Costumes of Downton Abbey® at Winterthur Museum

Exhibit open from March 1, 2014 – January 4, 2015

Come experience an original exhibition of exquisite fashions from the award-winning television series “Downton Abbey.” From Edith’s wedding gown to Sybil’s harem outfit to the scarlet dress Lady Mary wore when Matthew proposed (the second time), the “Costumes of Downton Abbey®” exhibit will include 40 outfits on display and is the only United States exhibit to feature costumes from this renowned series which has won a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries and seven Emmy awards. 

Set against the backdrop of Henry Francis du Pont’s grand estate, Winterthur Museum and Garden, visitors will be immersed into an elegant country surrounding similar to the every day lifestyle of the Crawley family and their servants. After viewing the impeccably made costumes, visitors will have the opportunity to tour Winterthur Museum’s premier exhibits of decorative arts or take a stroll through gorgeous naturalistic gardens; similar to how Lord Crawley would spend his afternoon’s walking the grounds of Downton with his loyal canine companion. 

Advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended. The General Admission ticket includes a tour of the Winterthur mansion, gardens and access to the “Costumes of Downton Abbey®” exhibit for $20. In addition,to purchasing a General Admission ticket, guests are required to purchase a timed ticket for the exhibit. Tickets can be purchased online by selecting a date then, clicking on the General Admission ticket item to select a timed ticket for the exhibit. Or guests can call 800-448-3883 to purchase tickets. Winterhur Museum is open Tuesdays - Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Experience teatime:
Visit the Hotel du Pont Green Room for traditional English tea service with classic tea sandwiches, refreshing seasonal blends and exceptional service (that Mrs. Hughes would be exceedingly proud of). 

Plan an entertaining evening:
Although Mrs. Patmore is not on hand to cook dinner there are great dining locations in the area around Winterthur Museum to indulge in flavorful cuisine. Krazy Kat’s at Montchanin Village is housed in a renovated blacksmith’s shop and is known for it’s unique décor and creative cuisine. Enjoy French cuisine in the Green Room surrounded by rich oak paneling, gold chandeliers and Versace patterned china. Or savor fresh seafood cuisine at Deep Blue a modern American fishhouse or Harry’s Seafood Grill with a chic relaxing atmosphere.

Book luxurious accommodations:
After a long and exciting day, plan to retire in a premier hotel near the Winterthur Museum. Stay in a restored 19th century hamlet at the Inn at Montchanin Village with buildings dating from 1799 to 1910 and chosen by Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel as a unique destination. Visitors can also relax in the renowned Spa at Montchanin Village. Or book your stay at the Hotel du Pont, member of the Preferred Hotel Group, with renovated guest rooms featuring luxurious ambiance, sophisticated style and modern amenities. For a less expensive alternative, the Homewood Suites and Doubletree on Route 202 are located within a short driving distance to the museum attractions. 

Make it a weekend getaway:
After visiting the “Costumes of Downton Abbey®” exhibit at Winterthur Museum, what else is there to do? 

-- Visitors can explore the site where the Du Pont legacy began, the beginning of their American dream at Hagley Museum and Library, with historic gunpowder works, restored mills and the ancestral home and garden of the du Pont family.

-- Golden gates, regal statues and elegant marble flooring create a whimsical world of late 18th century French style at Nemours Mansion and Gardens. Alfred I. DuPont built a spectacular home known as Delaware’s Versailles, with grand décor and acres of formal gardens available for public tours by reservation only. 

-- Embark on a historic adventure. Pair your trip into the world of “Downton Abbey” with travels on the Delaware History Trail from early settlers to influential patriots, visitors will learn about the rich history and heritage of the First State. Download your passport and earn a limited-edition Delaware history book at www.visitdelaware.com/history. 

-- Make it a stylish tax-free weekend. Be inspired by the elaborate fashions of the “Costumes of Downton Abbey®” exhibit and buy more for less with Delaware’s year-round tax-free shopping. Visit Nordstrom, Coach, Chico’s, Talbots and much more at the Christiana Mall, located just off I-95 and less than 30 minutes from Winterthur Museum and Garden.