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Wilmington, Delaware

Brandywine River Museum

U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA
610-388-2700
website

Three generations of Wyeths – N.C., Andrew and James – comprise the bulk of the Brandywine’s collection, although it also keeps American illustration, still lifes and trompe l’oeils, and landscapes dealing with the Brandywine region. Founded in 1971 and housed in a decommissioned gristmill, the Brandywine, while only about ten miles outside Wilmington, has a rural feel to it, which is enhanced by the wildflower gardens that surround it. The gardens are planted seasonally to ensure a steady flow of color. Even winter has some color to offer: with all of the other shrubbery down for the season, the various holly trees and sycamores are more prominent. An annual wildflower plant and seed sale to benefit the gardens is held Mother’s Day weekend.

The Brandywine offers weekly tours of the nearby Kuerner Farm, which Andrew Wyeth used as the inspiration for nearly a thousand works, from April to November, along with various programs and workshops geared toward all ages.

– (JM)

Brandywine River Museum Information

  • Public Transportation: Poor
  • Handicapped Accessibility: Good
  • Hours: Open Daily 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day
  • Admission: Adults $10; Seniors (65+), Students (w/ID), and children (6-12) $6. Free for children (under 6) and Brandywine Conservancy members. Groups of 14 or more receive discounted admission ($8 per person; $6 per person for seniors)
  • Tour: Several Tour options are available and range from Free–$5. Check website for current schedule and options
  • Audio Tour: Audio tours are available during normal museum hours for $3
  • Membership: Individual membership is $45 (Senior/Educator $40; Dual $60; Family $65). Benefits are tiered, with every member receiving unlimited, free admission to the Brandywine River Museum; free admission to seasonal guided tours of the N.C. Wyeth House & Studio; free admission to seasonal guided tours of the Kuerner Farm; the quarterly Brandywine Catalyst newsletter and calendar of events; a 10% discount on purchases made in the Museum Shop and Restaurant; members-only access to the Laurels and Waterloo Mills Preserves; invitations to members’ exhibition preview receptions; and free registration for education programs
  • Other Benefits: Reciprocal membership to other museums is available at the Donor Level ($100).