Hillwood Estate: A Glimpse into Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Extraordinary Legacy
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering visitors an extraordinary journey through the lavish lifestyle of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress to the Post cereal fortune. With its opulent interiors, breathtaking gardens, and vast collections of art and artifacts, Hillwood Estate is more than just a museum; it is a testament to Post’s unparalleled taste, philanthropy, and dedication to preserving and promoting the beauty of Russian and French decorative art and culture.
A Brief History of Hillwood Estate
The history of Hillwood Estate is intertwined with the life of its most famous resident, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Born in 1887, Post was the only child of C.W. Post, the founder of the Postum Cereal Company, which would later become General Foods Corporation. When her father died in 1914, she inherited the company, becoming one of the wealthiest women in America at the age of 27.
Post purchased Hillwood Estate in 1955, intending to use it as a winter residence. However, she was so captivated by the property that she decided to make it her primary residence. Post spent two years renovating and expanding the mansion, adding new wings, updating the gardens, and filling the estate with her vast collection of art and antiques. After her death in 1973, Hillwood Estate was opened to the public as a museum, in accordance with her wishes.
The Mansion: A Showcase of Elegance and Opulence
The Hillwood mansion, a Georgian-style building surrounded by 25 acres of landscaped gardens, is the centerpiece of the estate. The mansion is a testament to Post’s impeccable taste, with each room showcasing a different facet of her extensive art and antiques collection. The mansion’s 36 rooms are filled with priceless treasures, including Russian imperial art, 18th-century French furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and more. Each room tells a story, offering a glimpse into Post’s world and the time periods that fascinated her.
One of the highlights of the mansion is the French Drawing Room, which is a recreation of an 18th-century French salon. With its ornate gilded furniture, Aubusson carpets, and Sevres porcelain, the room is a testament to Post’s love for French decorative art. The room also features a number of paintings by French masters, including Francois Boucher and Jean-Baptiste Greuze.
The Russian Imperial Room is another standout, showcasing Post’s extensive collection of Russian art. The room is filled with treasures from the Russian imperial court, including Faberge eggs, gold and silver artifacts, and a collection of rare Russian icons. The room also features a series of portraits of Russian royalty, painted by some of the most prominent artists of the time.
The Gardens: A Haven of Tranquility and Beauty
The gardens at Hillwood Estate are among the most beautiful in Washington, D.C., offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The 25-acre property is home to thirteen different gardens, each with its own unique design and character.
The French Parterre is a formal garden inspired by the gardens of Versailles, featuring meticulously manicured hedges, colorful flower beds, and a central fountain. The Japanese-Style Garden is a peaceful oasis, with its meandering paths, tranquil pond, and authentic Japanese teahouse. The Rose Garden is a riot of color in the summer, filled with hundreds of fragrant roses in every hue.
Each garden is a testament to Post’s love for gardening and her keen eye for design. The gardens were designed not only to complement the mansion but also to provide a beautiful setting for Post’s extensive collection of garden statuary and ornaments. From the classical statues in the Italian Garden to the whimsical birdhouses in the Friendship Walk, each piece adds a unique touch to the landscape.
The Collections: A Testament to Post’s Passion for Art and Culture
Marjorie Merriweather Post was a passionate collector, and her collections are the heart and soul of Hillwood Estate. Her collections include more than 16,000 objects, ranging from Russian imperial art and French decorative art to textiles, jewelry, and more.
Post’s collection of Russian art is considered one of the most significant outside Russia, featuring a wide range of objects from the imperial court, including Faberge eggs, gold and silver artifacts, and a large collection of rare Russian icons. The collection also includes a number of important works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The French decorative art collection is equally impressive, showcasing Post’s love for 18th-century French design. The collection includes a wide range of objects, including furniture, textiles, porcelain, and glass, all of which reflect the elegance and sophistication of the French court.
Hillwood Estate Today: A Living Legacy
Today, Hillwood Estate continues to enchant visitors with its beauty and historical significance. The estate offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and concerts, all designed to enrich the visitor’s experience and deepen their understanding of the collections and the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
The estate also continues to fulfill Post’s philanthropic legacy, with a portion of the proceeds from visitors and events going towards supporting the museum and its programs. In this way, Hillwood Estate continues to contribute to the cultural richness of Washington, D.C., and to the preservation and promotion of the art and culture that Post so loved.
Visiting Hillwood Estate
Visiting Hillwood Estate is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the opulent world of Marjorie Merriweather Post. From the moment you step onto the estate, you are transported to a world of elegance and sophistication, where every object tells a story and every room is a work of art.
The estate is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, with guided tours available. Visitors can explore the mansion and gardens at their own pace, or opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the collections and the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post. The estate also offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, providing visitors with many opportunities to engage with the collections and the estate’s history.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and elegance, Hillwood Estate offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So why wait? Plan your visit today and discover the extraordinary legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
The Gardens of Hillwood Estate
As one continues to explore the Hillwood Estate, one of the most unforgettable features is the meticulously manicured gardens. The 13 acres of land surrounding the mansion are transformed into an array of stunning gardens, each with its unique design and plant collection. The gardens of Hillwood Estate are an integral part of the property that provides a serene and scenic environment for visitors to enjoy.
The estate boasts several gardens, including a French Parterre, a Japanese-style garden, a rose garden, and the Lunar Lawn. Each garden is carefully maintained and offers a different experience. The French Parterre is a formal garden that reflects Marjorie Post’s love of French design. It features geometric patterns, carefully pruned shrubs, and a stunning collection of seasonal flowers.
On the other hand, the Japanese-style garden is a peaceful retreat. It is designed with a tranquil pond, a stone lantern, and a small tea house. The garden is adorned with cherry trees, Japanese maples, and azaleas, creating a beautiful and tranquil space.
The Rose Garden is another highlight of the estate. This garden is home to a variety of roses, from climbers and shrubs to hybrid teas and floribundas. The beautiful blooms and the sweet scent of roses make this garden a delightful place to visit.
Lastly, the Lunar Lawn, a vast expanse of grass surrounded by trees and colorful flower beds. This is the perfect spot for laid-back picnics or leisurely strolls.
The Collections of Hillwood Estate
Marjorie Post’s love for art and culture is evident in the extensive collections found in Hillwood Estate. The mansion houses an impressive array of decorative arts, paintings, furniture, textiles, and more. The collections are a testament to Post’s discerning taste and her passion for collecting.
The centerpiece of the collection is the Russian Imperial art, which is considered one of the most extensive outside of Russia. It includes Fabergé eggs, porcelain, silver, and religious icons. Other significant collections include the 18th-century French decorative art and a vast collection of costumes, textiles, and accessories.
In addition to these, the estate also houses a comprehensive library that contains over 38,000 volumes. The library reflects Post’s interest in gardening, art, design, and Russian and French culture.
The Visitor Experience at Hillwood Estate
Visiting the Hillwood Estate is like stepping into a different era. The mansion and the gardens provide a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy and the cultured in the early 20th century. The estate offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn more about the life and passions of Marjorie Post.
Aside from the tours, the estate also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These include concerts, lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions. The estate also has a café where visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The Hillwood Estate is not just a place to admire beautiful art and gardens. It is also a place to learn and appreciate the rich history and culture that shaped the life of Marjorie Post and the time she lived in. It is a place that continues to inspire and captivate visitors with its elegance and sophistication.
Conclusion
The Hillwood Estate is undoubtedly a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. It offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Whether one is an art enthusiast, a history buff, a garden lover, or someone who simply appreciates beauty, the Hillwood Estate is a place that has something for everyone.
From the grand mansion to the exquisite gardens, from the extensive collections to the enriching activities, every corner of the estate tells a story. It is a story of a remarkable woman who lived a life of elegance and sophistication, and who left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate. The Hillwood Estate is indeed a testament to Marjorie Post’s vision and her enduring love for art and culture.
The Architectural Marvel of Hillwood Estate
As we take a deeper dive into the marvel that is Hillwood Estate, it is impossible to ignore the architectural prowess that the estate boasts. A tour around the estate reveals an intriguing blend of 18th-century French and Russian architecture, a testament to Post’s love for these cultures. The mansion’s design is a salute to the opulence of the French Empire and the grandeur of Imperial Russia, giving it a sense of regality that is hard to ignore.
The exterior exhibits a combination of classic French architectural elements such as mansard roofs and elaborate ornamentation. In sharp contrast, the interior showcases an extensive collection of Russian imperial art, including Fabergé eggs, portraits, porcelain, and furniture. The result is a beautiful fusion of two distinctive architectural and artistic styles, creating a unique aesthetic that is both luxurious and culturally rich.
The Gardens of Hillwood Estate
Surrounding the mansion are thirteen acres of formal gardens, a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city. These gardens were designed with as much care and attention as the mansion itself, and they offer a tranquil retreat for visitors to explore and enjoy. The gardens are divided into several ‘rooms,’ each with a distinct theme and design, ranging from the French Parterre to the Japanese-style garden.
The French Parterre, located immediately outside the mansion, is a formal garden designed in the French geometric style. It is characterized by its symmetrical patterns and carefully crafted hedges. On the other hand, the Japanese-style garden, with its traditional teahouse and bridge over a tranquil pond, offers a peaceful retreat and a stark contrast to the grandeur of the mansion and the formality of the French Parterre.
Another highlight of the gardens is the Rose Garden, which is home to more than 200 varieties of roses. The Rose Garden is a popular spot for visitors, especially in the late spring and summer when the roses are in full bloom and the air is filled with their fragrance. The Cutting Garden, on the other hand, serves a practical purpose. It is here where flowers are grown for the mansion’s floral arrangements, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to the interior of the estate.
The Collections of Hillwood Estate
One cannot talk about Hillwood Estate without mentioning the vast collection of art and antiques housed within its walls. Marjorie Merriweather Post had a deep appreciation for art, and she spent much of her life collecting pieces from around the world. Today, these pieces form one of the most comprehensive collections of 18th and 19th-century Russian imperial art outside of Russia, as well as an impressive collection of French decorative art.
Among the highlights of the collection are the Fabergé eggs. These intricate pieces of art, made by the Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, were a favorite of the Russian imperial family. Post’s collection includes two imperial Easter eggs, as well as a variety of other Fabergé objects, including picture frames, boxes, and jewelry.
Another significant part of the collection is the French decorative art, which includes furniture, tapestries, and porcelain. Many of these pieces were made by some of the most renowned French craftsmen of the 18th and 19th centuries, making them not only beautiful to look at but also historically significant.
Visiting Hillwood Estate
Visiting Hillwood Estate is like stepping back in time. From the moment you walk through the gates, you are transported to a world of elegance and grandeur, a world that reflects the tastes and passions of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Whether you are drawn to the architectural beauty of the mansion, the tranquility of the gardens, or the impressive art collections, there is something at Hillwood Estate for everyone.
The estate is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to explore the mansion and gardens at their own pace. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history and significance of the estate. In addition, the estate hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with the collections in new and exciting ways.
In conclusion, Hillwood Estate is more than just a mansion or a museum. It is a testament to the life and legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a woman who believed in the power of art, beauty, and culture. It is a place where history comes alive, and where visitors can experience a piece of the past while enjoying the beauty of the present.
Hillwood Estate: The Gardens
As you step outside into the sprawling gardens of the Hillwood Estate, you are immediately transported to a tranquil natural landscape that is both breathtakingly beautiful and meticulously maintained. Hillwood Estate is not just renowned for its impressive collection of art, but also for its stunning gardens that surround the mansion, spreading over 13 acres of land.
Designed in the 1950s, these gardens were carefully planned and curated by Marjorie Merriweather Post. Post was a passionate horticulturist and hired talented landscape architects to create a series of outdoor “rooms” that would complement the mansion. The result is a mixture of French and English garden styles, which provide an ever-changing palette of colors and textures throughout the seasons.
The gardens are divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique character. The Rose Garden, for instance, is a romantic space filled with more than 200 varieties of roses. In contrast, the Japanese-style Garden features a serene pond filled with colorful koi fish, surrounded by carefully pruned trees and plants. There is also the French Parterre, a formal garden with symmetrical designs and a central pool, as well as the Friendship Walk, a path lined with gifts from international dignitaries.
The Greenhouse
One of the highlights of the Hillwood Estate gardens is the Greenhouse. The Greenhouse was initially built to house Marjorie’s collection of exotic orchids. Today, it serves as a year-round tropical retreat that features a wide range of plants, including palms, ferns, and various flowering species. The Greenhouse is a must-visit for plant enthusiasts, who will appreciate the diversity and beauty of the specimens on show.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond the gardens, the Hillwood Estate also offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. There’s the Adirondack Building, a rustic log cabin where visitors can partake in craft activities or simply relax with a book. The estate also has a pet cemetery, where Post’s beloved pets are buried. There’s also a picnic area, ideal for a relaxing lunch amidst the beauty of nature.
Events and Exhibitions
Hillwood Estate is not just a static museum and garden. It hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year that bring the estate to life. These include seasonal festivals, such as the Spring Flower Festival and the Autumn Harvest Festival, as well as special exhibitions that highlight different aspects of the collections or gardens. There are also regular lectures, workshops, and performances, all designed to enhance the visitor’s experience and deepen their understanding of the estate and its history.
Visiting Hillwood Estate
Visiting Hillwood Estate is a unique experience that goes beyond a simple museum visit. With its impressive collections, beautiful gardens, and rich history, it offers visitors a chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in a world of art, elegance, and nature.
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate is easily accessible and open to the public throughout the year. It’s recommended to allow at least three hours to fully explore the mansion, gardens, and outbuildings. Guided tours are available, or visitors can explore at their own pace with the help of an audio guide.
Whether you’re an art lover, a garden enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, Hillwood Estate has something to offer. With its stunning beauty, rich history, and engaging activities, it’s a destination that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hillwood Estate is more than just a historic mansion. It’s a living testament to Marjorie Merriweather Post’s vision and passion, offering visitors a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature. From the exquisite collections within the mansion to the meticulously maintained gardens and greenhouse, every aspect of Hillwood Estate is a testament to Post’s attention to detail and dedication to creating a space of beauty and elegance. A visit to Hillwood Estate is not just a journey into the past, but an opportunity to experience the timeless beauty and elegance of a bygone era.