WELCOME
Welcome to Historic Downtown Dover
We drive business and job opportunities, growth of economic and cultural assets & development of commercial and residential real estate, while preserving our historic qualities.
- Strategic Master Plan
- Our Mission & Values
- Organizational Structure
- Partnership Board & Staff
- Planning Committees
- 2022 Annual Report
OUR HISTORY
Historically Happening in Dover
Dover was founded as the court town for newly established Kent County in 1683 by William Penn, the proprietor of the territory generally known as the "Lower Counties on the Delaware."
- Downtown Dover History
VISIT DOWNTOWN
What is the Capital Key?
A program of the Downtown Dover Partnership Merchant Committee whereby residents, shoppers, visitors and friends of downtown can access value, savings, and special offers from participating downtown merchants. There is no cost to participate!
- Save Downtown with The Capital Key
- All Businesses (A-Z)
- Arts
- Banks
- Bed & Breakfast
- Meeting Venue
- Museums
- Parks
- Personal Services
- Public Buildings
- Restaurants & Taverns
- Retail
- Parking Downtown
- Download Map & Complete Listing - PDF
DOING BUSINESS HERE
Opening Your Own Business?
New business start-ups can happen easier and faster in Dover. Why? Every place you need to register and license your business is practically within walking distance of downtown.
- Guide for Merchants
- Top Ten Reasons
- How the DDP Works for You
- Incentives
- Download Development Boundary Map
- Partners & Resources
EVENTS CALENDAR
It's Historically Happening Downtown
Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all our events or call us at 302-678-2940.
- First Saturday
- Busking Program
- Paint Dover
- Window Contest
- Capital City Market
CONTACT US
Downtown Dover Partnership
101 West Loockerman Street, Suite 1B
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-678-2940
- Newsletter Sign-Up
- Contact Information

Arts

Are you an artist or art lover interested in downtown Dover? Explore a variety of performing and creative arts options, as well as a local gallery featuring art from all over Delaware and the Chesapeake. Whether you want to volunteer for a play, purchase artwork, or take a dance class - downtown has the spot for you!

Musicians interested in downtown should also check out the DDP's Busking Program.

Painters should check out the DDP's annual Paint Dover! Plein Air Painting Event.

"Backyard Birds" Mural
Located on the side of Mitten & Winters. Each birds represnts a species you can find throughout Delaware! Created by artist Joshua Nobling, local artisan in 2019 with Theresa Angela Drayton, Jim Moffett, Jacob Golden and more than 50 members from the community that came together to help put together downtown's beautiful wall murals.

Featured birds:

Blue Jay
Northern Cardinal
American Robin
Great Blue Heron
American Goldfinch

Rear of 117 W. Loockerman St.
Visible from 148 Minor St.

Biggs Museum of American Art
One of the finest collections of American fine and decorative arts. Special features of the permanent collection include the only comprehensive representational American paintings collections on the Delmarva Penninsula, as well as changing exhibitions throughout the year relating to historical and contemporary art topics. Intimate galleries offer guests an unexpected and personal experience with the collection. Also offers educational programming for adults and children.

Free admission during First Saturdays!

Registered Capital Key Card Holders

Receive $2 off standard adult admission.

(302) 674 - 2111
406 Federal St.

Children's Theatre
A non-profit community theatre committed to bringing opportunities for children to experience theatre arts and for audiences to enjoy fare that is appropriate for children and families. Visit their website for upcoming shows and activities!

(302) 336 - 8044
304 S Governors Ave.

Dance Factory
Offers Intellidance for infants through 3 years old, Young Dancers (3-8 years old), Youth Programs for dancers 8.5+ years old, Adult Programs, DANCEWORKS, and Hip Hop Workshops! The Dance Factory offers a variety of dance options, such as ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop classes.

(302) 678-1964
422 S. Governors Ave

Dover Art League
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for local artists, quality programming, gallery exhibits, and classes. Supported in part by the Delaware Division of the Arts.

(302) 747 - 7169
21 W. Loockerman St.

"Fleece Freedom Drinker" Mural
Located at the reincarnated historical tavern, the Golden Fleece, the "Fleece Freedom Drinker" pays homage to the revolutionary activity that occured at its original location - where Delaware legislators voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Created by artist Joshua Nobling, local artisan. More than 50 members from the community came together to help put together downtown's beautiful wall murals.

*Must be 21+ to enter premises. Mural is partially visible from the Loockerman Way Plaza. Please be respectful to the patrons at the Fleece.

132 W Loockerman St.
(302) 674-1776

Electrical Box Paintings
Discover 15 painted electrical boxes scattered throughout downtown Dover including Division St., Loockerman St., State St., and S Governors Ave. Local students from the middle and high school art clubs joined forced to paint each box that represents Dover and the state's theme and history.

"Greetings from Dover" Mural
Located around the corner from the Family Dollar, the "Greetings from Dover" mural highlights Loockerman's history. Created by artist Joshua Nobling, local artisan. More than 50 members from the community came together to help put together downtown's beautiful wall murals.

300 W Loockerman St.

Parke Green Gallery
The public studio of N Taylor Collins, located on a historically significant landmark - where Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution as the first state in 1787! Discover local art by local artists including paintings, limited prints, mixed media, and work by friends! Also connected to Delaware Shoppes.