Hagley Museum named in USA TODAY’s 10Best open-air museums of 2025

Hagley was also on the USA TODAY list last year. (All photos courtesy of Hagley Museum and Library)

WILMINGTON – For the second year in a row, Hagley Museum and Library has earned a spot on USA TODAY’s prestigious list of the “10Best Open-Air Museums” for 2025.

“Hagley Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, earned its place as one of the 10 best outdoor museums due to its unique blend of history, hands-on experiences, and natural beauty,” said Jill MacKenzie, Hagley’s executive director. “The museum is set on the former site of the DuPont Company’s original gunpowder works, offering visitors a deep dive into America’s industrial history.”

Located in Wilmington, Hagley Museum spans 235 acres and is dedicated to inspiring innovation through its exhibits, tours, and hands-on demonstrations.

Hagley’s success

“Hagley seeks to inspire all people to be innovative in their own lives,” said Mike Adams, director of museum and audience engagement. “It’s a mission that resonates with visitors of all ages and walks of life—and it is reflected in the historical narratives and scientific concepts we interpret.”

The museum’s centerpiece is a mile-long, water-powered explosives factory that was founded by the DuPont Company in 1802, offering a glimpse into 19th-century industry and engineering.

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Hagley has a unique blend of historic structures and natural beauty, and visitors can explore not only the industrial history of the DuPont legacy but also enjoy the French-inspired E. I. du Pont Garden, which features heirloom vegetables and flowers that date back centuries.

The site’s lush landscape, filled with thousands of trees, recently earned arboretum accreditation.

The honor was granted following nominations by an expert panel and votes from USA TODAY readers.

“Our mission, the unique site we preserve, the stories we tell, and the experiences we create offer something for everyone,” Adams said. “Whatever your reasons are for visiting museums and cultural institutions, Hagley has something for you—something to connect you with the past, with nature, and with the future you are inspired to create.”

Hagley Museum remains open year-round, offering an immersive experience where history and nature intersect.

With its combination of gardens, gunpowder, and heritage, it continues to attract visitors who are eager to learn, explore, and connect with the past.

“Its success lies in engaging exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and the preservation of its scenic, sprawling grounds along the Brandywine River,” MacKenzie said. “By combining historical education with the opportunity to explore nature, Hagley provides a memorable and immersive experience that resonates with diverse audiences.”

Jarek Rutz

Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.

Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.