Hagley Museum

200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Address:	200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Phone:	+1 302-658-2400
Site:	hagley.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 28

Craig McKay

The Hagley Museum, might be better named and more widely recognized if it was called The DuPont Gunpowder Museum. This is where it all started when the French immigrant, E.I. du Pont bought several hundred acres of land beside the Brandywine River and built both the family home and the gunpowder mills that made the fortunes of generations of du Ponts. The original family home, which sits on a hill overlooking the powder mills is restored and can be toured. Nowadays, this former industrial site is a living museum, and a testament to the methods of early American industrialization, where you can observe how water turbines and later a steam engine supplied the power needed to keep the power mills running. There are daily demonstrations in the machine shop and even a live demonstration of a black powder detonation. Highly recommended.

Joe Pulcinella

We just recently joined and made a couple visits but still have not seen all that the Hagley has to offer. The DuPont company was and still is a great example of American entrepreneurship and this museum offers a glimpse of how French immigrants came across the Atlantic and helped make America great. Ok, enough platitudes. The Hagley is a great place to take the kids with plenty of outdoor activities and demonstrations (the gunpowder demonstration is my fave!). You cant do it all in one day. Again, we havent explored all there is but by being members, we are eligible to attend the classic car show and the Independence Day fireworks, both of which are considered the best in the region. Im also looking forward to seeing it decorated at Christmas time.

Kirk Wong

Ive been here 3 times, always with different members of the family, its the beginning history of the Dupont family. Nice museum, there is a nice little cafe that serves organic style lunches, nothing fancy. Places is very nice, museum was established in the early 1950s and improvements have come along over time, many volunteers support the museum. I like the museum, the displays of the steam engine, the repair shop, and the main museum, at the front. You may not have enough time to make it a day, its that big. The grounds are excellent. It competes with many other excellent nearby attractions. Good for the older generation. Being here 3 times, I dont mind coming back.

Nancy Pyle

This is a fantastic place. We had only a morning to spend here last August and didnt have time to finish everything. Were planning to go back this year. Theres a little bus to take you around to the house and various other sites. Dont miss the demonstration of how they tested the gunpowder. Just the natural setting (wonderful huge trees and a river) is worth the ticket price, but theres so much more--very educational, too. I believe if you buy your ticket after 2 PM, you can come back the next day. Kids would love it, too. Lots of things to do outdoors as well as the museum. Plan to spend the day.

Angela Robichaud

The Soda House at the Hagley Museum was the venue for our wedding reception. Heather was extremely helpful, friendly, and professional. The grounds are excellent for taking photos, and the tours they offer during museum hours are delightful. We even had a cannon demonstration prior to our reception, and everybody loved it! Way to start our new life off with a bang! Thank you, Hagley!

Biggs Darklighter

Well documented history of one of the oldest companies in the nation, DuPont. A company that has dwindled in recent decades, it attracted brilliant minds that made breakthrough inventions over the past 215 years. Every day you see or feel something that was first developed by a DuPont engineer or scientist. It all started here.

Steve Coleman

Really great museum to start the visit, beautiful walk alongside the river and superb attractions on route with guides that cant be faulted for their knowledge and friendliness. Certainly worth a visit, but plan on spending the next part of the day here to get the most out of it.

felix lee

Amazing place for the scientifically minded! If you have any interest in chemistry youll love the place. The gunpowder mills, the water-powered systems, and the museum on the history of the DuPont company (much of which involves polymers) are first-rate.

Kirk Reed

During the week is great to tour. Not crowded. Belin house cafe has wonderful food, great crab cakes, organic and vegan selections. Prices are inexpensive in my opinion. Tour guides are retired professionals, that can convey the rich history.

PJ Carlino

Working history museum, with extensive early industrial architecture. Loved seeing the working water turbine and its connection to the metal shop. The ground are fascinating and well with a few hours walk about. The river is beautiful.

Hilary Halliwell

Fun and informative exhibits highlight the history of industry along the Brandywine River. Loved the River walk and gardens tour.

D.R. Wofford

Excellent place for a stroll along the Brandywine. Plenty to see, explore, and touch. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Houser Mouthpieces

Its a great story of entrepreneurial success in America. Beautiful setting, interesting exhibits, and occasional kids programs.

Daniel Stevenson

i use to go to this museum i loved it so much i started volunteering great place to visit beautiful scenery and great people

Christina Boatman

i havent exactly been there, but i have heard good n bad....my grandfather Roy Boatman helped establish the hagley museum

Jerry Schwehm

Interesting history of true American dream from a French family coming to the USA and making the dream come true.