20 Best Architectural Buildings in Delaware: Explore Historical and Modern Masterpieces

Delaware is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, blending historic charm with modern innovation.

The state’s diverse architectural landscape showcases everything from quaint Colonial homes to striking contemporary designs.

What truly sets Delaware apart is its unique ability to preserve historical integrity while embracing sustainable and innovative building practices.

This collection highlights some of the most stunning and significant architectural buildings in Delaware, offering a glimpse into the rich history and creative talent that define the state’s built environment.

1. Nemours Estate

Nemours Estate is a 200-acre property located in Wilmington, Delaware. It features a French neoclassical mansion with 105 rooms spread across four floors.

The estate is known for its jardin à la française, which includes extensive formal gardens.

Built by Alfred I. DuPont in 1910, the estate underwent a $39 million restoration.

Today, visitors can explore the mansion, gardens, and Chauffeur’s Garage through a self-guided experience. This historical site is a prominent landmark in Delaware.

2. Winterthur Museum

Winterthur Museum is a must-see architectural gem in Delaware. Situated on a sprawling 1,000-acre estate, it was the former home of Henry Francis du Pont.

The mansion boasts 175 rooms filled with nearly 90,000 American decorative art pieces.

The museum’s gardens are equally impressive, featuring rolling hills, meadows, and streams.

Visitors can enjoy accessible paths and view special exhibits like “Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden.”

3. Old Swedes Church

Old Swedes Church, also known as Holy Trinity Church, is a historic church located in Wilmington, Delaware.

Built between 1698 and 1699, it is one of the oldest churches in the United States that has been continuously used for worship.

The church features massive gray stone walls and a red brick bell tower topped with a white-painted cupola. The surrounding verdant churchyard adds to its historic charm.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, Old Swedes Church reflects the Swedish colonial effort in the Delaware Valley.

For more detailed information, visit the Old Swedes Church.

4. Hagley Museum and Library

The Hagley Museum and Library is a notable landmark in Wilmington, Delaware.

Located at 200 Hagley Creek Road, this 235-acre museum offers a glimpse into the industrial history of the area.

Visitors can explore historical structures and gardens on the property.

The museum highlights the legacy of the DuPont family and their contributions to American industry. It is also recognized as one of the top open-air museums in the country.

5. Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts. Located in Wilmington, it is housed in a striking building that combines modern and traditional design elements.

The museum features collections of American art and illustration from the 19th century to the present.

Visitors can enjoy sculptures, paintings, and rotating exhibitions.

In addition to its notable architecture, the museum offers beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures, providing a serene atmosphere for exploration.

Learn more about the Delaware Art Museum by visiting its official website.

6. Amstel House

Amstel House, also known as Dr. Finney House, is a notable structure in New Castle, Delaware.

Built in the 1730s, Amstel House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area. Its architecture reflects the colonial style of the period.

In 1929, the New Castle Historical Society purchased the house and transformed it into a museum, preserving its historic significance.

Today, visitors can tour the house and enjoy its beautifully maintained garden. Learn more about Amstel House at New Castle History.

7. Rockwood Mansion

Rockwood Mansion is a stunning example of Rural Gothic Revival Architecture. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, it was built between 1851 and 1854 by banker Joseph Shipley. This English-style country estate is now a museum.

The mansion features historic gardens and urban wildlife habitats. Notably, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Visitors can enjoy paved trails linking to the Northern Delaware Greenway.

For more information, visit the Rockwood Mansion & Gardens.

8. Woodburn

Woodburn, also known as the Delaware Governor’s Mansion, is the official residence of the Governor of Delaware. It is located in Dover and has been the home of the governor since 1965.

The house was built in 1798, showcasing Middle Period Georgian architecture. Over the years, it has housed several notable residents, including two U.S. Senators and an abolitionist.

For more details, visit the official Woodburn – Office of the Governor – State of Delaware site.

9. Zwaanendael Museum

The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Delaware commemorates the state’s first European settlement founded by the Dutch in 1631.

The building is inspired by the former City Hall in Hoorn, Netherlands, featuring a stepped facade gable, terra cotta roof tiles, and decorated shutters.

Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on maritime, military, and social history related to the Lewes area. The museum also showcases unique artifacts, including centuries-old Dutch artifacts.

For more information, visit the Zwaanendael Museum.

10. John Dickinson Plantation

The John Dickinson Plantation in Kent County, Delaware, is the boyhood home of Founding Father John Dickinson. Known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” Dickinson was a primary author of the Articles of Confederation.

Located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road, the site features Early Georgian architecture. The mansion was built in 1739-1740 with later extensions.

Today, it is a National Historic Landmark and state museum.

For details, visit the John Dickinson Plantation website.

11. Read House and Gardens

The Read House and Gardens in New Castle, Delaware, is a fine example of Federal period architecture. Built between 1797 and 1804 for George Read Jr., the house was the most sophisticated residence in the state at that time.

The property includes 2.5 acres of historic gardens, beautifully designed in the late 1840s.

Visitors can explore both the house and the well-maintained gardens, offering a glimpse into the past.

Located at 42 The Strand, this site is now a National Historic Landmark.

12. New Castle Court House Museum

The New Castle Court House Museum is located in New Castle, Delaware. Built in 1732, it served as Delaware’s first court house and state capitol.

In 1776, Delaware representatives voted here for independence from Pennsylvania and Great Britain. This building is central to a circular border defining much of Delaware’s boundaries.

Visitors can enjoy touring this National Historic Landmark. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more details, visit the New Castle Court House Museum page.

13. Barratt’s Chapel

Barratt’s Chapel, located north of Frederica, Delaware, is one of the oldest surviving Methodist churches in the United States. Built in 1780, this historic church is sometimes called the “Cradle of Methodism.” The chapel was constructed on land donated by Philip Barratt, a significant local landowner and political figure.

The building itself measures 42 by 48 feet and features a barn-like structure.

In 1784, key meetings between Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury took place here, which played a crucial role in founding the Methodist Church in America.

14. Air Mobility Command Museum

The Air Mobility Command Museum is located at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware. It showcases over 30 aircraft, including cargo haulers, fighters, helicopters, and a WWII B-17 bomber.

Visitors can explore the museum from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

It’s an engaging destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

15. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is located in Milford, Delaware. This historical site encompasses over 300 acres of preserved land.

The center is a part of the Delaware Nature Society and features various trails through deciduous and Atlantic White Cedar woodlands.

Visitors can explore the mill itself, along with antique buildings like a barn and an old shed.

The nature trails are open from dawn to dusk. Trails are pet-friendly, making it a great spot for families and pet owners. Learn more about Abbott’s Mill Nature Center here.

16. George Read II House

The George Read II House is a notable example of Federal architecture in Delaware. Constructed in 1804, it stands in the historic town of Old New Castle.

This 14,000-square-foot mansion was built for George Read II, whose father was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Situated along the Delaware River, the house is a National Historic Landmark.

Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms and 2.5 acres of historical grounds. Its architectural details and beautifully maintained gardens offer a glimpse into early American elegance and style.

17. Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital

Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital is located in Wilmington, Delaware. It is known for its advanced healthcare services and extensive facilities.

The hospital features a Center for Advanced Joint Replacement that performs over 2,500 hip and knee replacements each year.

The fitness and wellness center offers various exercise equipment and has stunning views of the Brandywine River.

The facility spans 440,000 square feet and includes 60 beds and 13 operating rooms, making it a significant part of Delaware’s healthcare landscape.

18. Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art, located in Dover, Delaware, opened its doors to the public on October 22, 1993.

It is housed in a building that was once a Federal Building and U.S. Post Office, constructed in 1993.

Visitors are greeted by an impressive display of 1,200 aluminum birds. These static sculptures create a visual treat as they appear to be in flight, adding to the museum’s charm.

The museum’s collection focuses on American art and includes fine and decorative arts. This makes it a must-visit for art enthusiasts exploring Delaware’s capital city. Learn more about it here.

19. Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church, also known as Old Swedes, is located in Wilmington, Delaware. It was consecrated on June 4, 1699, by a Swedish congregation.

This church is among the oldest in the United States and is a well-preserved example of Swedish colonial architecture. Holy Trinity Church is designated a National Historic Landmark.

The church has undergone multiple restorations, including significant work after a fire in 1964. Visitors can see its historical features, including porches added in the 1740s and a gallery from 1774.

20. Gibraltar Mansion

Gibraltar Mansion, located at 2505 Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington, Delaware, is a historic country estate. Built around 1844, the mansion stands on a high rocky outcrop, reminiscent of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Owned by the City of Wilmington, the property includes the mansion and the Marian Coffin Gardens.

It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public. For more information, visit Gibraltar Mansion.

Historical Significance

Delaware boasts a rich architectural history that highlights key periods such as the Colonial Era and the Industrial Revolution. Each era brought unique styles and structures that define the state’s architectural landscape.

Colonial Era Architecture

Delaware’s Colonial Era architecture is marked by structures dating back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. A prime example is the Old State House in Dover, constructed in 1791.

This building showcases classic Georgian architecture with its symmetrical design and decorative crown molding.

Many churches also reflect this period. Old Swedes Church in Wilmington, built in 1698, stands as one of the oldest churches in the United States still in use.

This period preserved European styles, adapted to local materials and needs, giving Delaware a unique blend of functionality and artistry.

Industrial Revolution and Its Impact

The Industrial Revolution profoundly changed Delaware’s architectural landscape. A significant site from this era is the Hagley Museum in Wilmington, located on the grounds of the first DuPont gunpowder mills, established in the early 1800s.

These mills symbolize the shift from agrarian to industrial society and the rise of manufacturing.

New methods and materials were introduced, leading to the construction of more robust and larger buildings.

For instance, the Milton Historic District features numerous structures from this period, reflecting Delaware’s growth in industry and transportation. This era’s architecture signifies the transition to modernity while retaining historical essence.

Architectural Styles

Delaware hosts a variety of architectural styles due to its rich history and diverse influences. Key styles include Georgian, Federal, and Modern innovations, each with unique characteristics and historical significance.

Georgian Style

The Georgian style in Delaware reflects the country’s colonial heritage. This style originated in the 18th century, known for its symmetry and classic proportions.

Houses typically feature brick exteriors, gabled roofs, and evenly spaced windows. Elaborate doorways and decorative crown moldings are common.

Some pristine examples can be found in old towns and historic districts, maintained to preserve their original architectural charm. The simplicity and elegance of Georgian architecture have sustained its popularity over centuries.

Federal Style

The Federal style emerged in the late 18th century, succeeding Georgian architecture. It incorporates classical elements but with more refinement and ornamentation.

Homes in this style often showcase curved lines, slender columns, and elliptical or fan-shaped windows. Brickwork is usually refined, and wood details are common.

The Federal style was prevalent during the post-Revolutionary War era, reflecting the nation’s new identity.

Delaware’s historic districts, particularly in urban areas, have several notable Federal-style buildings, contributing to the state’s architectural richness.

Modern Innovations

Modern innovations in Delaware’s architecture offer a sharp contrast to historical styles.

These designs focus on functionality, simplicity, and integration with nature.

Buildings often use materials like steel and glass. They feature open floor plans and large windows to maximize natural light.

Award-winning firms like SEA Studio Architects have led these innovations. They blend contemporary aesthetics with the surrounding environment.

This approach ensures that modern homes in Delaware not only meet current aesthetic trends, but also fit harmoniously within the state’s varied landscape.

Modern architecture’s sleek, unadorned styles continue to shape new residential and commercial projects across Delaware.