Brandywine River Museum
PO Box 141
1 Hoffman's Mill Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
(610) 388-2700
www.brandywinemuseum.org

A beautiful place, the Brandywine River Museum is located in a converted Civil-War era grist mill. This Museum is famous for its collection of Wyeth family paintings -- one of the largest and most comprehensive such collections in the world.

The Museum changes its exhibitions frequently, drawing on its extensive collections. Of course quite a few of the works deal with the Brandywine Valley itself and other areas of Pennsylvania. This is American Illustration at its best.

Though the Wyeths are dominant here, many other artists are represented in the Brandywine. Works of Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle (mentor to N.C. Wyeth and Parrish), Charles Dana Gibson, Rockwell Kent and other important illustrators are here. The Landscapes of William Trost Richards and Jasper Cropsey, still lifes by George Cope, William Michael Harnett, and John F. Peto, and interior scenes by Horace Pippin and J.D. Chalfant represent the artistic heritage of the Brandywine Valley.

A visit to this museum is an inspiration and will become a cherished memory. The best thing about it is that you can come back for a brand new experience time and again throughout the year. There are also many special events throughout the year -- concerts, slide shows, crafts fairs and other events are presented on a regular basis. Some are indoors and some take place on the beautiful grounds outside. A special feature here is the wildflower gardens, surrounding the Museum in breathtaking color for three seasons.

The Restaurant provides an elegant lunch or refreshment in a glass tower overlooking the Brandywine River.

Groups (15 or more) are welcome for a tour, Guided or Self-Guided Tour. And School Groups can take advantage of the outstanding Programs available. Museum Lessons focus on various aspects of the collections in four separate programs. Museum Explorers (grades Pre-K - 2) helps young students develop basic observational skills. Storytelling in Art (3 - 6) exercises students' imaginations as they unravel the narratives contained in works of art. Portrait Potpourri (3 - 6) uses traditional and unusual images to expand the definition of a portrait. The Brandywine Heritage ( 3 - 12) focuses on the influence of the Valley's history and landscape on art. The Art of Illustration (7 - 12) explores the works of three generations of Wyeths.

Many other programs are available. Some are specially designed for art students, but most will enhance virtually any curriculum. Teachers Workshops are also available on a variety of topics, and a Teachers' Open House is held each fall.