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After exploring Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery, go beyond the galleries and into the house to see spaces that highlight architecture and objects with connections to the African American experience. Reservations required; capacity limited. For ages 13 and up. $10 with admission; $5 for Members.
Tuesdays–Sundays through January 4, 2:30–3:45 pm
See the house as a home, entertaining space, and a collection of historic objects and architecture. For ages 8 and up. Reservations required; capacity limited. $10 with admission. $5 for Members.
Tuesday–Friday through January 4, 11:00 am–12:15 pm and 1:30–2:45 pm
Saturday and Sunday through January 4, 11:00 am–12:15 pm, 1:00–2:15 pm, & 1:30–2:45 pm
When Jacqueline Bouvier married John F. Kennedy in 1953, it was the social wedding of the year. The glamorous couple had a bright future ahead of them. Kennedy was a senator from Massachusetts, World War II war hero, and a rising star in the Democratic Party. The future First Lady’s wedding dress was highly anticipated.
Designed by Ann Lowe, the dress became one of the most famous and iconic wedding dresses of the 20th century. The original wedding dress is in the collection of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and is too fragile to be displayed.
In preparation for the upcoming Winterthur exhibition Ann Lowe: American Couturier, a reproduction was made of the dress by University of Delaware Fashion and Apparel Studies professor Katya Roelse and her students. Making the reproduction was an exacting process. Here are some fascinating facts about it.
Follow along as we share more exciting behind-the-scenes features of the making of the exhibition Ann Lowe: American Couturier, opening September 9, 2023.
Winterthur’s Artisan Market will take place July 17–19, 2026, with an anticipated attendance of 7,000+ visitors from across the region. Marketgoers will stroll the Winterthur estate to shop, eat, and learn about the history of Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and world-renowned garden.
Artisan Market—where history, arts, and culture meet chic. Enjoy a weekend of shopping, indulging in local libations, and experiencing a bit of history along the way. Henry Francis du Pont was an aficionado of antiques, specifically American-made objects, which is what inspired him to share his home and collection with the public as a museum. Embrace your own style as you wander through the estate and become inspired to start your own collection while you explore regional artisans’ crafts.
Event sponsorship at Winterthur provides critical support for our mission to inspire and educate through its collection, estate, and academic programs by engaging diverse audiences in the study, preservation, and interpretation of American material culture, art, design, and history.
Corporate sponsorship also provides a unique branding platform at one of Delaware’s largest cultural institutions as well as membership to the Winterthur Business Associates, which grants exclusive benefits, such as:
The deadline for certain sponsorship levels is December 2025 , to ensure that sponsorship information meets deadlines for printed materials
Numbers accurate as of July 2025.
Numbers accurate as of July 2025.
“Yesterday this event became a top highlight of my visit to your beautiful area, filled with beautiful people and beautiful artisanry. Thank you for creating such a memorable, easy experience. Locals and visitors alike: this is SUCH a wonderful and worthwhile sojourn, and it helps you celebrate and connect with humanity’s creative endeavors while supporting local small businesses. Loved everything about this event! Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.”
—Market guest
“I love this event. I love how you plan for it and each and every part is well thought out. I don’t even care that it is hot because you all make it worth it. I have had two of my most successful markets last year and this year. I feel like Winterthur is my target audience and it is a delight to be involved.”
—Atwater Designs
Proceeds from this year’s Artisan Market support our free school programs and Discover Winterthur, our free day for the community. Support for these important programs allows us to share the wonder of Winterthur with thousands of schoolchildren and our surrounding community.
As Presenting Sponsor, your company will enjoy:
As a Major Sponsor, you will:
As a Supporting Sponsor, you will:
As a Cooling Sponsor, you will:
By sponsoring an artisan, you will:
The deadline for certain sponsorship levels is December 2025, to ensure that sponsorship information meets deadlines for printed materials.
For questions regarding event sponsorship, please contact Alexandra Izzard, aizzar@winterthur.org, or Laura Adlington, ladlin@winterthur.org.
Artisan Market Vendor Applications will open on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Call for Artisan Market 2024 artisans! Present your outstanding wares to more than 6,000 visitors this summer at the Artisan Market in the beautiful setting of Winterthur’s garden and estate.
Events at Winterthur relate to the history, natural environment, and mission of the museum, garden, and library. Artisan Market evokes the mission of Winterthur by showcasing local artisans through a variety of handmade crafts relating to art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, and gardening as well as artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods. Each of these categories connects to Winterthur’s past, and we invite you to make a bit of your own history with us during this special weekend.
Please review all details below before applying to be considered for Artisan Market.
Dates and Times
Application Details
Types of Artisans
How Applicants are Evaluated
Artisan Spaces
Load-in/Breakdown
Market Locations
Terrain
Tents and Stands
Fees
Notifications of Acceptance
Payment
Waitlists
Cancellations
Insurance and Licenses
Promotion
Photography
Weather and Refunds
Concierge Service
Security
Artisan Grants
Sponsorships
Other Happenings
This year Artisan Market will be a three-day market and will take place from July 19–21. Please find the times the market will be open each day below.
All artisans must join for all three days of the market in its entirety.
Outdoor Tent Spaces include locations at the Visitor Center Patio, Port Royal Circle, West Circle, Clenny Run Lawn, and Enchanted Woods Lawn:
Market Bites Artisans will be outdoors near the Greenhouses:
Aspiring Artisans will be indoors at Brown Horticulture Learning Center:
Visitor Center Patio
Port Royal Circle
West Gallery Circle
Clenny Run Lawn
Enchanted Woods Lawn
Market Bites Spaces | Greenhouses
Aspiring Artisan Spaces | Brown Horticulture Learning Center
The terrain at Winterthur varies, with uneven surfaces and unpaved paths. All artisan spaces will require you to walk some distance to transport items during load-in/breakdown. For most tent spaces, artisans will need to navigate slopes, hills, and stairs. Cars cannot be parked near artisan spaces. All artisan spaces are on grass, except the Visitor Center Patio, Port Royal Circle, West Gallery Circle, Market Bites, and Aspiring Artisans locations.
Winterthur will make every attempt to provide you with your choice of location, but our goal is to have diverse offerings in each hub and for the entire Market. If one location is full, you will be offered another.
View our Garden Map for additional details on where each hub is located and an insight into the terrain at Winterthur.
Artisan Tents
Market Bite Artisans Stands
Fees are based on location and space type. Please refer to the “Artisan Locations” and “Terrain” sections for more details about each area. The fee for each includes a vendor space for the three-day Artisan Market.
We do not take any commission on sales, and there is no application fee. In addition to the space, all artisans are included in the Artisan Gallery on the Winterthur website and will have many opportunities for free promotion on our social media channels and in our email marketing. (See “Promotion” for more information.)
Fees cover the costs associated with producing Artisan Market, including but not limited to marketing and advertising, space and venue rentals, permit and licensing fees, vendor tents, police and public works, table, chair shade, cooling tent rentals, transportation rentals and much more in order to execute the expanse of this event.
Artisans are notified via the email address listed on the application. Should an artisan not be selected, they will be placed on a waitlist and may be contacted should a space become available.
Should an artisan no longer be able to attend, written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than May 20, 2024, to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after May 20, 2024, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made.
Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. All accepted artisans are required to have liability insurance, and artisans must add Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library to their liability insurance and provide documentation showing this addition, along with a copy of their liability insurance declaration page. All products requiring licensing must have a copy of the appropriate license on file with Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
You are welcome to use whatever insurance you wish. Should you need assistance with insurance options, we have negotiated a discount with Artist Crafters & Tradesmen (ACT) insurance for non-food liability coverage and Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) for food vendor liability coverage. The discount coupon code for $5 off your policy is winterthur5. Use the links below to purchase coverage:
Accepted artisans only, please submit proof of insurance by June 1, 2024.
Artisans are expected to obtain any and all licenses or permits required for offsite events for their respective business.
The Winterthur Artisan Market team will visit artisans’ websites and social media channels during the review process to determine the wares, aesthetic, style, and quality align with the goals of the Artisan Market. With acceptance to the Artisan Market, Winterthur reserves the right to select any brand, product, or company-related photos from the artisan’s website and/or social media to use for marketing and promotional purposes for the 2024 Artisan Market at Winterthur. Winterthur will tag/credit the artisan in any photography or videography used for promotional purposes.
Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. The grounds are staffed by a security team, should you wish to keep items at your tent or stand overnight.
A limited number of financial grants are available for vendors wishing to participate in Artisan Market. Grants cover the cost of an artisan space in the Enchanted Woods hub ($400 value) for the entire Market weekend (July 19–21, 2024). To apply for a grant, please complete the application by March 11, 2024. Grant recipients will be notified by April 1.
Winterthur’s Artisan Market will take place on July 19 – 21, 2024, with an anticipated attendance of 6,000+ visitors from across the region. Marketgoers will stroll the Winterthur estate to shop, eat, and learn about the history of Henry Francis du Pont’s former home and world-renowned garden
Sponsorship Opportunities and Application
The deadline for certain sponsorship levels will be April 1, 2024, to ensure that sponsorship information meets deadlines for printed materials.
Showcase your exceptional wares to more than 7,000 visitors this summer at Artisan Market in the beautiful setting of Winterthur’s garden and estate.
Rooted in Winterthur’s rich heritage, this annual summer event highlights the work of talented regional artisans across a variety of disciplines including art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, and gardening—categories that reflect the museum’s legacy and mission.
We invite you to apply to be part of this unique opportunity to connect with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience.
Applications for the 2026 Artisan Market will be open from January 12 to March 19. Sign up to receive a reminder when applications are live.
Please review the following details before finalizing your application.
Artisan Market 2026 is July 17–19, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. All artisans must join for the entire length of the three-day market.
Please review the following details before finalizing your application.
All artisans of the Artisan Market must craft handmade items to be considered. Examples of such include:
Artisans must create handcrafted products only (see “Types of Artisans” for more information). We showcase innovative items that are differentiated, small-batch, and connect to Winterthur’s history and mission.
Applications are evaluated on ingenuity, originality, design, and aesthetic, with particular emphasis on how modern-day wares connect to Winterthur’s heritage. Booth presentation and overall visual appeal are also key considerations to ensure alignment with the caliber and vision of Artisan Market.
Refer to our Garden Map for orientation to the estate and vendor spaces.
Outdoor Tent Spaces
Locations Include: Visitor Center Patio, West Gallery Circle, East Gallery Circle, Clenny Run Lawn, and Sundial Garden Lawn:
| Location | Surface | Tent Sizes & Fees | Notes & Amenities |
| Visitor Center Patio | Brick patio | 10’ x 10’ $550 | (9) artisans • Visitor Center Café adjacent to the patio & seating nearby • No 10’ x 20’ available |
| Clenny Run Lawn | Grass | 10’ x 10’ $475 10’ x 20’ $950 | (25-30) artisans • Food, seating, live music, adjacent to the Museum Store • Access to this site includes stairs and a hill; plan accordingly for setup and breakdown. |
| West Gallery Circle | Pavement | 10’ x 10’ $475 | (10) artisans • Located adjacent to The Galleries and Museum Store. This site features a transportation stop and may include a nearby food truck. |
| East Gallery Circle | Slate patio | 10’ x 10’ $475 10’ x 20’ $950 | (5) artisans • Adjacent to The Galleries and located next to the transportation stop that shuttles guests to Sundial Lawn, this area serves as a main thoroughfare for guests traveling between the West and East sides of the event. • A nearby food truck may also be present. |
| Sundial Garden Lawn | Grass | 10’ x 10’ $400 10’ x 20’ $800 | (45-55) artisans • “Garden Café” featuring a sailcloth tent with seating, food trucks, live music, and a transportation stop serving the East Side route (from Sundial to East Gallery). |
Outdoor Market Bites Spaces (The Greenhouse Area) | Culinary Artisans
Indoor at The Galleries
Indoor Emerging Artisans Spaces (Brown Horticulture Learning Center)
Farmers Market Artisans (Fields of General Parking Area)
Food Trucks
Thursday, July 17, 8:00 am–3:00 pm* | Load-In Day for Tent and Emerging Artisans
Friday, July 18, 8:00 am | Load-in Day for Market Bites, The Galleries, Food Trucks, and Farmers Market
*The exact time will be determined based on the location of your artisan space. Do not apply or accept if you are unable to load in on this day.
The terrain at Winterthur varies, with uneven surfaces, unpaved paths, slopes, hills, and stairs. All artisan spaces will require you to walk some distance to transport items during load-in/breakdown. Cars cannot be parked near artisan spaces, and driving on grass is strictly prohibited to protect the historic gardens.
While Winterthur will make every attempt to provide you with your choice of location, assignments are made to ensure a diverse and balanced selection of artisans across each hub and for the Market as a whole. Alternate locations may be offered if your preferred space is unavailable.
View our Garden Map for additional details on where each hub is located and an insight into the terrain at Winterthur.
Fees cover the costs associated with producing Artisan Market, including but not limited to marketing and advertising, space and venue rentals, permit and licensing fees, vendor tents, police and public works, cooling tent rentals, transportation rentals and much more in order to execute the expanse of this event. Winterthur does not take any commission on sales, and there is no application fee. In addition to the space, all artisans are included in the Artisan Gallery on the Winterthur website and will have many opportunities for free promotion on our social media channels and in our email marketing. (See “Promotion” for more information.)
Artisan Fees
Fees are based on location and space type. Refer to the “Artisan Locations” for more details about each area. The fee for each includes a vendor space for the three-day Artisan Market.
Payment
Should an artisan no longer be able to attend, written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than April 15, 2026, to receive a full refund. No refunds will be given after April 15, 2026, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made.
Artisans are notified via the email address listed on the application. Should an artisan not be selected, they will be placed on a waitlist and may be contacted should a space become available. We do not offer rolling acceptance; instead, we will review and then contact all applicants at the same time (by April 1).
Written notice must be made to Winterthur no later than April 15, 2026, to receive a full refund should an artisan no longer be able to attend. No refunds will be given after April 15, 2026, to artisans who can no longer attend. No exceptions will be made.
Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. All accepted artisans are required to have liability insurance, and artisans must add Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library to their liability insurance and provide documentation showing this addition, along with a copy of their liability insurance declaration page. All products requiring licensing must have a copy of the appropriate license on file with Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
You are welcome to use whatever insurance you wish. Should you need assistance with insurance options, we have negotiated a discount with Artist Crafters & Tradesmen (ACT) insurance for non-food liability coverage and Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) for food vendor liability coverage. The discount coupon code for $5 off your policy is winterthur5. Use the links below to purchase coverage:
Accepted artisans only, please submit proof of insurance by June 15, 2026.
Artisans are expected to obtain all licenses or permits required for offsite events for their respective business.
The Winterthur Artisan Market team will visit artisans’ websites and social media channels during the review process to determine the wares, aesthetic, style, and quality align with the goals of the Artisan Market. With acceptance to the Artisan Market, Winterthur reserves the right to select any brand, product, or company-related photos from the artisan’s website and/or social media to use for marketing and promotional purposes for the 2026 Artisan Market at Winterthur. Winterthur will tag/credit the artisan in any photography or videography used for promotional purposes.
Winterthur is not responsible for insuring artisan items or displays and cannot accept responsibility for theft or damage. The grounds are staffed by a security team, should you wish to keep items in your tent or stand overnight.
Please review the descriptions for the types of applications being accepted for the Artisan Market and apply to the one that best corresponds to your wares.
For artisans interested in being beneath a 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ tent within the historic garden, please use this form.
For artisans interested in an indoor space within The Galleries at an 8′ table, please use this form.
For culinary artisans (food and beverage) interested in having a 6′ L x 4′ W x 40″ H wooden Market Stand with canopy, adjacent to the Brown Horticulture Learning Center and historic greenhouses, please use this form.
For emerging and up-and-coming artisans who have been in business fewer than three years and would like an 8′ table space within the Brown Learning Center, please use this form.
For artisans who would like to be considered to receive a grant to join Artisan Market, please use this form.
For food trucks owners who would like to join Artisan Market weekend, please use this form.
A limited number of financial grants are available for vendors wishing to participate in Artisan Market. Grants cover the cost of an artisan space in The Galleries ($350 value) for the entire Market weekend (July 17-19, 2026). To apply for a grant, please complete the application (available January 12) by March 9, 2026. Grant recipients will be notified by April 1.
Explore our Artisan Market Sponsorship Opportunities and inspire 7,000+ visitors from across the region. Please contact Jennie Brown jbrown@winterthur.org for additional questions.
These earthenware figures cheerfully represent the “Four Seasons,” also reflected in Henry Francis du Pont’s design of Winterthur.
Peter and Francis Warburton factory
Staffordshire, England; 1800-1820
Earthenware (pearlware), lead glaze
Gift of Thomas N. and A. Pat Bernard
The lead-glazed cream colored earthenware figure of “Winter” from the “Four Seasons” is press molded and assembled from a multi part mold. A male figure stands on a grassy and rocky mound and clutches his cloak to his body.
The lead-glazed cream colored earthenware figure of “Spring” from the “Four Seasons” is press molded and assembled from a multi part mold. A female figure stands on a grassy mound and holds a basket in her proper left hand.
The lead-glazed cream colored earthenware figure of “Summer” from the “Four Seasons” is press molded and assembled from a multi part mold. A female figure stands on a grassy mound and holds a sheaf of wheat under her proper left arm and a scythe in her right hand.
The lead-glazed cream colored earthenware figure of “Autumn” (or Fall) from the “Four Seasons” is press molded and assembled from a multi part mold. A male figure stands on a grassy mound and holds a bunch of grapes in his proper right hand and a wine cup in his left.
See these stunning figures on display in Outside In: Nature-Inspired Design at Winterthur on view in the Winterthur Galleries.
There is something special about the wintertime at Winterthur. Without the adornment of leaves and flowers, the structure of the landscape is laid bare in intimate, vivid details and provides a clear view of far-reaching vistas. Imposing tree trunks show off their powerful roots, shining in the spotlight of a winter sun; fragrant and vibrant evergreens, no longer overpowered by showy blooms, take center stage; and winter berries and flowers are sprinkled throughout the landscape like little treasures. We hope that you take advantage of this time of year in the garden and landscape to explore it from a new perspective and that you find respite and renewal that you will take with you into the rest of the year.
Become a Member and enjoy the transformative experience of the winter landscape during our seasonal closing in January and February, when Members are able to walk the garden and grounds daily, dawn to dusk (weather permitting).
