Biggs Museum of American Art

In the heart of Dover lies a remarkable place where the history and aesthetics of the New World come to life—the Biggs Museum of American Art. Founded in 1993, this accredited museum has become a true treasure trove for everyone who appreciates the fine craftsmanship of past masters and the bold ideas of contemporary creators. Its decorative arts collections, spanning from 1700 to the present day, are rightfully considered among the finest in the USA.

What makes the museum special is its chronological structure. Moving from room to room, visitors take a journey through the centuries: each gallery is dedicated to a specific period of 20–30 years. Here, you can see not only classical painting and sculpture but also magnificent examples of Delaware silver, elegant antique furniture, and unique glass pieces created by local artisans of the Delaware River Valley.

The museum takes particular pride in having one of North America's largest collections of works by Frank Schoonover, the famous illustrator and student of Howard Pyle. By harmoniously combining historical masterpieces with temporary contemporary art exhibitions, the museum creates a continuous dialogue between different eras. Located in a historic building on Federal Street, it offers guests a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every exhibit tells its own unique part of the American story.

For information about special events or group tours, you can contact the museum administration directly.

A visit to the museum turns into a fascinating exploration of American lifestyle and aesthetics. You can stroll through elegant halls displaying mid-18th-century furniture that once belonged to the wealthy merchant Vincent Loockerman. Those with an eye for fine detail will be impressed by the silver collection, ranging from massive pitchers to exquisite tea services and antique clocks crafted by Delaware silversmiths.

Be sure to notice the historical wallpaper in the galleries—it serves as more than just a backdrop, recreating authentic patterns from different eras to complete the atmosphere of the rooms. In the painting galleries, inspiring landscapes by American Impressionists and dynamic works by illustrator Frank Schoonover await. A pleasant feature of the museum is the absence of restrictive barriers, allowing you to view the artworks up close in an intimate, almost residential setting.

If your trip is planned for early 2026, don't miss the chance to see the "Keith Duncan: Battle of the Bands" exhibition (available until the end of January) or the large-scale project "Reflections: 25 Objects for 250 Years", opening on January 22. In addition to the exhibits, the museum frequently hosts lectures and workshops that will interest both adults and young art enthusiasts.

The museum is ideally located in the historic city center at 406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient routes are via US-13 or DE-1, following the signs for downtown. A major advantage for drivers is the availability of free parking adjacent to the museum at the Legislative Mall.

For those preferring public transport, Dover is served by the DART (Delaware Authority for Regional Transit) bus network. The closest stop to the museum is right on Federal Street, keeping the walk to a minimum. If you are arriving from other US states via Philadelphia (PHL) or Baltimore (BWI) airports, the drive by rental car or taxi takes about an hour and a half.

Due to its central location, the Biggs Museum is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from other parts of historic downtown. The area is equipped with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and bike paths, and many other iconic state landmarks are within walking distance.

The history of this cultural institution began in 1993, born from the passion of one man—collector Sewell C. Biggs. Over six decades, he carefully assembled masterpieces of American decorative and fine arts, with a particular focus on artists from Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Initially, the collection was housed in a local visitor center but eventually found its own home in the historic building on Federal Street.

A major milestone in the museum's development was 2009, when a large-scale renovation of the interiors and expansion of the exhibition space took place. This allowed for even more items from the growing permanent collection to be displayed. By its 25th anniversary in 2018, the museum reached impressive heights, having doubled its collection through valuable donations, such as the Colonel Kenneth P. and Regina I. Brown silver collection.

Today, the Biggs Museum remains a unique institution that elevates the art of the Delmarva region to a national level. It houses unique works from famous art colonies like Arden and Rehoboth, as well as rare furniture pieces by master Janvier 1795. Under the guidance of professional curators, the museum has transformed from a private collection into one of the country's most respected regional art centers.

To explore all floors at a leisurely pace and see the collection's main masterpieces, most visitors need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is sufficient time to walk through the chronologically arranged galleries and appreciate the craftsmanship of American cabinetmakers and painters.

If you plan to visit one of the temporary exhibitions or participate in an educational program, it is worth setting aside a bit more time. The museum's cozy and tranquil atmosphere encourages thoughtful contemplation, so art lovers may find themselves staying even longer.

The museum is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. At the beginning of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), the exhibitions are closed to the public.

As the schedule may change during holidays or while preparing new exhibitions, we recommend checking the museum's official website for up-to-date information before your visit.

Thanks to the museum's location in the heart of the historic district, you can continue your exploration of the state's culture just by stepping outside. The surrounding area is rich with architectural monuments, green parks, and sites that played a key role in the country's history.

A stroll through the nearby attractions will lead you to government buildings, ancient churches, and authentic taverns that have preserved the spirit of past centuries.