Experience contemporary art through conversation, curiosity, and creative discovery. Guided tours at The Delaware Contemporary invite school groups, community organizations, corporate teams, and visitors of all ages to explore exhibitions through close looking and thoughtful discussion. 

Led by skilled museum educators and professional artists, tours encourage participants to share perspectives, ask questions, and make personal connections with contemporary art and artists. Each visit can be customized to your group’s interests and may include opportunities to meet working artists, visit studios, or participate in hands-on artmaking. 

Located on the Wilmington Riverfront, The Delaware Contemporary is a non-collecting museum featuring seven galleries and a vibrant community of 26 studio artists. With more than 30 exhibitions each year, visitors experience a wide range of artistic perspectives and creative practices.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

During your visit, your guide will introduce the exhibitions currently on view and facilitate engaging conversations about the artworks, artists, and themes presented throughout the galleries. 

Tour may include: 

  • Guided exploration of exhibitions in the museum’s galleries

  • Conversations that encourage observation, interpretation, and dialogue

  • Insights into contemporary artistic practices and ideas

  • Opportunities to learn about the work of artists exhibiting and and working at The Delaware Contemporary

Tours are designed to be interactive and adaptable, allowing guides to tailor the experience to the interests and needs of each group.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVE VISITS

The Delaware Contemporary strives to make museum experiences welcoming and accessible to all visitors. If your group would benefit from specific accommodations–such as, but not limited to sensory-friendly environments, reduced crowds, or accessibility supports–please include that information in your tour request submission. Our team is happy to work with you to create a comfortable and engaging visit.


GALLERY TOUR ADD ONS

STUDIO VISITS

Enhance your visit with a behind-the-scenes experience in the Studios@ community. Studio visits provide the opportunity to meet working artists and learn about their creative process, materials, and current projects while seeing where contemporary art is made. 

Studio visits are subject to artist availability

Hands-on Workshops

Expand your visit with a hands-on artmaking experience led by a Delaware Contemporary teaching artist or studio artist. Workshops connect directly to themes and techniques explored in the galleries, giving participants the opportunity to experiment with materials and creative processes of their own.


 

Minimum group sizes and scheduling requirements may apply.

 
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & GUIDELINES 

EXHIBITION CONTENT

Individuals planning to visit are encouraged to visit current exhibitions online for more information about the exhibitions currently on view.

Due to space constraints and the themes explored in contemporary art, some exhibitions may include nudity, violence, or strong language and may not be suitable for all student groups.
If you are unsure whether current or upcoming exhibitions are suitable for your students, we encourage you to visit the museum during open hours or connect with the education team. Questions? Contact our Director of Education, Joshua Hollingsworth at joshua@decontemporary.org.

CHAPERONES

Chaperones are required to remain with students at all times while in the museum and are asked to assist staff in maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all visitors.

PLANNING & LARGE GROUPS 

Guided experiences require a minimum of 8 participants and two weeks advance notice. 

CANCELLATIONS 

Tour cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled visit by contacting: 
Joshua Hollingsworth | joshua@decontemporary.org


Groups arriving more than 20 minutes late without prior communication may have their tour cancelled.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS 

We know all of our visitors have different needs when visiting the museum, so our tours are adaptable to meet a range of group needs. If you have any special requests or feel your group does not meet one or more of the requirements please note in the ‘special accommodations’ on the tour request form. Tour request forms are a starting place, not a confirmed reservation.

 


Please note that submitting a Tour Request Form does not confirm your reservations. Our team will follow up to finalize scheduling details.

Questions? Contact our Director of Education, Joshua Hollingsworth at joshua@decontemporary.org