Dover is a city that may not immediately bring to mind cultural richness, but scratch beneath its surface and you will find hidden gems that reveal the historic, charming, quaint, peaceful, and welcoming nature of its people.
One such gem is The Biggs Museum of American Art (406 Federal St., Dover), which displays an impressive collection of American fine and decorative arts from the 1700s to present day. With over 2,000 objects on display across its nine galleries, visitors can expect to see works by some of Americas most celebrated artists like John Singer Sargent or Mary Cassatt.
Another spot worth visiting for art enthusiasts is The Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village (866 N Dupont Hwy., Dover), which showcases early rural life in Delaware. Its collections include vintage farm equipment and tools as well as folk art pieces featuring farm animals.
The Schwartz Center for the Arts (226 S State St., Dover) offers a variety of performances ranging from Broadway shows to jazz concerts in an intimate setting reminiscent of traditional theatres. It has been a beloved performance venue since it opened in 1904.
For those who have a love for history visit First State Heritage Park (102 South State Street Dover). This park celebrates collective stories about First States history with tours through museums full rich content on family programs walk tours etc.
To really tap into all things theatrical head out just outside Dovers limits towards Smyrna where theres The Smyrna Opera House (7 W South St., Smyrna), builtin 1869 it was refurbished again in the mid90s after falling into disrepair.Inside one would find spacious seating arrangements allowing around six hundred people within at any gathering while keeping good views thanks to balconies still kept up high.Performance events range anywhere from comedy sketches music productions dance recitals poetry slams etc.
If you are looking for an offbeat experience, dont hesitate to visit the Johnson Victrola Museum (375 S New St., Dover) which is dedicated to E.R. Nipper Johnson who revolutionized the music industry with his invention of the phonograph in 1895.This museum leads visitors through a history of recorded sound, which is shown via recordings and other media.
Finally, no cultural tour would be complete without a trip to 33 West (33 W Loockerman St., Dover) where visitors can get local brews while enjoying eclectic performances ranging from jazz bands and standup comedy shows.
These few examples are just some of the unexpected surprises that await those who take their time exploring Dovers vibrant cultural scene. No matter what type of art or performance youre interested in seeing theres something here for everyone.
Websites and Twitter handles:
The Biggs Museum of American Art: www.biggsmuseum.org (@BiggsMuseum)
The Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village: www.agriculturalmuseum.org
Schwartz Center For The Arts: www.schwartzcenter.com (@SchwartzCenterDE)
First State Heritage Park: https://history.delaware.gov/locations/fs/
Smyrna Opera House:http://www.smyrnaoperahouse.org (@SmyrnaOpHouse)
Johnson Victrola Museum:http://johnsonvictrolamuseum.org
33 West:@drinksat33west
406 Federal St.
Dover, DE
United States
866 N Dupont Hwy.
Dover, DE
United States
226 S State St.
Dover, DE
United States
102 South State Street
Dover, DE
United States
7 W South St.
Smyrna, DE
United States
375 S New St.
Dover, DE
United States
33 W Loockerman St.
Dover, DE
United States
@Biggsmuseum
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Dover, DE
United States
@Schwartzcenterde
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Dover, DE
United States
@Smyrnaophouse
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Dover, DE
United States