Delaware Contemporary
A dynamic contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibits, artist studios, and community events in Wilmington, Delaware.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Art After Hours events
Delaware Contemporary
Best Time
Art After Hours events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibits, artist studios, and community events in Wilmington, Delaware.
"This museum was absolutely spectacular. I loved all of the art displayed. "
🎯 Donation is Key
While entry is often free, consider a donation to support artists & exhibits. :moneybag:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for 'Art After Hours' & other special events for a lively experience! :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rotating Exhibitions
Galleries
Discover fresh perspectives with around 30 changing exhibits annually, showcasing emerging and established artists.
Artist Studios
Studio Spaces
Witness creativity in action by visiting the working studios of resident artists.
Community Art Shows
Main Galleries
Experience powerful community-supported art, like the Latin American Community Center's show on addiction and mental health.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Donation-Based Entry
Check for Special Events
+4Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donation is Key
While entry is often free, consider a donation to support artists & exhibits. +1 :moneybag:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for 'Art After Hours' & other special events for a lively experience!
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Comfortable for all mobility levels, perfect for a relaxed visit. :walking:
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop
Find one-of-a-kind art and gifts, but be prepared to resist buying too much! :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donation is Key
While entry is often free, consider a donation to support artists & exhibits. +1 :moneybag:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for 'Art After Hours' & other special events for a lively experience!
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
Comfortable for all mobility levels, perfect for a relaxed visit. :walking:
🛍️ Unique Gift Shop
Find one-of-a-kind art and gifts, but be prepared to resist buying too much! :gift:
📍 Near Riverwalk
Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby Wilmington Riverwalk. :river:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Delaware Contemporary for its engaging and diverse rotating exhibits, friendly staff, and accessible, donation-based admission. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore artist studios and the museum's comfortable, easy-to-navigate layout. While some find the museum small, most agree it offers a worthwhile cultural experience, especially when combined with nearby attractions or special evening events.
"I've always loved the contemporary. This time I was attending the award ceremony for the art addiction show this year it's a community supported art show held by the Latin American community center to showcase artists and their struggles with addiction or mental health and how it's affected your life. They did a beautiful job with the show this year and in my opinion it was the best one yet. Even more awesome....I won first place in the beginners category this year!! So It was an amazing night and they made the entire evening magical 🖤"
Eva Fox
"This museum was absolutely spectacular. I was there for about an hour and a half, most people might spend an hour or less. This was my first visit and i loved all of the art displayed. There were 3D pieces, big and small paintings, puppets, it was so cool. Not only was the art displayed neatly and easy to navigate, but admission was free!! Also, the staff today were extremely friendly i love them. They greeted me with giant smiles, genuine care, and gave me information about the current displays and how they would change along with a pamphlet that gave information about the artists. I would definitely visit here again."
Genevieve Hansen
"This is a nice little museum highlighting up and coming artists from all areas. For admission, they only ask for a small donation, with the minimum asking being $12. Since the place is small, you can spend at least an hour here looking at all of the fascinating exhibits. The museum itself is very clean and well organized. They have a large parking area, coat check area, restroom and a small gift shop near the entrance. I enjoyed my visit and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves art."
Lisa S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Delaware Contemporary is located at 510 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801. It's easily accessible by car and is situated near the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Yes, there is a large parking area available for visitors.
Information on public transportation routes is not readily available, but the museum's downtown location suggests it may be accessible via local bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules.
Yes, it's located right next to the Riverwalk, making it easy to combine with a visit there.
Use the address 510 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 in your GPS. It's a prominent building in the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is often free, but the museum suggests a donation of around $12 to support their programming and artists. +2
For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary due to the donation-based entry. However, for special events like 'Art After Hours,' it's recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and event times.
The museum often operates on a donation basis, making it accessible year-round. Special events might have separate ticket prices.
Refund policies for special events are typically determined by the event organizer. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets for 'Art After Hours' or other special programming.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of contemporary art, including 3D pieces, paintings, installations, and interactive exhibits from emerging and established artists. +1
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the exhibits. Some may spend longer if they are deeply engaged with the art.
Yes, the museum features working artist studios where you can observe artists in their creative process.
Yes, the museum is designed to be comfortable and easy to navigate, making it suitable for visitors with mobility restrictions.
'Art After Hours' is a popular evening event featuring art, local vendors, music, and a cash bar, offering a vibrant social experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a full-service restaurant, but 'Art After Hours' events often feature a cash bar.
Being in downtown Wilmington, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The nearby Riverwalk area also offers dining choices.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside art museums to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them before entering or after your visit.
While not directly at the museum, Wilmington has various spots for sweet treats, perfect for a post-art excursion.
The museum has a small gift shop near the entrance, but a dedicated cafe is not explicitly mentioned.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork. Always check for specific signage or ask staff if unsure.
Avoid using flash, and be mindful of other visitors. Some special exhibits might have specific photography restrictions.
The diverse and often striking contemporary art installations provide numerous unique photo opportunities. The artist studios can also offer interesting backdrops.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted, but without flash and with consideration for others. Professional filming may require prior permission.
The museum's location near the Wilmington Riverwalk offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Scene in Delaware
The museum also fosters community engagement through various events. 'Art After Hours' transforms the space into a lively social gathering with local vendors and music, while events like fashion shows and community art exhibitions highlight diverse creative endeavors.
+2 The presence of working artist studios further enriches the experience, allowing visitors to connect directly with the creative process. For those interested in the broader Delaware art scene, the museum serves as a starting point. While Philadelphia and Baltimore are known hubs, Delaware Contemporary demonstrates that vibrant local art and music scenes exist on the peninsula, offering amateur and semi-pro exhibits and shows.
Experiencing 'Art After Hours'
Visitors can enjoy exploring the current exhibitions, shopping from local vendors, and often catching live music or DJ sets. +1These events are designed for a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, encouraging patrons to sip on drinks from the cash bar while mingling and appreciating art.
+1 It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new artists, support small businesses, and enjoy a unique mid-week outing. Tickets are usually required and can be purchased in advance, so it's wise to check the museum's schedule and secure your spot. 'Art After Hours' provides a different perspective on the museum, blending cultural enrichment with a lively social scene. It's a testament to how contemporary art spaces can serve as dynamic community gathering points, attracting a diverse crowd looking for an engaging and enjoyable evening.
+1Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
This focus on accessibility extends to the admission policy, which often operates on a donation basis rather than a fixed ticket price.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a manageable cultural outing, Delaware Contemporary prioritizes a positive and inclusive experience. The friendly staff also contribute to this welcoming atmosphere, often providing helpful information about the exhibits and artists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit