Spectacular spring gardens, impressive American artifacts, and a whimsical Campbell’s collection of soup tureens, all combining at Winterthur to reprimand me for delaying a visit to this Delaware gem. This magnificent du Pont estate, resplendent in waves of waning azaleas and full-blown rhododendrens, yielding to dogwoods and peonies and irises in an artful succession of blooms, is a naturalistic gardener’s dream. Nothing seems forced or manufactured in these gentle woodlands and rolling meadows, even the statuary is graceful. And then there’s the home itself. Impressive and subtle at once, blending in with the landscape when viewed from the woodlands, yet also a commanding presence towering over the formal gardens. Inside, an unparalleled collection of early American decorative arts, thoughtfully arranged in roomscapes that bring the artifacts to life. This is history at its most tactile – a living, breathing museum. A favorite vingette – a room that tells the story of a child’s birthday party, with period gifts, paper hats, and slices of cake that appears as though the rowdy group of youngsters just ran outside for a spirited game of Tag before digging in for more sweets. And of course, the spiraling staircase is not to be missed. The bonus this summer? Winterthur is part of a sweet deal for fans of the du Pont estates. Ten major museums and gardens in the Greater Wilmington, Delaware and Brandywine Valley are offering one time admission to each of the attractions for a flat rate, as well as an opportunity to win prizes during the promotion. Tickets are priced at $35.00 for an individual or $75.00 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children). Passports tickets go on sale July 1st and will be valid from July 6th through August 31st.
Participants are: Brandywine River Museum,Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Delaware Historical Society including Delaware History Museum and Read House & Gardens, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Hagley Museum and Library, Longwood Gardens, Nemours Mansion & Gardens, Rockwood Museum, and Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.