Gallery Guide

Biggs Museum of American Art


Study for portrait of Sewell C. Biggs by Peter Egeli, pencil on paper, 1979


The Museum presents the Biggs collection in fourteen galleries that are arranged generally in chronological order.  The Reception Hall is used for temporary exhibitions.  Sewell Biggs, the Museum’s founder, has chosen to install the objects in a symmetrical or balanced composition, which especially in the galleries of 18th century decorative arts is reflective of the aesthetic of that time.  Because of the arrangement and the muted background colors throughout the galleries, visitors may enjoy a feeling of calm and order that is welcome in today’s hectic world. 
The south part of the Museum is an 1858 building that was used both by Kent County and the State of Delaware for offices.  It is one of the first fireproof structures in the state and retains its original cast iron staircase. In 1992 the north end of the Museum was built and the old part renovated to house the collections.

The building and Museum are barrier free.  There an elevator in the Museum, and a wheelchair is available. There are no steps to gain access to the building, and there are 4 parking places desginated for handicapped parking, including one for a van.



For a description and highlights from each Gallery, please click on the Gallery area.  
(If you visit the Biggs Museum in person after viewing this site, please be aware that the Galleries have undergone some changes.  The web site will be updated in the future to reflect these.)
 

 
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Gallery 4
Gallery 5
includes panoramic picture
Stairway (elevator is available)
Gallery 6
Gallery 7
Gallery 8
Gallery 9
Gallery 10
includes panoramic picture
Gallery 11
Gallery 12
Gallery 13
Gallery 14


Home / General Information / Membership Information / The Galleries / Museum Links / Events /
The Collection / Current Exhibition / Press Room / Classroom / Send Information

Designed by PRWorks of Dover