
Biggs Museum of American Art
Discover American art from the 18th century to today, featuring decorative arts, contemporary pieces, and vibrant historical interiors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission!

Biggs Museum of American Art
Best Time
Free admission!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover American art from the 18th century to today, featuring decorative arts, contemporary pieces, and vibrant historical interiors.
"A 100% worth a stop museum with diverse exhibits and free admission!"

🎯 Free First Weekend Fun
Enjoy free admission every first weekend (Fri-Sun)! A great deal for art lovers.
🗣️ Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make art engaging and understandable for everyone.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Decorative Arts Collection
Second Floor
Marvel at exquisite furniture, silver, and period room wallpaper coverings spanning centuries. Vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Contemporary Local Artists
Third Floor
Discover vibrant, new acquisitions and special exhibits showcasing talented regional contemporary artists. A fresh perspective on American art.

Comic Couture: Beyond the Panels
Special Exhibition Space
Explore a bold exhibition merging pop culture with high-concept aesthetics, redefining comic-inspired fine art. A unique visual experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days
Guided Tours Enhance Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free First Weekend Fun
Enjoy free admission every first weekend (Fri-Sun)! A great deal for art lovers.
🗣️ Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make art engaging and understandable for everyone.
✨ Vibrant Wallpaper
Don't miss the stunning period room wallpaper – centuries old but incredibly vibrant!
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum actively supports regional artists with acquisitions and exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free First Weekend Fun
Enjoy free admission every first weekend (Fri-Sun)! A great deal for art lovers.
🗣️ Join a Free Tour
Highly recommended! Guides make art engaging and understandable for everyone.
✨ Vibrant Wallpaper
Don't miss the stunning period room wallpaper – centuries old but incredibly vibrant!
🖼️ Support Local Artists
The museum actively supports regional artists with acquisitions and exhibits.
📸 Capture the Art
Photography is generally allowed, but check for any specific exhibit restrictions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Biggs Museum for its free admission and engaging guided tours, which make art accessible to all. The diverse collection, from historical decorative arts to contemporary local pieces, offers a rich experience for a relatively small museum. While some note its size, most find it a worthwhile and enjoyable stop.
"This museum is 100% worth a stop if you're in Delaware. There are different exhibits on the 2nd and 3rd floors, each with their own charm and beauty. Going through it at a leisurely pace will take an hour of well spent time. And it's free!"
Jonathan West
"Took a free guided tour on a whim and had a great time! Our tour guide was truly phenomenal. She explained the information in a way that was engaging and really easy to understand, which was great because I don’t know anything about fine art. I forgot her name but she had brown hair and glasses if I’m remembering correctly!"
Abby Hastings
"Free! Small gallery but features a good enough mix of abstract, contemporary, sculpture and painting art."
Nashalie M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Biggs Museum is located at 406 Federal Street in Dover, DE. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation routes may also serve the downtown Dover area.
Yes, there are parking options available near the museum in downtown Dover. Street parking and public lots are typically accessible.
The museum is situated in downtown Dover, making it accessible from major routes like US-13 and DE-1.
Depending on your starting point, many downtown Dover attractions, including the Legislative Hall and Dover Green, are within walking distance of the Biggs Museum.
The museum is generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to contact them directly for specific accessibility details regarding ramps, elevators, and restroom facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Biggs Museum is typically open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can change seasonally or for special events.
Admission to the Biggs Museum is often free, especially during special promotions like the first weekend of the month (Friday-Sunday). General admission is also frequently free, making it a great value.
The museum offers free admission every first weekend of the month, from Friday through Sunday. This is a popular time for visitors.
For general admission, especially when it's free, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special ticketed events or if you're visiting during a peak free weekend, it's wise to check their website.
The museum welcomes group visits. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to arrange group tours or visits, especially for larger parties, to ensure a smooth experience.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Biggs Museum features a diverse collection of American fine and decorative arts, spanning from the 18th century to contemporary pieces. This includes paintings, sculpture, silver, furniture, and vibrant period room wallpaper.
A leisurely visit to explore the exhibits at the Biggs Museum typically takes about an hour. You can spend more time if you delve deeper into specific collections or attend a guided tour.
Yes, the Biggs Museum offers free guided tours. These tours are highly praised for being engaging and informative, making the art accessible to all visitors.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or artworks.
Key highlights include the exquisite decorative arts collection, the vibrant period room wallpaper, and rotating exhibits featuring contemporary local artists.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Biggs Museum does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Visitors are encouraged to explore the many dining options available in the surrounding downtown Dover area.
Yes, the downtown Dover area surrounding the Biggs Museum offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit different tastes and budgets.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries to protect the artwork. There may be designated areas for refreshments, but it's best to confirm with the museum staff.
You'll find a range of options from casual cafes and delis to sit-down restaurants offering American cuisine and other international flavors in the vicinity of the museum.
Absolutely. The museum's central location in Dover means numerous dining establishments are just a short walk away, making it convenient to grab a bite after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted at the Biggs Museum. However, always look for signage or ask staff if certain exhibits or artworks have restrictions.
Flash photography is typically not allowed in art museums as the light can damage delicate artworks over time. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid using flash.
While general photography is usually allowed, temporary exhibitions or special installations might have specific rules against photography. Always be observant of posted signs.
The vibrant period room wallpaper, the contemporary art pieces, and the museum's architecture itself can make for great photo opportunities. The 'Comic Couture' exhibition also offers unique visual content.
Professional photography sessions or the use of tripods usually require special permission from the museum. It's advisable to contact the museum's administration in advance if you plan to do so.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking advantage of the free guided tours, as the guides are skilled at making art accessible and interesting for all ages. The vibrant colors in the period room wallpaper and the imaginative contemporary works can be particularly captivating for younger visitors. It's a great way to introduce children to art in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring other free attractions in Dover, like the Dover Green, to create a full day of sightseeing without spending a dime on entry fees. The museum's manageable size also means you can have a fulfilling experience in about an hour, saving you time and energy.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
The museum's commitment to contemporary regional artists adds a layer of current relevance, showcasing emerging talent and modern artistic trends. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions, such as the 'Comic Couture' show, which pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms. The free guided tours are also highly recommended for gaining deeper insights and context from knowledgeable docents.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Collection: A Journey Through American Art
A particular point of pride is the museum's collection of decorative arts. The period room wallpaper coverings, for instance, are a stunning testament to historical design, with colors and patterns that remain remarkably vibrant despite their age. These immersive displays offer a glimpse into the domestic lives and aesthetic sensibilities of past generations.
Beyond historical pieces, the Biggs Museum is committed to showcasing today's regional artists. They actively acquire works early in artists' careers, providing crucial support and recognition. This forward-thinking approach ensures the collection remains dynamic and relevant, reflecting the evolving landscape of American art. Special exhibitions, like 'Comic Couture: Beyond the Panels,' further push boundaries by merging popular culture with fine art, offering a truly unique experience.
Experiencing the Biggs Museum: Tips from Visitors
The free guided tours are consistently praised as a must-do. Even for those who don't consider themselves art experts, the guides are adept at making the collections engaging and easy to understand. One reviewer specifically mentioned a guide with brown hair and glasses who was phenomenal. This personal touch significantly enhances the appreciation of the artworks.
While the museum might be considered small by some, reviewers emphasize that it offers a good enough mix of art styles, from abstract and contemporary to sculpture and painting. A leisurely pace allows for an hour of well-spent time, making it a perfect stop for a few hours of cultural enrichment.
The Biggs Museum's Role in the Community
This focus on living artists makes the museum a dynamic space, constantly evolving with fresh perspectives and innovative creations. It fosters a sense of community pride and connection to the arts. The museum also collaborates with local organizations and galleries, such as The Bridge Art Gallery for exhibitions like 'Comic Couture: Beyond the Panels,' further embedding itself within the local arts ecosystem.
Furthermore, the museum's commitment to accessibility, including free admission days and free guided tours, ensures that art is not a privilege but an experience available to everyone. This inclusive approach makes the Biggs Museum a valuable cultural asset for Dover and the state of Delaware.

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