Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: A Living Legacy of Art and Horticulture
Discover a harmonious blend of world-class art, exquisite gardens, and the fascinating story of Marjorie Merriweather Post at Hillwood Estate.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens stands as one of Washington, DC’s premier destinations, presenting a remarkable synthesis of decorative arts, opulent gardens, and personal history. Once the private home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood today functions as a museum and public garden, inviting guests to explore treasures from across the globe, as well as exquisitely designed landscapes situated on 25 acres in the city’s northwest quadrant.
Introduction to Hillwood and Marjorie Merriweather Post
The vision of Marjorie Merriweather Post—businesswoman, philanthropist, socialite, and internationally renowned art collector—shines through at Hillwood. In 1955, Post purchased the estate to serve not only as a residence but also as a setting for her extensive collection of Russian Imperial and French decorative arts. Her intent: to eventually transform Hillwood into a public institution that would inspire, educate, and enrich future generations.
- Hillwood is renowned for the largest collection of Russian imperial art outside Russia, including two famed Fabergé eggs.
- Features 18th- and 19th-century French art, Sèvres porcelain, and rare jewelry.
- Surrounded by formal gardens, woodlands, and contemporary exhibitions on 25 scenic acres.
Historical Background
Hillwood’s transformation from private home to public museum expresses both the ambitions and aesthetic sensibilities of its founder. Marjorie Post accompanied her then-husband, Ambassador Joseph Davies, to Moscow in the late 1930s. During this era, Russia’s treasures were often sold abroad, enabling Post to amass a unique private collection. In 1962, Post arranged to leave Hillwood and a $10 million endowment to the Smithsonian Institution, specifying detailed provisions for Hillwood’s perpetual care and public access.
After her death in 1973, operational disagreements led to Hillwood’s return to the Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation, which continues its stewardship today.
Collections and Highlights
Hillwood’s interior rooms and galleries display treasures that extend from the opulent Russian imperial court to the sophisticated salons of 18th-century France. Carefully curated, these collections reflect Post’s own tastes, travels, and friendships, set within the preserved spaces she called home.
Russian Imperial Art
- Fabergé eggs and objets d’art: Hillwood boasts two of the legendary eggs and a remarkable array of works by Peter Carl Fabergé.
- Russian porcelain: A dazzling showcase of imperial-era settings, including services for czars and aristocracy.
- Religious icons and enamelwork: Intricate representations of Orthodox faith and Russian craftsmanship.
- Jewelry and imperial memorabilia: Artifacts spotlighting the grand Russian lifestyle before the Revolution.
French Decorative Arts
- Sèvres porcelain: One of the finest American collections of this celebrated French porcelain.
- Tapestries and furnishings: Lavishly furnished rooms evoke the French court, meticulously arranged as Marjorie Post intended.
- 18th- and 19th-century silver and glassware
Special Exhibitions and Modern Programming
Hillwood frequently hosts rotating exhibitions that juxtapose historic works with contemporary art and craft. Recent installations have included displays on oceanic art and pearls, as well as innovative Christmas artistry integrated with the permanent collection.
Gardens and Grounds
Hillwood’s grounds are as celebrated as the art within the mansion. The estate features 12 acres of formal gardens, lush lawns, and winding paths, forming a sequence of “outdoor rooms” each with its unique character.
- Designed by leading landscape architects: Notably Willard Gebhart and the firm Innocenti & Webel.
- Varied gardens capture the spirit of France, Japan, and traditional English landscaping.
Motor Court
Guests arrive via a striking elliptical motor court, bordered by azaleas, camellias, and English ivy. At its center, a statue of Eros—symbolizing fertility and love—welcomes visitors. Designed for elegance and privacy, the motor court nods to an era of grand arrivals and stately entertaining.
French Parterre
This formal parterre garden reflects traditional French landscape art. Low plantings outlined by gravel paths and English ivy are segmented by narrow water channels, with a central pool and Italian glass tile. Marble sphinxes and a terra-cotta Diana sculpted statue reinforce the garden’s dedication to Versailles-like splendor.
Japanese-Style Garden
Visitors can wander through an intimate Japanese-style garden, thoughtfully composed around water features, stone lanterns, arched bridges, and maples. This tranquil retreat exemplifies Marjorie Post’s appreciation for international styles of landscape architecture.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a vivid explosion of seasonal color and fragrance. One of its most moving corners is the Dog Cemetery, a tribute to Post’s beloved pets, whose presence remains etched in the grounds.
Orchid Collection and Indoor Gardens
Post’s love for horticulture is perhaps best embodied in her remarkable orchid collection, maintained indoors as a lush year-round highlight. Her breakfast nook was famously transformed into an ‘inside garden,’ blending home life with botanical wonder.
Notable Features on the Grounds
- Lunar Lawn: An open, crescent-shaped green, ideal for events and offering serene views.
- Friendship Walk: Created by 181 friends for Post’s 70th birthday, it links the Rose Garden and overlooks Rock Creek Park.
The Mansion: Architecture and Interiors
The mansion’s interiors remain meticulously preserved, evoking the atmosphere of a lived-in yet regal home. Each room typifies a careful blend of comfort, opulence, and display:
- Dining Room: Adorned with imperial porcelain and silver, it hosted distinguished guests at glittering dinner parties.
- Breakfast Room and Service Spaces: Intimate yet elegant, often decorated with fresh blooms from the estate grounds.
- Private Quarters: Bedrooms and studies are maintained as they were during Post’s lifetime, revealing her tastes in art, literature, and design.
Visitors touring the mansion encounter seasonal decorations—notably Hillwood’s celebrated Christmas displays, designed by local artists and inspired by Post’s affinity for theatrical beauty.
Visitor Experience & Amenities
- Location: 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (overlooking Rock Creek Park).
- Open: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays; hours may vary for holidays/special events).
- Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours; longer for a full mansion and garden exploration.
- Guided and self-guided tours available (multilingual guides can be arranged).
- Onsite amenities:
- Educational programming
- ADA accessibility
- Private and group tours
- Museum shop and café
- Membership discounts
- Motor coach/bus parking (Ideal for group visits)
- Nearest Metro Station: Van Ness – UDC.
- Capacity for Events:
- Banquet: 250 guests
- Reception: 150 guests
- Theater: 90 guests
- Classroom: 48 guests
- Contact: (202) 686-5807; for hours and tour information, check the Hillwood website.
Visitor Tips
- Wear comfortable footwear for garden exploration.
- Photography (non-flash) is usually permitted; confirm current rules.
- Plan to visit in multiple seasons; gardens and decorations transform throughout the year.
- Check the museum’s schedule for new exhibitions, lectures, and public events.
Nearby Attractions
- Embassy Suites Washington, DC–Convention Center: A nearby renovated all-suite hotel, ideal for visitors planning extended stays or group events.
- Proximity to other Upper Northwest DC landmarks and the vibrant neighborhood scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Hillwood unique among Washington DC museums?
A: Hillwood stands apart for its combination of museum-quality Russian and French decorative arts, immersive gardens, and the intimate preservation of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal spaces, all set within a historic home.
Q: How much time should I plan for a visit?
A: Most guests spend 1–2 hours, but enthusiasts of art, history, or horticulture often stay much longer to explore the gardens, collections, and special exhibitions.
Q: Can I host a private or group event at Hillwood?
A: Yes. Hillwood hosts private tours, banquets, and receptions, with a variety of elegant indoor and outdoor spaces available by reservation.
Q: Are there discounted admission options?
A: Membership discounts and special offers are available; current rates and offers are listed on the Hillwood Estate website.
Q: What is the best season to visit the gardens?
A: Every season offers something unique—spring blossoms in the rose garden, lush summer lawns, vibrant autumn colors, and intricate winter décor inside the mansion.
Plan Your Visit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 |
| Hours | Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Closed Mondays |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1–2 hours |
| Ticket Discounts | Available for members |
| Accessibility | ADA compliant |
| Nearest Metro | Van Ness – UDC |
| Contact | (202) 686-5807 |
Conclusion: Hillwood Estate—A Washington DC Gem
Combining the best of art, architecture, and garden design, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens endures as an inspiring testament to American legacy and global culture. To step through its gates is to enter not only the world of Marjorie Merriweather Post, but also a living museum where history, beauty, and hospitality thrive in every detail.
