Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: A Sanctuary of Art and Elegance in Washington, D.C.
Experience Hillwood Estate’s stunning collections and enchanting gardens, inspired by Marjorie Merriweather Post’s vision of beauty and hospitality.
Welcome to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Set on 25 picturesque acres in northwest Washington, D.C., Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens offers an unparalleled journey into the world of decorative arts, history, and horticultural splendor. Founded by renowned businesswoman and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood catapults visitors into a realm of Russian imperial treasures, French elegance, and exquisite gardens that embody grace and hospitality.
As one of America’s premier art collector’s museums, Hillwood preserves Marjorie Post’s vision of excellence, welcoming guests to explore her magnificent collections and meander through enchanting garden rooms and landscapes.
History and Origins of Hillwood Estate
Originally built in the 1920s as the Arbremont estate for Daisy Peck Blodgett, Hillwood’s journey began when Post acquired the property after her divorce from her third husband, Joseph E. Davies. She renamed the estate “Hillwood,” a title she had previously used for her New York residence.
Post hired architect Alexander McIlvaine to redesign the mansion’s interior, integrating her passion for French, Asian, and, most notably, Russian art and religious objects. The renovations included architectural flourishes such as the placement of library doors that frame a dramatic view of the Washington Monument.
Post first opened the home for guests in 1957, quickly earning its reputation as one of Washington’s most extraordinary estates, celebrated for its rich collections and elegant hospitality.
- Location: 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Area: Set amid 25 acres of gardens and woodlands
- Origins: Georgian Colonial estate; remodeled by Post in the 1950s
- Founder: Marjorie Merriweather Post – heiress, philanthropist, and art collector
Marjorie Merriweather Post: The Visionary Behind Hillwood
Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post Cereal fortune, played a pivotal role in assembling Hillwood’s extraordinary art collections. Her travels to Moscow during her marriage to Ambassador Joseph E. Davies, where the Soviets were selling imperial treasures, enabled her to acquire a priceless array of Russian imperial objects, including porcelain, jewelry, icons, and the famed Fabergé eggs.
Her commitment to hospitality and preservation shaped Hillwood into a place where beauty and history converge, and where excellence and grace are celebrated in every detail.
Inside Hillwood: Tours, Amenities, & Visitor Experience
- Guided Tours: Multilingual guides and curated tours showcase the estate’s highlights.
- Educational Programs: Special events, workshops, and exhibits deepen engagement with art and horticulture.
- Accessibility: The museum is ADA-compliant, welcoming all visitors.
- Private Events: Banquet, theater, and reception facilities for special occasions
- Location: Accessible via Van Ness – UDC Metro Station
- Parking: Motor coach and bus-friendly parking
- Discount Programs: Membership discounts available
- Tour Duration: Suggested length: 1–2 hours
Largest Capacities
| Event Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Banquet | 250 |
| Classroom | 48 |
| Theatre | 90 |
| Reception | 150 |
| Group Maximum | 55 |
The Mansion and Its Collections
Step inside Hillwood, and visitors are immediately enveloped by a world-class collection of Russian imperial art—the most comprehensive in America outside Russia. Displayed in elegant, period-furnished rooms, these treasures evoke the grandeur of the Romanovs and the French aristocracy.
- Russian Art: Imperial porcelain, jewelry, icons, Fabergé eggs
- French Decorative Arts: 18th- and 19th-century objects and furnishings
- Specialty Items: Chandeliers from Catherine Palace, rare porcelain of Russian Tzars
- Seasonal Exhibitions: Rotating galleries, including spectacular themed showcases like “Fragile Beauty. The Art of the Ocean”
- The Orchid Collection: One of America’s finest
Each room embodies an incarnation of elegance and grace, meticulously decorated to illuminate the founder’s dedication to beauty and excellence. Notably, Hillwood is particularly breathtaking during the Christmas season, showcasing spectacularly decorated trees and holiday installations crafted by artists featured in current exhibitions.
Hillwood Gardens: An Outdoor Wonderland
Encompassing 12 acres of formal gardens, plus woods and lawns, Hillwood’s landscape architecture offers visitors a series of distinct “garden rooms” inspired by French, Japanese, and American traditions.
- Japanese-style Garden: Tranquil paths, water features, and traditional plantings
- Rose Garden: A vibrant seasonal showcase (blooms best outside winter)
- French Parterre: Ornamental symmetry with low plantings, gravel walks, water channels, central pool, and statuary
- Lunar Lawn: Expansive lawns used for gatherings and outdoor events
- Dog Cemetery: A unique touch that reflects Post’s affection for her canine companions
The Motor Court
Designed for dramatic arrivals, the motor court features a statue of Eros, surrounded by English ivy and boxwoods. Encircled by azaleas, dogwoods, and camellias, it sets the stage for the estate’s grandeur.
French Parterre
Inspired by 18th-century French aristocratic gardens, the parterre is divided into quadrants with channels of water, gravel footpaths, and a terra-cotta statue of Diana. Marble sphinxes and cherubs complete the tableau, all designed to evoke the elegance and order of European garden tradition.
Seasonal Exhibitions and the Dacha
Hillwood hosts a dynamic range of seasonal exhibitions housed in its Dacha. Notable showcases, such as “Fragile Beauty. The Art of the Ocean,” blend historical artifacts—crafted from pearls, corals, and shells—with modern artistic interpretations, highlighting the museum’s commitment to merging past and present.
Orchid Collection: Blooms of Distinction
One of Hillwood’s horticultural crown jewels is its renowned orchid collection. Located both indoors and outdoors, these rare and beautiful flowers are maintained year-round, contributing to Hillwood’s acclaim as a living museum of natural and artistic splendor.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Hours: Closed on Mondays; open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Admission: Membership discounts and other promotions available
- Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant
- Parking: Ample spaces for cars and buses
- Metro Access: Van Ness – UDC station nearby
- Length of Visit: Recommended duration: 1–2 hours
Contact details for planning visits or private events:
Address: 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 686-5807
Nearby Favorites and Local Recommendations
- Embassy Suites Washington, DC–Convention Center: Popular hotel near the convention center—recommended for visitors seeking upscale accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Hillwood Estate unique among Washington’s museums?
A: Hillwood offers America’s most comprehensive Russian imperial art collection outside of Russia, as well as superb French decorative arts, all set within beautifully curated gardens and former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Q: How much time should one plan to visit?
A: Most guests spend 1–2 hours exploring the mansion, gardens, and various exhibitions.
Q: What highlights should visitors look for?
- The famed Fabergé eggs and Russian imperial porcelain
- Marjorie Post’s orchid collection
- Seasonal exhibits inside the Dacha
- French Parterre and Japanese garden rooms
Q: Is Hillwood suitable for private events or group tours?
A: Yes, Hillwood accommodates banquets (up to 250 guests), receptions, and guided tours for groups up to 55.
Q: How accessible is Hillwood by public transportation?
A: The estate is convenient to the Van Ness–UDC Metro station and features parking for buses and motor coaches.
Q: Are there any special events or seasonal highlights?
A: Holiday decor in winter, seasonal blooms in the gardens, and rotating exhibitions ensure something special year-round.
Why Visit Hillwood Estate?
- Encounter world-class art and horticulture
- Experience gracious hospitality rooted in Washington’s social history
- Explore a unique convergence of Russian, French, and American elegance
- Enjoy year-round beauty with seasonal exhibitions and garden changes
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a student of history, lover of gardens, or connoisseur of fine art, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens stands as a testament to vision, culture, and enduring beauty in the heart of Washington, D.C.
For more details, updated hours, or to book your visit, contact Hillwood directly or visit their official website.
