Coolest Museums in Wilmington, Delaware

Among the many reasons why Wilmington, DE, is a great place to live is its cultural heritage. Wilmington residents are treated to a rich, vibrant arts & entertainment scene—from live music and galleries to some of the coolest museums you’ll find anywhere.

If you’re looking for some unique, fun things to do in the area, check out our top museum picks below.

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

The Kalmar Nyckel is The Tall Ship of Delaware. The original ship, known as the Swedish Mayflower, was built in 1627. She was originally used for military purposes (part of the invasion force at Peenemunde in 1630), but later she brought settlers to Delaware in 1638. Those settlers went on to found the colony of New Sweden and Fort Christina—the region’s first permanent European settlement.

Today, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation operates the reproduction Kalmar Nyckel as a riverfront museum. The museum is open year-round, and there is also a learning center onsite—the Copeland Maritime Center. The museum and center are popular attractions in the area, with both self-guided and guide-led tours available. Take a tour of the Kalmar Nyckel herself during the winter, at special events, and at festivals. Be sure to come back for a tall ship sail and cruise, offered from April through October.

Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame

No matter what sort of sports you enjoy, you’ll find plenty of interesting exhibits at the Delaware Sports Museum, which also houses the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. This fun museum is located on Shipyard Drive. You’ll find the entrance on the first base side of Frawley Stadium. The museum showcases and preserves the sports history of Delaware from 1860 to the present day. The Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of more than 300 men and women who participated in almost three dozen various sports.

You can visit the museum from April through October. The Hall of Fame is open for a limited time; plan your visit for two hours prior to the start of each Wilmington Blue Rocks game. The Hall of Fame closes 30 minutes prior to the first pitch.

Delaware Military Museum

The Delaware Military Museum aims to preserve and educate the public about the military history of Delaware, as well as to honor those who have exhibited exemplary courage. Here, you can learn about the stories of uniformed service members from Delaware from centuries past to the present day. The museum rotates its displays of its impressive collection of military artifacts. They also hold a regular lecture series delivered by various historians.

You’ll find this museum on First Regiment Road in Wilmington. Look for the building labeled “Delaware National Guard,” as the museum is co-located with the National Guard regiment.

The Delaware Contemporary Art Museum

The Delaware Contemporary is a unique art museum in that they showcase the works of well-established artists alongside local and emerging artists. Founded in 1979, their mission is to share creative energy with the surrounding community through educational opportunities. Here, you’ll find contemporary art that inspires and stimulates the senses. Be sure to check out the gallery shop while you’re there!

Schedule a viewing of townhomes for sale in Wilmington, Delaware

This is just a small sampling of the many cool historical attractions and cultural sites you’ll find in the Wilmington area. There’s always plenty to do here, whatever your interests and passions are. Contact us today to schedule a viewing of our townhomes for sale in Wilmington, Delaware in our master-planned community of Darley Green. Or, explore our luxury town houses near Greenville, DE in one of our newest neighborhoods, The Townes at Barley Mill. True luxury and fine living await you!