Discover the Gilded Age on a Visit to the Nemours Estate
Few of us can even imagine giving — or receiving — a breathtaking mansion surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens as a present, but anyone can go back in time and visit an era and place where such things were possible.
Built between 1909 and 1910, Nemours Estate was a gift from Alfred I. du Pont to his second wife. Its name is derived from the north-central French town of Nemours, home to Du Pont ancestor, Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours, who came to America with his family during the French Revolution.
Nemours Estate, located in Wilmington, is an ideal place to take in Alfred I. du Pont’s passion for art, architecture, and horticulture and the indelible mark he left on American history.
The almost 47,000-square-foot mansion at the heart of the estate offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the American elite during the Gilded Age. It was designed by Carrere and Hastings of New York City and built by Smyth and Son of Wilmington.
A blend of various styles, from Louis XVI to Italian Renaissance, the mansion houses an extensive collection of art and antiques. Its more than 77 rooms showcase intricate craftsmanship. The library, for example, has rich mahogany woodwork and shelves of rare books.
The estate’s carefully manicured gardens span 200 acres and were designed by French landscape architect Jacques Greber. The gardens change with the seasons, making each visit a different experience.
Beyond its historical and educational significance, Nemours Estate’s tranquil atmosphere and well-maintained pathways make it an ideal setting for leisurely walks, picnics, or quiet moments of reflection.
The estate is managed by the Nemours Foundation and was closed from 2005 to 2008 for an extensive $39 million restoration and conservation project to ensure that it remains true to its original splendor and preserves the cultural legacy of Alfred I. du Pont.
Nemours Estate is located at 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, not far from the Nemours Children’s Hospital, and is open April through December. Self-guided, self-paced tours of the mansion, chauffeur’s garage, gardens and grounds are available with interpretive staff located throughout to answer questions and share information. Guided tours and shuttle garden tours are offered April through October with guides sharing anecdotes about Alfred I. du Pont's life and the intricacies of the mansion's design. Tickets are $20 with discounts for seniors, active military, students, children, and families. For more information,