Culture

Delaware’s Legacy of Innovation

Exploring the Past to Set the Stage for the Future

As a global center of commerce and business, it’s no surprise that Delaware is known for transformative innovations. Today, the First State is home to the acclaimed Hagley Museum and Library, featuring the world’s largest private collection of patent models. Situated on the picturesque Brandywine River, the museum is also a treat for nature lovers and history buffs.

Delaware Performing Arts Centers and Museums:

• Delaware Theater Company 
• Delaware Grand
• Freeman Theater
• Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
• Hagley Museum and Library
• Nemours Estate
• Delaware Museum of Natural History
• Delaware Art Museum
• Delaware Children’s Museum
• Johnson Victrola Museum
• Air Mobility Command Museum
• Biggs Museum of American Art
• Zwaanendael Museum
• Delaware History Museum
• Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage

New Castle:

• • The Playhouse
  • The Queen
  • Christina Cultural Arts Center
  • Delaware Children’s Theatre
  • The Candlelight Theatre
  • Thompson Theatre and Studio Theatre at UD in Newark (home to the REP)
  • Chapel Street Playhouse
  • Music School of Delaware (locations in New Castle and Kent)

Kent:

• • Riverfront Theatre
  • The Schwartz Center for the Arts

Sussex:

• • Clear Space Theatre
  • Possum Point Players
  • Milton Theatre

From the magic of The Grand Opera House, a 1,208-seat theater built in 1871, to the energetic crowds found at our many live concert venues, Delaware is also known for its world-class theaters and music stages. Our first-class performers and affordable ticket prices round out the spaces, ensuring Delaware residents can enjoy some of the finest performances on the East Coast.

Unparalleled American History

The First U.S. State to Ratify the Constitution

Delaware has long stood at the crossroads of American history. The state’s capital, Dover, includes The Old State House, the first permanent capitol building. Construction on this Georgian-style structure began 1787 and was completed in 1791. The House chamber also contains notable portraits by Thomas Sully of Commodores, Jacob Jones and Thomas Macdonough, heroes from the First State who served in the War of 1812.

The Delaware Public Archives are one of the oldest public archives programs in the country, created by the General Assembly in 1905. Additionally, Biggs Museum of American Art houses one of the finest collections of American fine and decorative arts.

Explore a full list of Delaware’s historic attractions or check these historic attractions out:

• Old Town Hall
• Read House & Gardens
• The Research Library
• Willingtown Square

A favorite Delaware pastime

Home to Nearly 380 Miles of Shoreline

Located directly on the East Coast with dozens of inlets, bays, lakes and rivers, Delaware offers a number of beaches that attract tourists and locals alike. While all three Delaware counties have beaches, some of the most famous beaches lie in the southern tier of our state.

For example, travel further south in Delaware and you’ll find the welcoming town of Lewes, a city where the top attractions are sun, sand and sea. The city offers easy access to an expansive state park that borders the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Lewes is also home to several museums and some of Delaware’s finest eateries.

Explore all of Delaware’s beaches.