If you’re looking to escape the crowds of museum-goers in downtown D.C., you’ll want to pay a visit to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, a hidden gem tucked away in the hills of Northwest D.C.. Formerly home to American businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post, the estate boasts an exquisitely maintained Georgian-style mansion, thirteen acres of landscaped gardens, sweeping natural woodlands, and more.
The Museum
As the wealthiest woman in the United States for much of her life, Post had an eye for beauty and elegance. Her interest in eighteenth-century French decorative art and Russian imperial art gave way to an eclectic mix of ornate tapestries, luxurious porcelain sets, and delicately detailed furniture.
From a charming breakfast room to Post’s bedroom suite, each room inside the mansion unveils her fascination with splendidly crafted objects, often with royal provenance. In one of the rooms alone, visitors can marvel at over 400 shimmering chalices, silver-coated icons, and bejeweled Fabergé objects.
The Gardens
With seasonal plantings and a fragrant greenhouse, there’s always something blooming at Hillwood. Prepare to be awed by vibrant orchids, a pristine putting green, a magical rose garden, and other carefully curated outdoor spaces.
Whether you want to stroll through the gardens at your own pace, soak up additional information via an audio guide, or tour with a docent, Hillwood’s gardens are nothing short of ravishing.
A New Exhibition
For the first time at Hillwood, exquisite pieces inspired by the wonders of the sea will be on display as part of the exhibition Fragile Beauty: Art of the Ocean. From objects made of precious ocean materials to contemporary works of art, the exhibit highlights the beauty of these vast waters.
Simultaneously, the oceanic works of art emphasize the importance of sustainability and the need to preserve the ocean. Complete with paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more, Fragile Beauty invites you to explore the treasures of the sea like never before.
Getting to Hillwood Estate
Located only about one mile north of the National Zoo, Hillwood borders Rock Creek Park in D.C.’s Forest Hills neighborhood. Complimentary parking is limited, so using rideshare, bikes, and public transportation is encouraged.
For those taking the metro or bus, Hillwood is a mile-long walk from the Van Ness station and a half-mile walk from the corner of Connecticut and Tilden Streets NW.
The museum and gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of D.C. without actually leaving the city.