Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Once a Du Pont family country retreat, this estate's spectacular gardens surround a 175-room mansion housing the world's finest collection of American decorative arts from 1640-1860.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,041 reviews
Excellent
741
Very good
196
Average
70
Poor
16
Terrible
18
ChrisH
Frederick, MD471 contributions
Oct 2022
Two seniors visited Winterthur on the Sunday of Halloween weekend and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There is a lot to see, more than we could accomplish in one day. We rode the garden tram from the visitor center to the mansion first. The operator gave a great 30 minute introduction to the whole site and is well worth taking. We had preregistered online for our 11am self-guided tour of the 4th and 5th floors. There are docents in almost every room eager to explain what you are seeing. Lunch is available back in the visitor center, a short shuttle ride away if you like. We had scheduled a 2pm “More to Explore” tour with 3 other people that ranged on several more floors and areas not currently open to the public. The tour guide was fantastic and the tour lasted over an hour. We spent the rest of the day in the actual Winterthur museum, so never had time to explore the outside grounds nor finish the actual museum. We plan on returning in the spring to see the outside gardens in their glory. Highly recommended, although we would not bring very young children here as they most likely would be bored.
Written November 1, 2022
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.
v z
Pocono Mountains Region, PA34 contributions
Jul 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟½
Take in ALL the tours, exhibits and flora & fauna of Henry Francis du Pont's museum, garden and library. Amazing collection of Americana & gardens.
Tram tours worthwhile. Guided & self tours a must. Check out any rotating displays.
(Jackie K's East room remodel currently 7/'22)
Some discounts available, ask at admission. *Blue Star Museum* Tickets good for 2 consecutive days
Not hard to "get lost" here. Cafeteria delicious, but a bit pricey. Masks required on mansion tours.
Take in ALL the tours, exhibits and flora & fauna of Henry Francis du Pont's museum, garden and library. Amazing collection of Americana & gardens.
Tram tours worthwhile. Guided & self tours a must. Check out any rotating displays.
(Jackie K's East room remodel currently 7/'22)
Some discounts available, ask at admission. *Blue Star Museum* Tickets good for 2 consecutive days
Not hard to "get lost" here. Cafeteria delicious, but a bit pricey. Masks required on mansion tours.
Written July 26, 2022
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.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,620 contributions
Sep 2022
I spent a lot of time at home planning my visit as there were an overwhelming amount of choices, some included others at an additional cost. I determined that the tram (garden tour) was the first thing to do on arrival and I found out that there is a shuttle from the further out buildings that returns to the visitor center/cafe so I could easily come back here for lunch. Then I scheduled (Free) the self-guided tour when I estimated I'd arrive at that end. We came back, ate lunch and then returned to an adjacent gallery for the extra cost ticketed tour. It was all wonderful. There are so many gracious docents in the fabulous self guided part and the staff manages the number of people moving along so you're not smashed against others. The garden was sadly not in bloom when we visited in September. Our lunch in the cafe was delicious! The salad of the day was Greek and very, very good. The cafe was light filled and there were plenty of outdoor tables as well. Yummy looking desserts and other choices. Then we returned to the galleries via a shuttle with a very kind driver (we hardly waited for his arrival) and took a paid tour with only 4 of us and a brilliant guide. Gift shop was so-so in my estimation but a pretty building. I burned through an entire day and was too tired to re-walk areas of the garden I thought I might. Loved it! Tip: for the guided 4th & 5th floor tour you need to go into the mens or womens restrooms off the lobby to find the lockers where you leave all purses, jackets etc and don your mask. Camera ok
Written October 11, 2022
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.
Karen123WV
Elkins, WV284 contributions
May 2022
The grounds are really quite nice with many different plantings and areas with lovely plants, flowers and trees. The house in not architecturally outstanding but the short tour was informative. There were docents in each room (the tour was only part of one floor) who give good information about the home and family. I would recommend a visit for those in the area and would suggested 2-3 hours for the visit.
Written May 2, 2022
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.
J C
24 contributions
Jan 2021
Need to stagger the house tour times if only 6 people allowed in at the time. They tell you to leave your coat in the car and then make you stand outside in bitter wind at your appointed hour to go in even though the conservatory/lobby only has one person in there so this needs to be mentioned on the website. Maryanne the indoor person did her best to ignore the people waiting and when I asked she said she could not let people into the lobby however there was still the tour group of 6 ahead of me when she let our 6 go in so there was no logical reason for her to keep us in the cold other than she could and she made a big display of wiping down everything and checking the computer it was very very poor service. Also it said self tour but there are docents at most stations so if someone ahead of you gets engrossed in what the docent is saying the person behind is left in an alcove and God forbid you go into a room against the arrows on the floor eve if NONONE else is in that room. It should be advertised that this is docent tour but better still let it be self tour you are only going around in a circle and why stand in room with other people during Covid when other rooms are empty. Plus more information needs to be given on what you are going to see. It says the place is 175 rooms but you only go to one floor maybe 5 or 6 rooms. Then the gallery is the same thing. Supposed to be all these collections but only one floor open and that turns out to all be about Mrs. duPont that's it. I advise people that this is definitely a buyer beware experience on the tours. The shuttle driver was the best thing about the experience. He was very pleasant and considerate.
Written January 17, 2021
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.
Greg Harris
Yonkers, NY1,573 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is an absolutely amazing attraction located in the heart of Winterthur, Delaware, and a definitive must see location for all who love gardens and quality decorative fine art.
In May of 2021, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a visit to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and we loved every single moment of our experience at the location.
During our time at Winterthur, my wife and I went on a very enjoyable guided tour of the garden by using the site’s tram vehicle. Both my wife and I were mesmerized and swept by the sheer size of the Winterthur estate and were undoubtedly captivated by estate’s gorgeous gardens and the multiple folly’s that are located throughout the property.
Following our guided tour of the garden, my wife and I then went and explored Henry Francis Du Pont’s mansion . We learned much about the history of Henry Francis DuPont and the vast estate he helped to create and develop. We also viewed and took great pictures of the immense furnishings that DuPont collected during his lifetime, such as the multitude of great quality China sets and other notable antique merchandise.
In addition to visiting the DuPont’s mansion, my wife and I also visited the Winterthur Museum and came across additional extensive antique merchandise and other great quality works of art.
The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is an absolute great attraction that my wife and I highly recommend for all travelers to stop and visit. You will enjoy every moment of your experience at the location, just as it was for me and my wife!!!
In May of 2021, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a visit to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and we loved every single moment of our experience at the location.
During our time at Winterthur, my wife and I went on a very enjoyable guided tour of the garden by using the site’s tram vehicle. Both my wife and I were mesmerized and swept by the sheer size of the Winterthur estate and were undoubtedly captivated by estate’s gorgeous gardens and the multiple folly’s that are located throughout the property.
Following our guided tour of the garden, my wife and I then went and explored Henry Francis Du Pont’s mansion . We learned much about the history of Henry Francis DuPont and the vast estate he helped to create and develop. We also viewed and took great pictures of the immense furnishings that DuPont collected during his lifetime, such as the multitude of great quality China sets and other notable antique merchandise.
In addition to visiting the DuPont’s mansion, my wife and I also visited the Winterthur Museum and came across additional extensive antique merchandise and other great quality works of art.
The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is an absolute great attraction that my wife and I highly recommend for all travelers to stop and visit. You will enjoy every moment of your experience at the location, just as it was for me and my wife!!!
Written May 30, 2021
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.
James M
Augusta, ME268 contributions
May 2022
My wife had raved about Winterthur for years, so when I got to Delaware for the first time, it was high on my list to see. I was not disappointed! I strongly recommend the free tram tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, especially about the tremendous variety of flowers and trees. The exhibition in the museum on Jackie Kennedy and the DuPonts was very interesting, and the collection of early American furniture is amazing. I didn’t have time for the house tour, but what I saw was fantastic—and a bargain at $17. I highly recommend it.
Written May 21, 2022
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.
GG
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Solo
This place is pretty poorly run. Purchasing the tickets online is a confusing process because there are different tours and tickets and it’s not really clear what you’re getting, not to mention there are several buildings on the property and your tickets don’t tell you where you need to go. But even when you get there the front desk staff isn’t helpful because they hand you a map and tell you to go to a place that doesn’t exist on the map (the atrium in my case). The map itself is pretty much useless because the buildings are an unintentional confusing maze of with almost no signs. And the signs that exist don’t tell you much. Save yourself the headache and skip this place.
Written October 8, 2022
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.
Sarah O
Scotland16 contributions
Jul 2020
As of July 18, 2020, the house is not open and the website does NOT make this clear. It's understandable if you need to close it during the pandemic (I didn't ask specifically why the house was closed when their gallery and gift shop, etc., were open). Traveled 100 miles plus to see the house simply to find it not open. They did give us vouchers to return when it is open, which is good, but I went back to look at the website and let's just say they are NOT being clear that the main attraction is closed -- although you can pay for a $15 "ticket" to see a rather inferior art collection and get access to the gardens (although they waved everyone through at the gate to the gardens, so I assume you could wander around for free right now anyway).
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Written July 20, 2020
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.
We are so sorry that our website didn't make it clear that the house was in fact closed due to COVID restrictions. We do require a ticket to walk the garden at all times, unless you are a Member and then garden access is included in your membership. I will share your feedback internally, so we can improve on our visitors' experiences. We hope you do use your vouchers to return, we would love to have you visit and enjoy all that Winterthur has to offer.
Written December 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ktbeenthere2015
New York City, NY204 contributions
May 2023
The gardens were stunning. The house interior was gorgeous. The narrated tram rides and the shuttle services were a boon. We took the self-guided/paced house tour, which I am not sure how I feel about because it seemed we learned everything out of sequence or piecemeal versus in a flow, but the docents were all VERY informative and helpful. Other visitors commented that the guided tours were well worth registering for. I was delightfully surprised by the cafe which served an excellent hot sandwich. Depending on your interest level, you can easily while away the entire day here.
Written May 17, 2023
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.
2RetireesW_Passports
Chicago, IL13 contributions
How much time should we plan on spending here? How much does it cost?
Allison D
Winterthur, DE5 contributions
There is a lot to see at Winterthur so plan for as much as you want to see. There are house tours, a 60-acre garden to walk through, galleries and exhibitions as well as a library. The tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so you can always split up your visit to see everything.
katsusanna
Raleigh, NC606 contributions
I see they sell tickets in advance for the introductory tour. Is it necessary to book tickets in advance? Or are people usually able to purchase tickets when they arrive?
Ann N
Parsippany, NJ2 contributions
You can purchase tickets upon arrival. However you may not get the tour time that you want.
pegibar1
Fairfax, VA
My friend and I came for the Yuletide tour and The Miniature tour. We would like to return. When is the best time to see the Spring Blooms. We would also visit Longwood while in that area.
JRD9314
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas25 contributions
With the late winter weather I would suggest mid April ! Spring will have sprung!
839melissak
Lexington4 contributions
If you take the Amtrack train, what are the transportation options from the station? Will they let taxis drop you close by where you don't have to do extensive walking before you get to the house?
smartiq
Athens Greece297 contributions
From Amtrak there are taxis, uber and left. Taxi should be around $35 to Winterthur. Yes, they can drive into the parking lot and right up to a wheelchair ramp. From there it is a short descend to the entrance where there is the ticketing, gift shop and cafeteria. There is another short walk to the shuttle bus that takes you through the grounds to the museum and house.
lovelycouple1982
Brooklyn, NY75 contributions
What about self-guided Yuletide Tours?
desiwood
Boynton Beach, FL4,239 contributions
I have not done the Yuletide Tour either. All of their tours have some things included and things you can do on your own. Check out their website for details. You will also see on their website offerings of discounts for certain events. I found them at the "bookstore". We ordered something in advance and then received a discount on admission.
NoStoppinUs
Washington DC, DC127 contributions
We are considering taking a handicapped 90yr old here for her birthday in mid-December. Does anyone have experience with how well they handle complex visitors? Is it worth the hassle to visit in December?
Allison D
Winterthur, DE5 contributions
Our Yuletide Tour is wheelchair accessible. It is a beautiful holiday tour and our most popular tour of the years, and we have the Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light exhibition this year during Yuletide as well in the Galleries. The colors will be spectacular! We do have wheelchairs on site, but they are first come, first serve, and we do not offer reservations for wheelchairs. The garden is open if you want to walk through it but at that time of year, there is much blooming and it can be chilly. I hope this helps. Feel free to call 800.448.3883 for more information.
K H
Tucson, AZ
Which is the best tour of the house?
Allison D
Winterthur, DE5 contributions
It depends on what time of year you are planning to visit. If it's nice out, you will probably want to spend quite a bit of time outside in the garden and take the tram tour, so that may limit how much time you want to spend touring inside. If you are interested in more than a general overview of the house, there are several great in-depth reserved tours you can take. Again, this does depend on what time of year you are visiting. The Fashionable Furnishings Tour and Winterthur Then and Now are both very popular reserved tours. You can visit the website for the most updated tour information.
CayG
Harwinton, CT5 contributions
How are the gardens?
graftongirl
maryland9 contributions
The gardens are sprawling and more naturalistic than those at Longwood. THe owner was very interested in how to approach the landscape, hardscape and plantings and what he achieved fits well with the house and grounds.
low274
Columbia, MD110 contributions
Have tickets to Yuletide Tour @ 9:30 AM. What time should we arrive? What else should we do while there (definitely want to see the Downton exhibit), and in what order? (For example, should we ride the garden tram before the tour? Will there be more house to explore after the tour?)
GayeS545
Liberty, MO319 contributions
Sorry that I've been away and just now saw this. If it's not too late, the only thing I would add to all this good advice it to visit the clothing in the museum addition, if you enjoy the Downton costumes. They are lovely, too! Bon voyage!
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
- Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library:
- (2.72 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Brandywine Valley
- (3.21 mi) Fairville Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (5.89 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Glen Mills Chadds Ford
- (5.57 mi) Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront
- (1.27 mi) The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
- Restaurants near Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library:
- (0.00 mi) Winterthur Museum & Country Estate
- (1.31 mi) Krazy Kat's at The Inn at Montchanin Village
- (2.03 mi) Pizza By Elizabeths
- (1.44 mi) Buckley's Tavern
- (6.94 mi) Woodside Farm Creamery
- Attractions near Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library:
- (2.50 mi) Hagley Museum And Library
- (2.90 mi) Nemours Estate
- (0.96 mi) Brandywine Creek State Park
- (4.42 mi) Brandywine River Museum of Art
- (5.71 mi) Longwood Gardens