Brandywine Museum of Art
Art museum · Delaware County ·

Brandywine Museum of Art

Art museum · Delaware County ·

Museum featuring Wyeth family art & rotating exhibits

wyeth family art
model train display
beautiful setting
river setting
charming museum
friendly staff
gift shop
cafe
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by  J. Fusco/Courtesy Brandywine River Museum of Art
Brandywine Museum of Art by Mark Gormel/Courtesy Brandywine River Museum of Art
Brandywine Museum of Art by Courtesy Brandywine River Museum of Art
Brandywine Museum of Art by Carlos Alejandro/Courtesy Brandywine River Museum of Art
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null
Brandywine Museum of Art by null

Information

1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Get directions

Restroom
Family friendly
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Information

Static Map

1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Get directions

+1 610 388 2700
brandywine.org
@brandywinemuseum

Features

•Restroom
•Family friendly
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom
•Wheelchair accessible seating

Last updated

Jan 23, 2026

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4 Best Day Trips from Philadelphia | Condé Nast Traveler

"Housed in a renovated 19th-century mill (and its contemporary steel-and-glass addition), the Brandywine River Museum of Art is home to an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art, with works by N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeths lining its walls. Located within a ten-minute drive are three other must-visits with a strong connection to the museum, including the studios of N.C. and Andrew Wyeth , as well as Kuerner Farm, a spot that often influenced Andrew Wyeth’s work. The tours are accessible by a shuttle bus from April through November, and provide fascinating insight into how these artists lived, worked, and got inspired." - Nancy DePalma

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-philadelphia
Carlos Alejandro/Courtesy Brandywine River Museum of Art
Brandywine Museum of Art

Ruth e. R.

Google
Wonderful museum, especially at Christmas! The work that has gone into filling an entire room with model trains is unbelievable. The laughter and excitement of people of all ages says it all. Another holiday "stand out" are the Christmas trees decorated with ornaments filled with creatures that have been created using items found outdoors. The art exhibits are also quite wonderful. It is the home of Wyeth art, as well as changing exhibits throughout the year. Annual membership prices are quite reasonable and worth having.

Matt B

Google
I grew up going to see the train display every year at the Brandywine River Museum, it’s pure magic. Every corner has some intricate detail, with a little flourish of color, motion, light, sound, or creativity. As an adult, the train room feels much smaller, but still sparks a lot of joy. The rest of the museum is also really quality, and I had a good time exploring the exhibits.

Laura D.

Google
I hadn't been here in 40 years. Dad used to bring my sister and I to Chadds Ford every Fall when we were kids. Dad has been gone for five years. My sister and I decided to make the trip to visit the museum and revisit our childhood. Naturally, the museum wasn't as big as we remembered but that didn't stop the memories from returning. It was like visiting old friends. All of the artwork that I knew and loved as a preteen/teen had been patiently waiting for me to return. 😄 We were raised on Wyeth family art and it was wonderful to be back. 10/10 recommend.

Pam S.

Google
A beautiful museum both architecturally as well as with the amazing art contained within. Definitely worth a visit. It's well laid out, easy to navigate, curated well, with art that is incredible. And has a small yet good cafe and a parking lot with ample spots. Oh ..on beautiful grounds too.

Donald P.

Google
This wonderful, intimate museum hugging the bank of the Brandywine River, features a collection of art by the Wythe family, as well as other artists and illustrators. Special exhibits and tours of nearby Wythe properties are available. There is a beautiful gift shop and nice cafe on the first level.

Dennis K.

Google
The museum had a many terrific displays: art works. I especially enjoyed the model train display. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who hasn't visited the museum. If you have, it's worth a revisit.

Beatrix A.

Google
Really awesome collection and great staff. I loved the permanent pieces as well as the temporary exhibits. The museum focuses heavily on ties between nature and art, (extremely fitting its role as an art museum and nature conservancy). The plaques by each piece were really well-written and informative which I appreciated a lot. Overall it’s a beautiful, well-curated art museum that feels very thoughtful in its choices. (Also unbeatable prices as far as rat pins go. Like $5 or 6?? Incredible stuff)

Jill B.

Google
I love going to the Brandywine Museum. Whether it’s for a special event, to revisit favorite Wyeth art or to take friends to see the wonderful train installation for the Holidays…it’s always a good time. The setting along the Brandywine River is beautiful and the curation is top-notch.
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Jasmine S.

Yelp
Visited this museum during their free day (First Sunday of the month) to check out the exhibit for Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade. Such a beautiful space ! I can imagine weddings taking place in their courtyard area. The staff was helpful as it was my first time. It's a small but delightful museum, only three floors and the construction of the building itself is very compact and curved. It was great to see the river and the sun shining in through the large windows as you walk up to the top floor. The main exhibit was on the top floor and it was thoughtfully curated with black walls that made the artwork just pop! I was able to pick up a few art prints in their gift shop on the way out. Ample parking but in the free days can fill up fast. Definitely stop in if local or just visiting !
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Lena M.

Yelp
My friends and I spent a rainy afternoon at the Brandywine Museum of Art. Adult tickets were $20. We had no problem finding parking in their lot out front. It's a lovely space, it looks like it'd be a great spot for a wedding. There are three floors of art to explore here. Their special exhibit was on the third floor. My favorite exhibit to explore was the illustrators exhibit. I loved the storybook art. We spent over an hour exploring all the fine art here. It got packed by the end of our visit. They were also doing a tour of the grounds. They have a cafe and a huge gift shop here too.
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Miche

Yelp
Barbara shermund art!! How lucky we are to get to celebrate her life and her works! She's so witty and so talented and so accomplished. And how wonderful that's so many folks are coming together for her in 2025. These two pieces that I posted are two of my favorites . I love the witty stories that she shares with us about so-called ladies of high Society parties & life for her, and for other women during this time that recently got devote and got to have a fulfilling life on their terms. I'm so grateful to see this today ! Thank you to all who made this possible .
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Eva B.

Yelp
This is such a wonderful art museum, and I think a lot of people don't realize that they have some really incredible exhibits that come through on top of their already beautiful collection they regularly have on display. Sitting right on the Brandywine River, the property is gorgeous, and the large windows and views from the museum are so pretty. Most recently, I visited to see "Robert Frank and Todd Webb Across America 1955" Photography exhibit. It was wonderfully presented and very thought-provoking. We were also able to see "Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund," which was hilarious and captured her work and message so well! I recommend following their social media or checking in on their site to keep up with changing exhibits and events. Truly a beautiful way to spend the day!
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Alexis B.

Yelp
I visited the Brandywine for the first time this past Saturday after wanting to visit it for a while. We finally made a point to go since I was dying to see their exhibit on Wharton Esherick after visiting and touring his home and studio in Malvern PA (not too far away) a few weeks ago. The museum is known for its collection of works by Andrew Wyeth and other artists in the Wyeth family (his father and his children), and they had a great Wyeth exhibit while we were there: "Up East: Andrew Wyeth in Maine" (through February 23, 2025). Then there was the Wharton Esherick exhibit, which I (predictably) loved (that's there through January 19, 2025). Then there was a train and miniatures exhibit for the holidays, which seemed to draw quite a crowd (including lots of kids). And lastly, there's 1 or 2 small rooms to house a small permanent collection. The grounds of the museum also serve as the home for several historic properties that you can tour seasonably (the tours will resume in April 2025) - Andrew Wyeth's studio, his father N. C. Wyeth's house and studio, and a farm that often served as inspiration for Andrew Wyeth's work. The Brandywine campus is right on Brandywine Creek. So not only does the museum have some great views, but there are also public trails on the campus that you can explore if the weather is nice when you visit! So the Brandywine has some great art, a beautiful building (the old building is a converted 19th-century mill), great views, and walking paths to boot. Now that I've been, I already want to go back. Because they attract and curate some amazing exhibitions, I know I'll be back this year (Robert Frank in February, Andrew Wyeth portraiture in March, and Jerrell Gibbs in September?!)! Brandywine isn't far from Philadelphia, Wilmington, or Baltimore, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you love art, museums, or Andrew Wyeth!
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David H.

Yelp
The museum is quite small and curates almost exclusively the artworks of the Wyeth's. That being said, I was quite surprised how popular the museum was on the day of our visit. I learned a lot about N.C. Wyeth, the renowned illustrator in the early 1900's, along with multiple generations of his descendants, including Andrew Wyeth, who also became accomplished artists. What's most interesting is that he's a student of Howard Pyle whom I am familiar with. Making such a connection made the visit a lot more interesting. Unfortunately, the top floor was closed during our visit, making the small exhibit even smaller. There is the Millstone café but you have to walk through the museum gift shop to get there. It has a very nice panoramic view of the creek. There is a walking path behind the the museum along the creek. You can find a few sculptures along the way which you don't want to miss. Across the "campus" are the Wyeth Studio and the Conservancy but neither is open for access. There are enough free parking, even on a busy weekend day. There is also additional parking area with attendant who collects fees for creek parking, but is free for museum visitors.
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Sarita M.

Yelp
I would have never heard of this place if someone didn't tell me about the Holiday Stroller Your...I would take any opportunity to take my baby out to a stroller friendly event. (Museum entry is $18 for adults). It's a small museum but you can definitely make an afternoon of it, especially if you want to walk along the river and enjoy the scenery outside...I plan to go back when it's warmer to have a picnic. The Fragile Earth concept/exhibit was lovely and seeing what some of the artists did with it was amazing (especially the students - some artwork by students K-12 was featured and those kids are going places). (Speaking of kids, on the day I went, there was a lovely children's choir performing on the second floor). I love to see works featured by Pennsylvanians - learned about the Wyeth family of artists...generations of talent. The model train was VERY impressive - definitely not just for kid enjoyment (loved the little touch of Santa's sleigh above) Ample free parking, very friendly and helpful staff. The gift shop is interesting and varies, I did wish that more of the products were from local artisans but that's me being picky.

Kay W.

Yelp
This is such a lovely museum, bothe the collections inside and the views from the windows. We renently visited to see the Robert Frank and Todd Webb photographs from 1955. Greatly enjoyed them. Very moving. Pictures certainly do tell stories. Even though I was only 2 yrs old in '55, I recognized some of the iconic images from rural areas across the country: silos and cowboys. and gas stations and the lure of the road. My favorite photos were the characters rendered on film by each. It was fun to compare the work of each photographer, what each found noteworthy as they traveled. Also wandered through the Stedman exhibit of cartoons from New Yorkers, Esquire, etc. What a treat! Happy to have learned about her work as one of the early women cartoonists in popular magazines. How refreshing it must have been for women to find their viewpoints represented with humor and sass.
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Suzanne A.

Yelp
A lovely little museum in the Brandywine Valley! The museum is small so you can see all of it in a few hours. It has lots of art by the Wyeth family in its permanent collection. It also has special exhibits. The grounds are easily accessible with a path by the river. The museum cafe has very good food. The mushroom soup was made with local mushrooms and was delicious. The museum shop had unique gifts, prints, books and things for kids. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable.
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Allie A.

Yelp
I guess I'm a fan of small intimate museums. I am interested in architecture, so when I heard about the Andrew Wyeth exhibit featuring local homes, I decided to pop over. Surprise, I discovered Jamie Wyeth's artwork and I'm in loooooove. I loves me some quirky, and his pop, sense of fun, and love of animals - dogs in particular - really appealed to me. I want a 40 foot tall replica of the snarling tiny dog in an ornate white baby pram. COME ON! Adorable little gift shop too. I've penciled in a return visit next spring for the next new Wyeth show.
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Meredith R.

Yelp
This is a museum for people who love museums, and for folks who generally don't. Seriously. Boasting art by three generations of Wyeths, a floor filled with model trains with moving components -- the photo I posted does no justice -- and sitting areas with spectacular views. It doesn't take long to go through the museum. The gift shop is small but adequate. There's a room to hang your coat and ample free parking. Bring the kids. They'll marvel over the trains.
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Christina F.

Yelp
I learned quite a bit about three generations of the Wyeth family as well as viewed the Joseph Stella exhibit. There are 3 floors with artwork. you can use stairs or an elevator. There is a beautiful view out to the river. For an additional fee, you can tour the artist's studio, the NC Wyeth house, and the Kuerner Farm. Since we went on the hottest day of the summer, we will be back when it's cooler to do those tours, and walk on the numerous trails around the conservatory. They also have a gift shop and a café in the museum. The short walk from the parking lot to the museum doors contains cobblestone, so be aware, if someone in your party might be unstable walking. Also, there was a slight bee/hornet situation to the right of the arched entrance when we were there. In summary, well worth the trip!

Rachael

Yelp
We came for first Sunday and loved it! The art activities were perfect for my son and the museum was absolutely beautiful. We didn't get to explore the beautiful grounds because of the weather but the views out the window were spectacular. Looking forward to our next visit!
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Joseph S.

Yelp
The Brandywine Museum of Art is a charming small sized museum. We visited the Brandywine Museum last weekend because admission was included as part of a package that we had purchased. I would highly recommend purchasing the Brandywine Treasure Trail Pass because it includes admission at greatly reduced price for this museum and eleven other local museums and attractions. Now on to the review. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Brandywine Museum of Art. The museum is hyper focused on the work of just a few artists and so it is a very different experience than going to a regular art museum. I very much enjoyed the Joseph Stella exhibit. You will see many many works by members of the Wyeth family here as well. My partner was not in love with some of the studies for Wyeth works, but I liked seeing the studies alongside the completed paintings because I appreciate the diversity of how the creative process works for various artists. Very rustic in feeling with great architecture. The staff was very friendly. The bathrooms are clean. Lots of parking. My only comment is that if I was paying the individual price for museum admission I probably would have balked at the price, but as part of a package with greatly reduced admission price this place is a gem.
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Matt W.

Yelp
It's been over thirty years since I last went to the Brandywine, and I must say it has aged well. It compares quite favorably to the somewhat ego-heavy Wyeth focus the museum had in its early days -- and that's really saying something considering two of the three floors are still all-Wyeth. Without getting into the virtues of the various Wyeths (N.C. is the best Wyeth -- FIGHT ME) let me give you reassurance that you can have a perfectly fine time at this museum by skipping straight to the third floor. It's a small, single room, with a couple dozen paintings from American regional artists, mostly in landscape, and it is not a survey of anything. But it's a nice little collection that they seem to be rotating and peppering with more contemporary artists than they once did, and I really enjoyed some of the groupings they had with 19th century and 21st century artists side by side. I definitely get a lot more out of seeing the earlier work by having more contemporary visions to contrast it with. The little café is excellent, even if you do have to somewhat awkwardly pass through the bookstore/gift shop to get to it. A pleasant vibe and shaped like a millstone! We were favored with a nice early spring day and had a lovely stroll up the river. The grounds are worth an hour, for sure, in weather, and all in all I'd say if you can build a half a day around a snack or light lunch in the middle, it's a reasonable destination. The greater Philly area has some real heavyweight museums, and this isn't even the best suburban regional vanity project museum (that honor goes to the Michener Museum in Doylestown, also well worth a side jaunt if you can get to it), so I'd liken the Brandywine to a high tea in an area replete with gourmet meals. Sometimes that's just what you're in the mood for.
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Linda M.

Yelp
This museum was a great mix of some stellar art and some pretty cool kids interests. We came to the museum to see the railway exhibit. So cooool. My girls explored for at least an hour. The seek and find feature was poor genius. It really helps anyone take in the fine details which can often be missed without a little direction. The staff at the museum were the most interactive volunteers I have encountered. So many tidbits of info was shared with my little ones while we were walking around. I would definitely come back next time we visit the area.
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Haley L.

Yelp
I've been going here with my grandparents since I was very young, I love this museum. I even did a history report on it when I was in fourth grade. This review is specifically for the train exhibit when my husband and I visited the museum during the wintertime. This was one of my favorite exhibits when I was little, and I remembered so much when I went back there almost ten years later. The prices are reasonable for two adults and we spent a good amount of time there. The train exhibit is up on the second floor and has a room designated specifically for the set-up. It is nice for adults to enjoy and fun things for younger kids to interact with. We also spent some time walking around on other floors looking at the amazing paints by the Wyeth family. Lastly, we visited the gift shop where we bought two more magnets to add to our collection.
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Lee M.

Yelp
Gorgeous and intimate museum. Well run and set in a beautiful area. We went to a popular exhibition during the week and made sure we chose tickets during the morning. Later afternoon gets busy with tour groups. We brought a picnic lunch and sat outside and enjoyed the setting. There are a few trails running along the river. Loved spending the afternoon wandering here.

Bj R.

Yelp
A hidden gem. The fragile earth exhibit is worth the price alone! Beautiful old mill set on river. There's a walking trail by the river. Beautiful art and opportunity to learn about conservancy and the river rat......

Gary M.

Yelp
Completely original museum, poised right over the Brandywine. Fab collection of Wyeth paintings, augmented upon the sale of the Hotel Du Pont by the DuPont Company. Fantastic model train display at Christmas. Near Longwood Gardens, making a great duo for a day trip! Fun to see the actual Brandywine painted by the artists of the Brandywine Valley school.

Rod M.

Yelp
Great. Small. Relaxing. Well done. Beautiful natural setting. Worth while for repeat visits, which I do.
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Brian W.

Yelp
Terrific experience learning about and seeing Wyeth's work and his inspiration. Very well curated collection and on side tours of the family house and studio plus Kuerner Farm.
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Chris R.

Yelp
While this is a perfectly nice small museum, it is just that. The art on the third floor is quite nice and the river setting is a lovely backdrop for a coffee or snack in the cafe. The gift shop has many good art books and how-to art guides for kids. Alas, it is so small that it's not worth a dedicated trip or more than one visit. Might be nice to pair with a trip to Longwood Gardens.
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Teresa S.

Yelp
I was fortunate to receive two 2015 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport tickets which gives you access to 11 amazing attractions throughout Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley's top attractions and this was one of them. The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport was valid from May 23, 2015 through September 7, 2015 and couldn't be used during special events. We had no issues using them at the admission office and just waited for our passport stamp which was cool. We had the option of taking the guided tour but decided to peruse the museum on our own. The museum had a lot of oil paintings which aren't my favorite but they were cool to visit. We were pressed for time and wasn't able to take the farm tour that was being offered later in the afternoon. The views from the top floor from the huge windows overlooking the creek was cool. There were a few statues on the outside of the museum. The staff were very friendly and available for questions. It was fairly empty on a Friday afternoon. We definitely needed more time to appreciate everything this museum had to offer.

SaraJane M.

Yelp
Excellent museum. Just the right size complete with beautiful scenery outside and a café with delightful foods. I go a few times a year and there's always something different. This time I went to see the women's fight to vote exhibit Before the passing of the 19th amendment.

Margaret W.

Yelp
AMAZING! I have loved this museum for many years so it was a treat to show it to my artist husband while we were in town. The Wyeths' talent is unmatched. To be so close to such masterpieces was a privilege. LOVED IT!
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Karen F.

Yelp
A must-see tourist (and local) attraction - but not for small kids - way too boring. You can get through the Museum itself in 2-3 hours, if you take a tour of Wyeth's studio ($8 extra charge) allow another 75 minutes. Cute cafe inside but no cpecialty coffee drinks - just coffee, tea and very good food. (Shrimp & Grits and Kombucha were both available. Interesting. An older crowd, for sure.

Rick M.

Yelp
Simply fantastic. It's particularly great to see wonderful works by so many of the Wyeths (NC, Andrew, Jamie, Carolyn) all in the same place. And the museum itself, the grounds, the cafe, the gift shop - all are delightful. Go!
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John S.

Yelp
Such a beautiful and natural setting for exposure to the Wyeths' works, and of other realistic American artists! The restoration of the mill that houses the museum is amazing! Well managed as well.
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Nathan R.

Yelp
Very nice place. I visited on the last day of their Christmas exhibit with my family (two kids, one and three, and two adults). The big attraction was the model train exhibit. If you have a young child who's into trains, this is not to be missed. It's in a big, dimly-lit room on the second floor, maybe 40'x25' or so, with a massive, complex track that fills up most of the space. It's full of unbelievable details but still, I think, completely hand-built by hobbyists. (Someone even made a miniature drive-in theater using the screen from a portable DVD player.) And yes, they have Thomas the Tank Engine, not to mention Mavis, Gordon, Toby, Percy, and (I think) James. (That's right, my son loves Thomas.) There's a fair amount of other stuff that's appropriate for young children. Some of the Wyeth collection, which is truly spectacular and gives you a sense of the range of the family's work over the generations, can actually be appreciated by little kids (there are some full-face portraits of young people and plenty of images of animals). There are also some engaging craft exhibits. The other seasonal display is a massive Victorian dollhouse and a large winter diorama made up of old dolls. Other kids might have loved this stuff but my son only had eyes for the trains. If you are bringing a kid to see the trains and you want to see anything else too, look at the other stuff first. The setting, the building, and the grounds are gorgeous. Save a little time for a stroll around the parkway. $8 for adults, free for kids under six. Easy to get to from Rte. 1.
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C. K. B.

Yelp
Smaller art museum but plenty to see. Right on the water, parking is free and admission was free on the day I went. There are 3 floors of artwork, it's Wyeth family for the most part Some of the pieces just amazing.

Ken D.

Yelp
I was looking for a casual place to visit t to take a few photos, and I decide to venture to the BRMA. I'll be brief; security made me feel as though I was under constant watch. It's one thing to do your weekend Wackenhut security thing and be cordial about it, but these dudes were the most unfriendly stiff's I've encountered in that role. If me having my camera bag made them uncomfortable, then prohibit camera bags in the museum. I left with a bad impression of the place and won't recommend it.
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Susanne J.

Yelp
If you've already frequented other east coast art museums with large collections (think: MOMA, the Met, the Frick, the Barnes, PMA) why not give the Brandywine a try? Given that this museum is a tightly curated collected of Wyeth family favorites and other special exhibits, touring the Brandywine is like spending time on one specific subject in a larger art history class. Sunday mornings are free, so get up early, treat yourself to brunch in the area and digest that omelette while you consider Wyeth's relationship with his model, Helga. Friends? Lovers? Wyeth really captures the pastoral beauty of rural Pennsylvania and the majesty of the Maine coast. Unfortunately, his paintings are one thin thread that we have connecting us to much of our agriculture heritage in this area of the state. Children will especially love N.C. Wyeth's original illustrations for Treasure Island - they are still some of my all time favorite pieces in the world.
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Greg G.

Yelp
The Brandywine River Museum was a nice surprise in rural Pennsylvania! I visited the Museum on a Sunday morning (it's free Sunday mornings!) and was treated with an extensive collection of art from the Andrew Wyeth family (and others). I'm not an art aficionado, but I'm a little familiar with several of Wyeth works -- many are in this museum! The museum is three (or is it four? I don't recall) floors with galleries on both ends of the building on each floor. They also have a small gift shop and a restaurant (I did not try the restaurant). The building is situated along the Brandywine river and the architecture blends nicely with the area. The Brandywine River Museum is a fantastic way to spend a lazy Sunday morning (or anytime for that matter)!
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Jake P.

Yelp
If you find yourself seeking more than the Philadelphia Art Museum, this is one of several neighboring museums that's worth your time. In the United States, I have never seen an art museum on a more beautiful plot of land. A river runs through it, literally. Big windows and great views allow nature and art to collide in a very cool way. The art collection is very American 19th and 20th Century, built around a local flavor, with rotating installations. The last time I was in, they had a humbling Native American art exhibit. They also have a very friendly staff. Chadds Ford always seems like the kind of area that involves buses of elderly people walking around, but on a great day of hookie, I'd encourage anyone in the area to enjoy this resource.
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Courtney N.

Yelp
This was an excellent museum experience! Even the building is super cool and the layout was outstanding. One of the main reasons that my friend and I chose the Hershey area was because he's a huge fan of NC Wyeth, and this museum did not disappoint! I loved all of the exhibits. You could see the care that went into all of the descriptions. I think my favorite set of paintings were NC's Last of the Mohegan paintings, and my favorite painting overall was by his son Andrew called, "Maypole". I really wish they sold a print in the gift shop, but they only had a postcard sized reproduction. Although it was somewhat crowded on a busy Saturday afternoon with a plant expo going on outside it never felt like I was being rushed from painting to painting or that I was in anyone's way. I could have easily spent another hour browsing. Prices are great. There's no reason to skip this museum, and you will definitely learn about some great artists. The gift shop had a huge selection too, and the woman behind the counter was very friendly and helpful.
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Frida M.

Yelp
FUN! Illustrations from 'Treasure Island' (pirates, Indians, etc.), and more serious art, in a simple, stylish building beside a river. When we went, they even had an exhibition of children's book art.
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Emily K.

Yelp
Growing up in Philadelphia, it was easy to shrug off all the "touristy" attractions in and around the city. The only upside is that now I am discovering all of these amazing places that I was quick too quick to dismiss as a youngster. Went to the Brandywine River Museum with work the other day, and it's a fantastic destination. The area is just gorgeous, and the museum itself is in a lovely old converted farmhouse charmingly situated along the river. The Wyeth work's featured there are very diverse, and yet tell the tale of a family blessed with talent through the generations. Andrew Wyeth works are surprisingly poorly translated in prints - it is so worth the trek to see them in person, especially his Temperas. Make a day of it - hit Kennett Square for some mushrooms, hop down to Longwood Gardens for a picnic, and check out the Museum in the afternoon. It really is nice.
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Jan G.

Yelp
Everything about this gem of a museum is both highly accessible and high class, from the stunning architecture that so gracefully melds rural and urbane to the artwork in every gallery with that enlightens the reader with the generous curatorial labels. Had a great deal of respect for the Wyeth family before arriving but left awe-struck. The current exhibit on rural modernism is terrific. Lovely cafe and gift shop as well. Ask about the free mobile phone audio tours. Hope to return some time between April and Nov. when tours of Andrew Wyeth's studio are available. For lovers of great art and fab small museums, well worth a special trip!
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Cindy R.

Yelp
A beautiful museum in every way. Its collection -- centering on three generations of Wyeths -- is stellar, particularly its Andrew Wyeth holdings. The building is as much a piece of art as any of its paintings. It is an old refurbished mill building with a modern wing attached, and the resulting juxtaposition creates an exquisite architectural balance along the banks of the Brandywine River. The setting on the banks of the river is lovely in any season and the short walking path that takes you along the river bank is worth an exploration. Inside, the galleries are a mix of modern and rustic. There are exposed beams and warm earth tones throughout the permanent displays. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum mounts excellent exhibitions. On our most recent visit over the 2018 Thanksgiving weekend, we saw a fantastic Winslow Homer exhibition that tied Homer's work to the nascent use of the camera in fine art. Additionally, during the Christmas season, the expansive model train display, taking up the entire exhibition space on the second floor, is worth a trip to the museum in and of itself. There is usually a crafts fair set up in the courtyard at the entrance to the museum, however on the day we visited temperatures were in the low 20s, so the vendors were absent. Otherwise this is a nice opportunity to do a little holiday shopping while visiting the museum. Brandywine River Museum also houses a small cafe serving sandwiches, soups, and drinks. The cafe is in a swell location with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river and it a lovely spot to relax and have a treat during a visit. Hub and I are frequent visitors to this museum. It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon when in the Brandywine Valley.
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Michael W.

Yelp
The art left something to be desired, but OH MY GOD the facility and grounds itself were absolutely stunning. The big glass window of a facade that overlooked the babbling Brandywine is just so unbelievably picturesque. We hit up the museum during what appeared to be a local flower market (does this happen often?). The staff was friendly enough, and the security there was not as "in-your-face" as the Philly art museum, although I did manage to get scolded for texting on my phone while in one of the galleries. Lots of Wyeth's, surprise surprise, and not really a distinguished collection of anything else. Even their collection of Andrew Wyeth's on display were not that impressive. Many of the N.C. Wyeth storybook illustrations were fun to look at, and they were also showing a Caldecott exhibit, featuring illustrators who had won the medal, including Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are." Was also cool to see an original sketch by Theodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. The whole time we were inside the museum we just couldn't wait to leave an walk along the Brandywine on such a beautiful day!
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Sherry J.

Yelp
I love this museum. They have a huge collection of Wyeth art, and I'm a big fan of Andrew and Jamie. Admission is free on Sunday mornings. I also toured both Andrew and NC's studios, which is an additional fee. The grounds are beautiful.
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Andrew M.

Yelp
We went here last weekend Saturday; we got here right when they opened, so beat the crowds a little. The Christmas train display was up and my 3-year-old loved it! He went around and watched all the different bits intently for about 20 minutes. Then we went and explored the rest of the museum. He quite enjoyed the paintings of the knights. In general, I thought the museum was excellent. Beautiful spaces and a nice, manageable collection of beautiful paintings and sketches and a few other bits of art. Also, the holiday train display is a lot of fun for kids and adults. Additionally, if the weather is nice... there are some more animal statues outside next to the river; it's a great place to visit!
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Gretchen G.

Yelp
Beautiful location for a museum, it's worth spending some time watching the creek from the huge windows. Admission to the gallery is free on Sunday morning which is great. Three floors of small galleries, definitely not overwhelming. Laid out really well. There are multiple tour options of the adjacent properties including N.C and Andrew's studios. Our tour guide of Andrew's home and studio was great, clearly very passionate about the art and family.
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William H.

Yelp
A cultural institution since the early 1970's, bringing local famous artists to the visitors, but not just that, they have rotating exhibits that are always very good. Housed in an old mill that has a modern addition, designed and built back in the mid-29th century, that stands today as fresh as when it was built, surrounded by nature, as it is on the banks of the Brandywine river. Plan to spend the afternoon, they have a great little restaurant there as well. Take a walk along the Brandywine. It is just off of Rte 1, west of the 202 interchange, just west of the town of Chadd's Ford.
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Mark I.

Yelp
The Brandywine River Museum has three floors of illustration, portraits, and landscapes in a beautiful setting. The museum is not too small and not too big, good for taking in the art without being overwhelmed or disappointed. Some is better than others, but there are more than a few gems, particularly if you like illustration. The grounds are beautiful. The windows overlooking the Brandywine Creek show the beauty of the natural environment. Go for a walk along the water, there's more to see. While we were there, the museum had a "harvest festival" with quilts, handmade brooms, jewelry, and more for sale next to the museum.
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J G.

Yelp
Not our type of art but the space is a beautifully restored barn by the river and the Wyeth family collection is impressive. The top floor collection was very good. Nice surprise to find some varied modern pieces on 2nd floor of different artists who created in local area - including Horace Pippin. Come prepared and review The last Mohicans or Treasure Island first to better appreciate some of the pieces on ground floor. There was a brunch special going on that seemed to attract a lot of locals. Scenic since right by the river. Take advantage of early Sunday free admission .

Katie S.

Yelp
We had a wonderful time during our visit to the Brandywine River museum. First, we checked out the trail and then we went to the museum. The staff was kind and helpful. The museum was clean and took COVID seriously, which I appreciated. We enjoyed the gift shop and the cafe before leaving.

Brenda D.

Yelp
This review is for the cafe located within the museum. In short . . . yuck. I've eaten there many times over the years, but today had a horrible experience as the food was actually revolting and uneatable. The two salads my husband and I ordered both had unsavory smells that were noticed immediately once placed in front of us. His apple, craison, spinach salad was on the menu as having feta, but clearly no feta and instead there was queso cheese in it which made the appearance awful without doing anything positive for the flavor, as you can imagine. The salad dressing was just bad, and tasted like someone had thrown together random ingredients that weren't good together and called it dressing. My arugula salad with duck confit was on the menu as having blue cheese, but no such cheese -- and not any cheese -- was on it. The strong stench radiating from it was horrible and the greens were literally swimming in some white milky substance, that I figured was fresh buttermilk after tasting it. The duck was not confit, but just some leftover duck leg meat heated in a microwave, which had seasoning even salt and pepper. Where has the chef gone who used to run the museum kitchen, who knew how to make delicious and delicately flavored menu items?! Who ever has hired the current kitchen staff is obviously more interested in being CHEAP and not interested in providing its guests with palatable fair suitable for a respectable museum?! Shame on you, and you know who you are. To the kitchen staff: you're obviously self-taught and have an ego that won't allow constructive criticism so my advise it to take some legitimate culinary classes (and not workshops like the ones Sur la Table has) and find some tried and true recipes in the meantime that aren't your own since you don't have the ability to determine what good food tastes like and what ingredients are compatible. After a nice visit to the museum, we unfortunately left about 26 dollars lighter and with a sick feeling.