Wilmington

Holding a collection of more than 12,000 works, the Delaware Art Museum was founded in 1912 by the Wilmington Society of Fine Arts in honour of the artist Howard Pyle, whose painting 'Battle of Bunker Hill' was in the museum's possession until it went missing and was presumed stolen in 2001. Apart from the remaining works of the much-loved local artist Howard Pyle, and some of his American contemporaries, the museum is perhaps best known for its extensive collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art. The urban landscapes of John Sloan can also be viewed here. Temporary exhibitions are hosted regularly and public and group tours of the museum are available.

Website : www.delart.org

Featuring some fantastic exhibits, the Delaware Museum of Natural History is a great attraction for visitors of all ages and persuasions. The dinosaur gallery is a favourite with most visitors, with Tuojiangosaurus and Yangchuanosaurus skeletons towering over awe-inspired visitors. View the Elephant Bird egg in the Hall of Birds; admire animals from around the world in the Hall of Mammels; or explore the Shell Gallery which boasts an impressive collection of two million shells. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are constantly changing special exhibits on display, tours and interactive outdoor experiences.

Website : www.delmnh.org

The Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves and interprets the history of American enterprise and is a non-profit educational institution. With a range of exhibitions, guided tours, walking trails and demonstrations, there is so much to learn at the Hagley Museum. Visitors can experience 19th-century living on Workers' Hill, visit the Powder Yard, where massive stone mills, storehouses, and a waterwheel echo a time when water was the main source of energy, and tour the Eleutherian Mills, a mansion that has been home to five generations of the famous du Pont family and features breath-taking views over the Brandywine Valley.

Website : www.hagley.org

The state's only museum solely dedicated to contemporary art, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (now usually just called the Delaware Contemporary), features displays of local, regional and international artists in its seven galleries. It also features about 26 artists' studios, a gift shop, a high-tech auditorium, and a classroom where workshops and lectures are held. The museum is best known for its challenging and intriguing exhibitions, curated to be relevant and topical. The fact that admission is free is an extra incentive for visitors with time to kill in the city, and the quick turnover of art on display ensures that there is always something new to see.

Website : www.thedcca.org