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Read House & Gardens

Visit Read House & Gardens

Overlooking the Delaware River in Historic New Castle, the 14,000-square-foot Read House is preserved as a National Historic Landmark and a beacon of design inspiration.

It was completed in 1804 for George Read II, son of one of Delaware’s signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, with 2.5 acres of historic grounds developed between 1848 and the 1930s. Between 1920 and 1975, Philip and Lydia Laird’s colonial-revival vision for the Read House & Gardens became known across America through dozens of magazines from Town & Country to Mademoiselle. Visitors today find their own meaning in the space through indoor and outdoor tours, artistic collaborations, social events in the gardens, and a variety of programming.

To learn more about the Read House & Gardens, or join the email list, go to readhouseandgardens.org.

Directions and Parking

Muesum Hours

THURS – SUN: 11 am – 4 pm
MON – WED: Closed

Interior Tours begin on the hour. The last tour begins at 3 p.m.

“Christmas with the Coupers: Victorian Traditions at the Read House,”
our festive holiday decor featuring treasures from Delaware Historical
Society collections, is on display through December 28.

*HOLIDAY HOURS*
Dec 6 & 7 — Free refreshments
Dec 11 — Tours begin at 1 p.m.
Dec 13 — Spirit of Christmas. Free admission and self-guided tours
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Complimentary refreshments.
Dec 18 — The last tour departs at 1 p.m. The House will be closed at 2 p.m. for a staff event.
Dec 24-26 — CLOSED
Dec 27 & 28 — Open regular hours. Dec 28 is the final day of the season.

Garden Hours

The gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, year-round. Enjoy them at your own pace, free of charge.

Admission

Adult: $10
Military/Senior/Student with ID: $8
Ages 6-17: $5
Ages 5 and below: FREE
Members: FREE
Art-Reach ACCESS Delaware: $2
Museums for All: $2

Exhibit Only:  $4

Brandywine Passport accepted May 27 – October 31