Wilmington's Hidden Gem
Experience the historic gardens at Gibraltar
Discover Gibraltar's Marian Coffin Gardens
The Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are a free public garden located in Wilmington, Delaware. Designed in 1916 by pioneering landscape architect Marian Cruger Coffin, the gardens are recognized as the most intact surviving example of her work and remain one of the region's most significant historic designed landscapes.
Just below the historic Gibraltar Estate, the gardens combine formal architecture and statues, geometrical pathways, sweeping lawns, and intimate garden rooms that reflect Coffin's vision of blending classical design with skilled horticultural design and the natural beauty of the Brandywine Valley. Visitors are invited to explore these gardens year-round and experience a special place that has inspired generations for more than a century.
Our Mission
The Marian Coffin Gardens are stewarded by Preservation Delaware to preserve, restore, and share this nationally significant historic landscape while providing opportunities for education, community engagement, and persoonal enjoyment.
As a free public garden, we strive to:
- Preserve Marian Coffin's landscape design and legacy.
- Protect the historical character of Gibraltar.
- Restore and maintain the gardens using thoughtful horticultural and ecological practices.
- Inspire visitors through history, beauty, and nature.
- Foster community through volunteers, educational programs, and partnerships.
A Living Garden
Unlike a museum, the Marian Coffin Gardens are a living landscape that continues to grow and evolve. Plants mature, weather reshapes the garden, and careful stewardship balances historical authenticity with modern ecological practices. Each season offers a different experience, from spring bulbs and flowering trees to lush summer borders, vibrant autumn foliage, and the quiet structure of winter.
The gardens are cared for by Preservation Delaware with the support of a garden manager, dedicated volunteers, community partners, grants, and generous donors whose efforts help ensure Gibraltar remains an open public resource for future generations.
Our Stewardship
Recent years have marked an exciting new chapter in the gardens' renewal. Ongoing work includes restoring historic garden spaces, improving infrastructure, expanding public programming, increasing native plant diversity where historically appropriate, managing invasive species, and enhancing the visitor experience through tours, interpretation, and community events.
Our approach respects Marian Coffin's original design while recognizing that historic gardens must be thoughtfully stewarded to meet the environmental and community needs of today.
Preservation Delaware
The Marian Coffin Gardens are owned and managed by Preservation Delaware, the state's only nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Delaware's historic places. Through advocacy, education, and stewardship, Preservation Delaware works to ensure that significant historic sites continue to serve and inspire their communities.
Call to Action
Whether you're visiting for a peaceful walk, attending a guided tour, volunteering, or supporting our mission through a donation, we invite you to become part of the continuing story of the Marian Coffin Gardens.
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We love our visitors, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
1405 Greenhill Avenue, Wilmington, DE, USA
Call us: 302-322-7100 Mail: P.O. Box 19, Rockland, DE 19732
Copyright © 2026 Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar/Preservation Delaware Inc - All Rights Reserved.
Non-discrimination Statement:
Preservation Delaware does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability,
marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Upcoming Symposium: Explore Registration and Sponsorships
Join us on September 24th and 25th at Winterthur and the University of Delaware, featuring tours at Gibraltar and Mt. Cuba, fascinating speakers, delicious food, and even UDairy ice cream from UD's own creamery.