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.
Muesum Hours
THURS – SUN: 11 am – 4 pm
MON & TUE: Closed
Interior Tours begin on the hour. The last tour begins at 3 p.m. Exhibit is self-guided during open hours.
Open-Air Tours are available at advance request. To book an Open-Air Tour, please contact us at rhinfo@dehistory.org.
Garden Hours
The gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, year-round. Enjoy them at your own pace, free of charge.
Note: We’re in the planning phase of a garden renovation campaign! If your visit inspires ideas about what the future of the Read House gardens might look like, we’d love to hear them! Drop us a note at rhinfo@dehistory.org.
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
