Nemours Mansion & Gardens is the 300-acre estate of the late industrialist and philanthropist, Alfred I. duPont, founder of Nemours, and his wife, Jessie Ball duPont. Located on the grounds of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, Nemours was named after the duPont family’s ancestral home in France.
Built from 1909 to 1910, the 47,000 square-foot mansion features more than 70 rooms including a music room, nature conservatory and a two-lane bowling alley. Fine antiques, famous works of art, beautiful tapestries and other treasures decorate the mansion. The surrounding grounds boast one of the finest examples of French-style gardens in the United States.
In his will, Mr. duPont requested his trustees maintain and preserve Nemours Mansion & Gardens “for the pleasure and benefit of the public.” Open for tours since 1977, Nemours has hosted more than 315,000 visitors.
In 2008, a massive restoration effort of the mansion and gardens was realized. More than 120,000 hours spent by conservators and craftsmen were logged in the three-year effort. One new addition—a Visitor’s Center—was also constructed and provides guests an introduction to Alfred I. duPont’s life and his legacy of philanthropy.
Nemours Mansion & Gardens is open for tours between May and December. Led by expert guides, the tour takes a minimum of two hours and includes a comprehensive view of the mansion and surrounding gardens.
Call 1-800-651-6912 for tickets or more information.
