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Know about Hotel Du Pont, Wilmington

Our History

An Icon Made Modern

To step inside the HOTEL DU PONT is to become a part of the past, present and future. Situated at the intersection of 11th and Market in downtown Wilmington, the internationally renowned HOTEL DU PONT stands as a timeless beacon of hospitality and elegance. Today, it welcomes a new generation of travelers to experience its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
An Icon of style, Wilmington

Gilded Age Style

Originally constructed in 1913 as an extension of the DuPont Company headquarters, this architectural masterpiece showcases the grandeur of Italian Renaissance Revival design, crafted to reflect the international prestige of the chemical giant. With no expense spared in its creation, it became Wilmington's first million-dollar hotel and a symbol of opulence. Steeped in history and tradition, HOTEL DU PONT invites guests to step back into the Gilded Age, a time of unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Our History

Upon opening, the HOTEL DU PONT quickly earned international acclaim, rivaling the finest establishments in New York and Europe, while establishing itself as the epicenter of Wilmington's business and social scenes. The 1918 expansion introduced additional guestrooms and the grand Ballroom Suite, featuring an Italian Roseal marble staircase, the Federal-style Du Barry Room and the French Neoclassic Gold Ballroom.

As you step into the Ballroom Suite, you're welcomed by two towering 12-foot-high hand-carved American Walnut doors. Above them, the horns of plenty evoke the spirit of celebration and abundance. As you exit, industrious squirrels symbolize a return to focus and productivity, a playful reminder of the balance between leisure and work.

Throughout its century-long history, the hotel has undergone thoughtful renovations and updates to align with modern preferences, while remaining true to its storied past.

Our history, Wilmington
Grand architecture, Wilmington

Grand Architecture

HOTEL DU PONT embodies grandeur with its stunning architecture and exquisite interiors. Imported European chandeliers, soaring ceilings, hand-carved details, and sweeping staircases welcome you in true vintage fashion.

The twelve-story Italian Renaissance masterpiece made its debut in 1913 after a two-and-a-half-year construction that was a labor of love. French and Italian artisans dedicated their expertise to carving, gilding, and painting every detail of this architectural marvel. From the opulent lobby to the shimmering majesty of the Gold Ballroom, the craftsmanship is nothing less than awe-inspiring.

built for business

Built for Business

At the turn of the 20th century, Wilmington was rapidly evolving into a hub for corporations, driving increased demand for hotel accommodations. Recognizing this need, Pierre S. du Pont commissioned the construction of a hotel that would reflect the international prestige of the DuPont Company. No expense was spared in creating what would become Wilmington's crowning achievement.

For over a century, HOTEL DU PONT has stood as a landmark destination for business travelers and a cherished epicenter of the Wilmington community.

Pièce de Résistance

Pièce de Résistance

As part of the 1918 expansion, the Gold Ballroom stands as a remarkable testament to craftsmanship and artistry. Inspired by the women's suffrage movement and under the direction of Violet Terwilliger, its architectural details include twenty bas-relief medallions of influential women, such as Cleopatra, Pocahontas, Guinevere, and Josephine Bonaparte. The walls are adorned with images of women from around the world, alongside muses from Greek mythology, all meticulously created in sgraffito—a technique where designs are hand-cut into multiple layers of colored plaster. This intricate room, completed over the course of a year by thirty skilled artisans, not only showcases a masterful display of this nearly lost art but also reflects the era's reverence for women's contributions and achievements.
Legacy of Love

Legacy of Love

Did you know the seeds of one of history's most iconic love stories were sown at the HOTEL DU PONT? Prince Rainier III of Monaco often dined in the Green Room with Father Tucker, the esteemed chaplain from St. Anthony's in Wilmington, and his trusted advisor. It was Father Tucker who helped orchestrate the Prince's introduction to Grace Kelly, a meeting that would change their lives—and history—forever. Grace Kelly herself joined Prince Rainier on some of these visits to Wilmington, and to honor this enchanting connection, a table in the restaurant was christened the "Grace Kelly" table. When Miss Kelly ultimately said "yes" to the Prince's proposal, she traded Hollywood's spotlight for Monaco's throne, ushering in what many consider America's first fairytale wedding.

Presidential Treatment

Presidential Treatment

Throughout its 110-year history, HOTEL DU PONT has welcomed nearly a dozen presidents including William H. Taft, Warren G. Harding, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy Jr., Richard Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush.

In 2020, Wilmington gained national prominence as the hometown of the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden. Biden began his first senatorial campaign in the foyer of the Gold Ballroom in 1972. During his third run for the White House, he returned to this same historic venue to accept his party's nomination when the Democratic National Convention relocated from Milwaukee to Wilmington.

The Guestbook

The Guestbook

Of course, the only thing as legendary as the hotel's architectural design is the lobby registry. Through the years the HOTEL DU PONT has played host to politicians, dignitaries, corporate giants, professional athletes and celebrities. Walk in the footsteps of history with the likes of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Aerhart, Ingrid Bergman, Elizabeth Taylor, Joe DiMaggio, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Kissinger, Lucille Ball, Julie Andrews, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Willis, Christopher Reeves, Reese Witherspoon, Dennis Rodman, Colin Powell, Jon Bon Jovi, James Earl Jones, Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, SZA and many more.