shop.
    Visited August 2016
    Traveled solo
    Written August 11, 2016
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

4.5
55 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
0

DebbieJL876
New York65 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
Let's be clear, I am not a big fan of contemporary art museums. History museums? Yes! Animals? Yes! Sex Museums? Heck to the yeah! However, upon leaving the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, I've found a new respect for it.

I cannot believe I am saying this, but it took my visit to Wilmington to understand contemporary art. My favorite was "Spaceship Earth" by Dane Winkler. It leaves you thinking. The purpose of the piece was to ignite the conversation as Earth as a "vessel" in this life, but not necessarily a destination. Well, that's what I got from it. It was quite brilliant. 

So if you're into this contemporary art stuff, please do not leave Wilmington without going for a visit. It's worth your exploration and your presence.
Written March 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cynthia F
Fair Lawn, NJ2,330 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
Great, small, FREE museum (those are my favorite kinds!) The various exhibits were colorful, wild, provocative, unusual, thought-provoking; yes, anything but boring. Listen to the other reviewers; leave the kids home! However, I do not consider anything I saw pornography; to me, it's ART.
Written November 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul L
Reading, PA36 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
The museum has many exhibits of contemporary working artists in many mediums. A gallery with some current political commentary was was a treat. The museum is huge converted railroad facility.
Written July 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

litehaus
Baltimore, MD81 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
When I arrived and found out that they have only a few gallery spaces I was disappointed. However, when I took my time looking at the art they had showing in those galleries - my heart was happy! There were many different types of artist and experiences to be had. They also have a cute little gift shop that I was able to find a homemade card for a friend! I hope to go back and see what is new in the galleries!
Written March 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elizabeth A
HYATTSVILLE236 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Don't miss the gift shop in this small but fascinating museum. The exhibits are changing; we saw Due South. If you are interested in contemporary art or just want to see something a bit "different" this museum is worth a visit! The exhibit spaces are large, but the museum is small, so you will not need a long time for your trip here. A free museum is a treat! If you visit the Riverfront, this is just a short walk or drive.
Written February 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ckatmomi
Union, NJ415 contributions
Feb 2017
The Center fro Contemporary arts is a spacious exhibition area with changing exhibits. We went to see Due South an exhibit featuring about 30 artists from both the United States and Italy who lived or traveled in Sicily. We enjoyed it very much but we might have appreciated it even more if it was easier to match up the brochure with each piece of work.
Written February 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maugie
London, UK106 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
You have to get past the somewhat austere exterior and walk through the galleries to appreciate the high-quality exhibits in this non-collecting contemporary art museum; Art Loop Fridays (monthly) are fun and the center has education programs and special events for supporters. I've found some wonderful, unique items (jewelry, ceramics, glass and even salad tongs!) in the small gift shop.
Written August 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shercolette
Mechanicsville, VA59 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
This was a beautiful venue for the wedding reception. The atmosphere was extremely conducive! Lots to look at. The food was extraordinary! Highly recommend it!
Written May 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Freakyskull
Wilmington, DE9 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Enjoy and looking around. I love art. Walking and looks very happy interested artist's creative. Wow.
Written February 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ronna H
Wilmington, DE6 contributions
May 2015 • Family
Fabulous, constantly changing exhibits. If you don't like one, go back in a couple months---something else will be there,
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Delaware Contemporary - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Delaware Contemporary

The Delaware Contemporary is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Tue - Tue 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wed - Wed 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM



The Delaware Contemporary Information

Excellent Reviews

35

Very Good Reviews

15

The Delaware Contemporary Photos

22