I just returned from a visit to the Biggs Museum of Art here in Dover. It is a very small museum, just two floors (14 galleries in total). The museum has constantly changing exhibits by local artists. What was most interesting about this museum was the fact that most all of the paintings, furniture, silver, and temporary exhibits feature collections that are somehow related to the Delaware Valley area.

The museum has a lovely collection of period furniture pieces displayed throughout several rooms. All of the furniture was either made in the Delaware Valley area or belonged to families that lived here. There are some beautiful examples of rare furniture made by the Janvier family of cabinetmakers.

There are lovely landscape paintings from the Delaware Valley and Hudson River Valley, and it is an interesting contrast.

The museum's Impressionist paintings are also quite lovely, not to be missed is "Summer Girl".

There is a one gallery that houses the museum's oldest pieces, including some rare Delft ceramics, a portrait dating from 1760, and some beautiful pieces of 18th century furniture.

The gift shop has a nice selection of books, jewelry and other jobjects, many with a local theme. There are lots of things for children in the gift shop, including a nice selection of 19th century toys and crafts.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is free. Additionally, there is free parking right in the museum's parking lot.

The one thing abou the museum that I found disappointing was that so many of the objects, furniture and pictures did not have any kind of card telling you about the piece you were looking at. With such a small museum, it should not be that difficult for the curators to make sure that visitors can fully appreciate all of the objects there.

The museum is certainly worth a visit, and you can make a day trip of this and the other museums right here in Dover.