Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens Washington DC
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington DC is a hidden gem that transports you to a different era filled with elegance, grandeur, and beauty. This enchanting place is not only a museum but also a botanical garden that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of post-Edwardian America.
Introduction to Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
Located in the heart of Washington DC, Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a captivating destination that brings together art, history, and nature in a unique way. It was the residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, an American socialite and businesswoman, who was the owner of General Foods, Inc. She lived in the estate from the 1950s until her death in 1973.
Marjorie had a keen interest in art and collected a vast array of decorative arts, Russian imperial art, and French 18th-century furnishings. She opened her house as a museum in 1977, four years after her death, to share her collection with the public. Today, the museum houses over 16,000 objects, some dating back to the 17th century.
The estate also boasts 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and natural woodlands, providing visitors a serene and tranquil setting to enjoy the outdoors. The gardens feature various styles, including a Japanese-style garden, a Rose Garden, and a French Parterre, each offering a unique and stunning visual display.
Exploring the Hillwood Estate Museum
When you step into the Hillwood Estate Museum, you’ll be transported back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur. The museum houses an extensive collection of decorative arts and antiques that reflect Marjorie’s refined taste and passion for collecting.
The Russian imperial art collection is one of the most comprehensive outside of Russia, featuring pieces from the reigns of Peter the Great to Nicholas II. It includes Fabergé eggs, porcelain, silver, gold, and precious gemstones. The collection’s highlight is the “Twelve Monogram Egg,” an Easter gift from Nicholas II to his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, in 1896.
The French 18th-century furnishings and decorative arts collection are equally impressive. It includes furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and silverware from the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. One of the most significant pieces is a desk that belonged to Louis XV, crafted by renowned cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben.
The museum also features a collection of costumes, textiles, and accessories that showcase the fashion of the time. This includes dresses, jewelry, hats, and shoes that belonged to Marjorie and her daughters.
Exploring the Hillwood Gardens
The Hillwood Gardens are a significant part of the estate, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens are divided into different styles, each offering a unique experience.
The Japanese-style garden is a tranquil space filled with Japanese maples, azaleas, and a traditional tea house. The garden’s design combines elements of Zen Buddhism and Shintoism, creating a serene and calming environment.
The Rose Garden is a romantic spot featuring a variety of roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. The garden’s design is reminiscent of an English country garden, with its brick paths and wooden arbors.
The French Parterre is a formal garden that showcases the symmetry and precision of French garden design. It features a central pool surrounded by boxwood hedges, topiaries, and a variety of flowering plants.
Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a place where art, history, and nature intertwine, offering a unique and enriching experience. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, Hillwood has something to offer everyone.
How to Get There
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is located at 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC. It’s accessible by public transportation, with the closest metro station being Van Ness-UDC on the red line. The museum offers free parking on the premises for those who prefer to drive.
Admission and Tours
Admission to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is by donation, with a suggested donation of $18 for adults and $5 for children. The museum offers guided tours of the mansion and gardens, as well as audio tours. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Facilities and Accessibility
The museum and gardens are wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum also offers a café where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack. The Hillwood Museum Shop offers a selection of gifts, books, and souvenirs related to the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
Experience the Extravagance of Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
As you step inside the Hillwood Estate Museum, you are immediately transported back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur. The mansion was once home to Marjorie Merriweather Post, an influential socialite and philanthropist who was one of the wealthiest women in the world. Today, it serves as a museum, providing a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the elite during the early 20th century.
The Mansion and Its Collection
The mansion itself is a sight to behold. Built in the Georgian style, it is surrounded by stunningly beautiful gardens. The interior is equally impressive, filled with exquisite furniture, paintings, and artifacts from Post’s extensive collection. The collection includes a wide range of items, from Russian imperial art to 18th-century French decorative arts. As you wander through the rooms, you can’t help but marvel at the attention to detail and the sheer magnificence of it all.
Each room is meticulously maintained and arranged according to Post’s original vision. The French Drawing Room, for example, is decorated with Louis XVI-style furniture and boasts a collection of 18th-century French art. The Russian Dining Room, on the other hand, showcases a stunning collection of Russian imperial porcelain and silverware, reflecting Post’s keen interest in Russian culture and history. In the Icon Room, you can see Post’s collection of Russian religious icons, considered one of the finest in the world.
The Gardens
While the mansion is undoubtedly the highlight of the estate, the gardens are equally enchanting. Spread across 13 acres, the gardens feature a variety of styles and themes, each designed to provide a unique visual and sensory experience. The Japanese-style Garden, for instance, is a tranquil space filled with cherry trees, Japanese maples, and a beautiful koi pond. The Rose Garden, meanwhile, is a riot of color during the summer months, with its wide variety of roses in full bloom.
The French Parterre is another must-see. This formal garden, inspired by the designs of 17th and 18th-century French estates, is meticulously maintained and offers stunning views of the mansion. If you’re a fan of orchids, don’t miss the Orchid House, which houses a remarkable collection of these exotic plants.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, the gardens offer something for everyone. And with their ever-changing seasonal displays, there’s always something new to see and discover.
The Café and Shop
After exploring the mansion and gardens, make sure to stop by the café for a bite to eat. The café offers a range of delicious meals and snacks, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries, all made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can enjoy your meal indoors in the café’s cozy dining room, or outdoors on the terrace, which offers stunning views of the gardens.
Before you leave, don’t forget to visit the museum shop. Here, you can find a wide range of unique gifts and souvenirs, from books and jewelry to home décor and garden accessories. Many of the items are inspired by the museum’s collections, making them perfect mementos of your visit.
Visiting Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
The Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is located in the heart of Washington DC, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours on certain days. Admission is by suggested donation, and includes access to the mansion, the gardens, and the special exhibitions. Guided tours are also available, providing an in-depth look at the museum’s collections and the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
So, whether you’re a resident of Washington DC or just visiting, make sure to add the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens to your itinerary. With its stunning mansion, beautiful gardens, and fascinating collections, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience that’s not to be missed.
Exploring the Hillwood Estate Museum
As you step into the Hillwood Estate Museum, you find yourself immersed in a world of remarkable artistry and rich history. The museum is home to an impressive collection of French and Russian decorative arts and boasts an array of relics from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection was carefully curated by Marjorie Merriweather Post, the former owner of the estate, and includes a number of her personal belongings, offering visitors a glimpse into her life of luxury and affluence.
The French Collection
The French Collection at the Hillwood Estate Museum is a testament to Post’s refined taste and appreciation for French art. The collection features a variety of decorative arts from the 18th century, including exquisite pieces of porcelain, furniture, and textiles. The impressive collection of Sèvres porcelain is a true highlight, showcasing the intricate skills of French artisans. In addition, the museum also houses a number of paintings from renowned French artists, offering visitors an immersive experience into the world of French art and history.
The Russian Collection
The Russian Collection is another highlight of the museum. The collection includes a vast array of Russian imperial art, reflecting Post’s fascination with Russian culture and history. The collection features unique items such as Fabergé eggs, Russian porcelain, gold and silver artifacts, and religious icons. The museum’s Fabergé collection is particularly notable, featuring two of the iconic Imperial Easter Eggs. The Catherine the Great Easter Egg and the Twelve Monograms Easter Egg are truly breathtaking, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the renowned Fabergé workshops.
A Stroll Through the Gardens
The Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens are not just about the art and artifacts inside the mansion. The gardens that surround the mansion are a spectacle in their own right. The estate features thirteen acres of formal gardens, each one telling a different story and offering a unique experience.
The Japanese-Style Garden
The Japanese-Style Garden is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy. The garden is meticulously maintained, with carefully pruned trees and shrubs that reflect the Japanese aesthetic of beauty in simplicity. The garden is also home to a traditional Japanese lantern, adding to the authenticity of the space. As you stroll through the garden, you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of a bubbling brook and a small waterfall, enhancing the calming atmosphere of the garden.
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a stunning display of color and fragrance. This garden is a favorite among visitors, with its vibrant blooms and delightful scents captivating the senses. The garden boasts a variety of roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. The roses are in full bloom from late May to early June, making it the perfect time to visit the garden.
Visitor Experience at Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
The Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens offer an immersive visitor experience. In addition to the museum and gardens, the estate also features a café where visitors can enjoy a meal or a quick snack. The café offers a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries, as well as a selection of beverages.
The estate also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year. These include lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions, offering visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture represented in the museum’s collections.
Furthermore, the estate provides accessibility features to ensure that all visitors can enjoy their visit. These include wheelchair access, assisted listening devices for tours, and large print materials.
Conclusion
The Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a true gem in Washington DC. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a nature enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at this remarkable estate. From the stunning collections of French and Russian art, to the tranquil beauty of the gardens, a visit to the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history, exquisite art, and serene natural beauty that the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens have to offer.
The Gardens of Hillwood Estate
The Hillwood Estate is not only famous for its grand mansion and extensive collection of art but also its stunning gardens. The estate boasts thirteen acres of formal gardens, each one meticulously designed and cared for, providing a beautiful backdrop to the mansion and a serene retreat for visitors.
The gardens are a mix of formal English and French style, offering a variety of landscapes to explore. Each garden has its own unique charm, whether it’s the tranquility of the Japanese-style Garden, the romantic allure of the Rose Garden, or the lush greenery of the Friendship Walk.
The gardens at Hillwood are a testament to Marjorie Merriweather Post’s love for gardening and her vision for creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of Washington D.C. The gardens are designed to be enjoyed year-round, with seasonal plantings ensuring there is always something in bloom.
The Japanese-Style Garden
The Japanese-style Garden at Hillwood is a tranquil retreat that offers a taste of the Far East in the heart of Washington D.C. This garden was inspired by Marjorie Merriweather Post’s travels to Japan and her love for Japanese culture. The garden features a traditional Japanese tea house, a serene koi pond, and a variety of Japanese plants and trees. It’s a peaceful space where visitors can sit and enjoy the calming ambiance.
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden at Hillwood is a romantic, fragrant oasis that is a favorite among visitors. The garden features a variety of roses, from hybrid teas to old garden roses, all carefully chosen for their beauty and fragrance. The Rose Garden is in full bloom from late May to early June, offering a spectacular display of color and scent. The garden’s design was inspired by classic European rose gardens, with a central fountain and symmetrical beds lined with boxwood hedges.
The Friendship Walk
The Friendship Walk at Hillwood is a lush, green pathway that winds through the estate’s gardens. The walk was created as a tribute to Marjorie Merriweather Post’s friendships and her belief in the power of international understanding. The walk is lined with plaques bearing the names of her friends from around the world, as a reminder of the many lives she touched.
Visiting Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
Visiting the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a delight for art lovers, garden enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Whether you’re wandering through the grand rooms of the mansion, marveling at the extensive art collection, or strolling through the tranquil gardens, there is always something to discover at Hillwood.
The estate is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, with guided tours available. Visitors can also explore the estate at their own pace with a self-guided tour. The estate’s café offers a selection of refreshments, and the museum shop features a range of unique items inspired by the art and gardens of Hillwood.
Located in the heart of Washington D.C., the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a place where history, art, and nature come together in a stunning display that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.
Conclusion
From its breathtaking gardens to its impressive art collection, the Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a true gem in Washington D.C. It’s a place where visitors can step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era, while also appreciating the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is a must when in Washington D.C.