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Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Biggs Museum of American Art

Name: Biggs Museum of American Art
Address: 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE, 19901, US
Telephone: +13026742111
Price range: $
Rating: 4.7

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Biggs Museum of American Art

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We transform our community through the art of our region: rooted in discovery, guided by collaboration, and open to all.
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Every exhibition tells a story, and every program invites you to be part of it. Free admission courtesy of Dover Federal Credit Union. At the Biggs, our mission is simple yet powerful: to transform our community through the power of the arts. Located in the heart of Dover, we celebrate creativity, culture, and connection with exhibitions ranging from historic treasures to groundbreaking contemporary works. More than just a museum, the Biggs is a gathering place where families, students, and neighbors can learn, create, and be inspired together. Follow us to discover engaging exhibitions, hands-on programs, and events that bring art to life for everyone. Come see how the arts can transform you — and our community.

10/29/2026

POV: Your cat waits until you turn your back to drink from your fresh glass of water. Happy National Cat Day! 🐈🐱

Paone’s body of work is populated by a wide variety of creatures, including cats, birds, elephants, turtles, monkeys, and many others. Some are even hidden within scenes 🔍

As you imagine the stories behind each work, don't forget to consider the tales of those with tails!

Untitled (2022) by Peter Paone. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.
On view: "Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone"

10/28/2026

Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die.” ☠️ The reflection of “remembering death” appears throughout history and different cultures. In the arts, “memento mori” may be symbolized by skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, decaying food, candles, flowers, and other motifs that remind viewers of the inevitable passage of time. Vanitas is a genre of memento mori where still life was used to symbolize the fleeting nature of life.

Morbid or beautiful—both? Many people find the concept of memento mori to be a meaningful reminder of the impermanence of life, a reminder to live life wisely to the fullest 🥀🖤

Untitled works by Peter Paone. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.

10/27/2026

Halloween offers a time of altered reality, when people are free to imagine and adopt different personas expressing their inner desires 🔮 Peter Paone’s art often reflected his fascination with Halloween. Many paintings feature pumpkin-headed figures, skeletons, scarecrows, magicians, and other enigmas.

Plan a spooky visit 🎃 The Biggs is open for regular hours through Halloween weekend. Make sure “Before Words: The Art of Peter Paone” is one of your stops.

Beware ☠️ These works may appear playful at first glance but they often reveal complex themes with humanizing qualities, however their stories are fragmented, leaving their unorthodox past and future in your hands.

Untitled (2025) by Peter Paone. Courtesy of the artist’s estate.

10/26/2026

We are sorry to share that due to organizational capacity, DelaWarm had to cancel the remaining programs scheduled to take place at The Biggs on November 7 and 14. Please visit the DelaWarm page if you would like to explore local opportunities to support and contribute to their mission 💚. Thank you!

10/26/2026

Catch the "CreatiVeterans" exhibition before it ends on November 1, 2026 🖼️ Presented in partnership with the Office of Veterans Services and Mariposa Arts, and supported by the Delaware Division of the Arts, the CreatiVeterans Program provides veterans with opportunities for artistic expression, social connection, and enhanced well-being.

This community exhibition celebrates the work created by program participants and recognizes the important role of art and wellness initiatives within Delaware’s veteran community.

As a former host site during its pilot year, the Biggs Museum proudly welcomes back the Delaware CreatiVeterans Program following its expansion throughout Delaware 💚

10/23/2026

Thank you to all who joined us for Cirque du Surreal ✨🎪 We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to a magnificent annual fundraiser. Every guest, donor, sponsor, volunteer, staff member, and performer made the night an unforgettable success! Your kind support allows us to keep art and culture thriving through programs and exhibits that connect our communities to the rich heritage of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic.

We extend a grand round of applause to The Circus Opera Company The Circus Opera Company and Airplay Entertainment for a magical evening with a gravity-defying acrobat show, roaming contortionist, amusing mime, and a spectacular opera performance.

Remember, little things make big things happen 💚 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who keeps the Biggs Museum of American Art thriving with generosity all year long. The wonderful commitment and efforts from our community truly ensure that The Biggs continues to be a welcoming home for creativity, imagination, and discovery for generations to come.

10/22/2026

Do you knit or crochet? Please join DelaWarm at The Biggs this Saturday, October 24, to create handmade wearables for unhoused neighbors in need and stuffed animals for children in crisis throughout Delaware. Yarn is provided; please just bring your crochet hooks or knitting needles.

“DelaWarm brings our community together through the art of crochet, transforming simple stitches into warmth, comfort, and compassion for Delaware’s most vulnerable neighbors. Every handmade item is a reminder that no one is forgotten and that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.” – Sarah Obee, President & Founder of DelaWarm.

Help keep our community warm and comforted 💚 Stop by from 2:30 to 5:00 PM.

This is a self-guided gathering that offers a welcoming space to connect with fellow makers as you give back through the arts. Can’t make it? Join us for upcoming dates on November 7 & 14.

10/19/2026

What’s better than books, art, and tea on a Sunday? 📚 Our latest book club paired “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides with a mourning brooch containing human hair. That might sound spooky at first but hairwork, jewelry or artwork made from human hair, has been a feature of craftwork throughout history. Hairwork is often used for private worship or mourning.

From the Middle Ages through the early twentieth century, memorial hair jewelry remained common. Hair, considered to be a remnant of the person it was cut from, has also often played a part in myths and legends. The Victorians popularized hair jewelry, especially for mourning purposes and even to celebrate someone's achievements in life.

This mourning brooch was a curated pick to help us explore themes of grief, memory, secrecy, and loss. We found that literature and art can reveal different perspectives on the same emotional ideas.

Next month we’re exploring “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Join us on November 8 (2 – 4 PM) to chat with fellow readers, enjoy a tea party atmosphere, and see the paired artwork. Free!

Address

406 Federal Street
Dover, DE
19901

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13026742111

Website

http://www.thebiggsmuseum.org/

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