Biggs Museum of American Art: A Senior-Friendly Guide to Visiting

A 2017 study by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) found that seniors who attended cultural events had better mental and physical health. Not only do these activities get you out of the house, but they also fulfill artistic and social needs.

If you've realized that some art would do you good, then you might be wondering about cultural attractions for seniors. In that case, you should go to the Biggs Museum of American Art if you're located in Dover, DE.

This article will tell you all about one of the most senior-friendly museums around so you know what to expect.

About Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art was established in 1993 and is located at 406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901. As the name indicates, its specialty is American art, with a huge focus on art coming from Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic.

The museum has three floors and showcases modern and contemporary works. You'll find things such as paintings, furniture, and sculptures from a wide variety of artists.

What's great is that the collection is always changing. Every year, the museum receives new acquisitions, meaning that every time you visit, you'll find something you haven't seen before. So, out of all the things to do in Delaware, this might just be the most interesting!

Opening Hours

Biggs Museum of American Art is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It's closed on the following holidays:

• MLK Jr Day
• President's Day
• Veterans' Day
• Indigenous People's Day

Accessibility

We'd put this museum on the list of accessible travel destinations for seniors because of its excellent location on Dover's Historic Green. In addition, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are handicapped parking spaces in the museum parking lot. There are also elevators on all floors so you won't get winded walking up and down the stairs.

The restrooms are located on the first floor for easy access. As a result, you can relieve yourself and freshen up both when you arrive and before you leave.

Admission

The best part about the Biggs Museum of American Art is that admission is free, thanks to a partnership with Dover Federal Credit Union. So whether you visit the museum on your own or with loved ones, you won't have to pay a cent.

Memberships

Of course, if you love what they're doing and want to support them financially, you can always get a membership. They range from $40 to $500 a year; the higher the tier, the more benefits you get.

We recommend that you join at the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) or Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museum (ROAM) levels, as you'll receive free admission to over 300 museums across North America!

The Biggs Society

Are you a huge fan of the museum, and are you philanthropic? Then, join the Biggs Society. This is the highest level for museum donations and you can choose to donate $1,000 or $2,500 sustained annually.

Collections

The Biggs Museum of American Art definitely has art exhibits for all ages. The pieces date all the way back to 1700, up to the present.

What's amazing about the permanent collections is that you can see how the US evolves throughout time just by gazing at how the art changes. The collections include:

• Colonial Settlement and Global Trade (1680-1720)
• American Baroque Period (1720-1750)
• American Rococo Period (1750-1785)
• Period Highlight: The Janviers of Delaware (1770-1820)
• American Federal Period (1785-1815)
• Period Highlight: American Folk Art (1790-1900)
• American Empire Period (1810-1835)
• Greek Revival Period (1815-1850)
• Hudson River School and Landscape Art (1820-1870)
• Period Highlight: Art of the Civil War (1861-1865)
• American Gilded Age (1860-1900)
• American Impressionism (1880-1910)
• Period of American Illustration (1880-1930)
• Period of the American Art Colonies (1900-1940)
• Period of American Modernism (1900-1970)
• Period of Contemporary Art (1970-present)

If you're interested in any of these collections before you visit, you can always view them online.

Current Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collections, the Biggs Museum of American Art has rotating exhibitions. At the time of writing (mid-March 2025), there are quite a few fascinating exhibitions:

• The Prints of Rockwell Kent: Selections from the Ralf C. Nemec Collection (March 20-July 6)
• Art Works for All - Celebration of Creativity (February 15-April 6)
• Adopt-an-Artwork: Student Exhibition (March 13-May 4)
• Kinetic Wonders: Sculptures by Paul Daniel (October 30-April 30)

These are all outstanding for stimulating the mind, especially for those in memory care.

Guided Tours

Do you find museums overwhelming to traverse on your own? And would you like to do so with other like-minded people? Then, try a guided tour at the museum.

There are adult group tours of up to 30 participants, and they take one hour, so it's not too taxing to join. You can also go on a free public tour that happens every first Saturday and lasts 45 minutes.

Not only will you hear fun facts about the various pieces of art, but you might even meet new friends who can join you on future art walks.

Programs and Events

You might already be happy with the activities and events provided by assisted living in Dover, but what if you want more? Well, you'll be happy to know that the Biggs Museum of American Art has plenty of things lined up for you!

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Free admission for special exhibitions (first weekends of every month)
• Book club (first Sunday of every month)
• Family printmaking night
• Family creative studio
• Free museum highlights tours
• Happy hour
• Featured films
• Special guests

Spend Hours at the Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art is a true gem in Dover. It showcases some dazzling pieces of art from the local area, as well as ones from all across North America.

So if you enjoy learning about American history through different media, you'll have a good time at this museum. And because admission is free, you can go back as many times as you want to discover all the new pieces coming in, too!

Get in touch with us now if you're interested in senior living in Dover. State Street Assisted Living is a pet-friendly community, so you can bring your furry friend along!