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.
Built between 1797 and 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. When Phillip and Lydia Laird assumed ownership in 1920, they breathed new life into the house and gardens with a colonial-revival vision that became known across America. In 1975, Mrs. Laird transferred the property to the Delaware Historical Society. Visitors today find their own meaning in the space through indoor and outdoor tours, social events, and a variety of programming.
To learn more about the Read House & Gardens, or join the email list, go to readhouseandgardens.org.
Museum Hours
THURS – SUN: 11 am – 4 pm
MON – WED: Closed
Interior Tours begin on the hour. The last tour begins at 3 p.m.
- Saturday, June 13 — Separation Day — Closed from 1-2 p.m. for the Separation Day parade
- Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth) & Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day) — The Read House is open normal hours, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25 — The Read House will close from 12-1 p.m.
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
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