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Museums #4 in Wilmington, Delaware

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

4.6 · 1,094 reviews
Engaging, educational, and family-oriented
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds one of the most significant collections of bird eggs in the United States.

2

The institution houses over two million biological specimens, though only a small fraction are on public display at any given time.

3

The 2022 renovation replaced traditional diorama-style exhibits with interactive, science-based displays focused on regional environments.

4

The museum's malacology collection, focusing on shells, is internationally recognized for its scientific research value.

5

The 'PaleoZone' exhibit features a life-sized Appalachiosaurus, a dinosaur genus discovered in the eastern United States.

Overview

The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science focuses on the natural history of the Mid-Atlantic region and global biodiversity. Formerly known as the Delaware Museum of Natural History, the institution underwent a significant multi-year transformation that concluded in 2022. The museum features permanent galleries dedicated to dinosaurs, the Paleozoic sea, and regional ecosystems like the coastal plain and piedmont. Interactive exhibits emphasize experiential learning, including a 'Nature Nook' for younger children and a 'Discovery Gallery' with hands-on specimens. The facility maintains a scientific collection of over two million specimens, primarily focused on mollusks, birds, and bird eggs. It serves as a regional hub for STEM education and community engagement regarding climate science and local environmental stewardship.

Photo spot

The life-sized dinosaur skeleton display in the PaleoZone gallery.

Insider tips

Plan to explore the outdoor nature trail if the weather is favorable to see regional flora in a natural setting.

Check the museum's calendar before visiting for scheduled live science demonstrations or sensory-friendly sessions.

Bring a camera, as the museum allows photography for personal use throughout the galleries.

What to avoid

Do not treat the exhibits as a playground; despite the kid-friendly focus, the displays contain fragile scientific specimens that should not be touched unless explicitly labeled for interaction.

Good to know

Closed on certain major holidays and occasionally for private events; check the website calendar before traveling.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak field trip hours and weekend crowds.
Address
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807, United States
Website
39.798, -75.610
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsPaleoZone dinosaur displays, regional ecosystem galleries, and the Nature Nook.
Scientific focusRegional biodiversity, paleontology, and global mollusk collections.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the school year to avoid peak field trip hours and weekend crowds..

The life-sized dinosaur skeleton display in the PaleoZone gallery.

Close by you'll find Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Valley Garden Park, Longwood Gardens.