On a sunny Saturday a few weeks ago I visited Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Considering I've lived, worked and visited DC loads of times, I had never taken a trip to this glorious estate located near Rock Creek Park!
Diplomat, socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post bought Hillwood in 1955 and soon decided her home would be a museum that would inspire and educate the public. Her northwest Washington, D.C. estate endowed the country with the most comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art outside of Russia, a distinguished 18th-century French decorative art collection, and twenty-five acres of serene landscaped gardens and natural woodlands for all to enjoy. Hillwood opened as a public institution in 1977, and each room is more spectacular than the last.
My favourites? The Icon Room, filled with many Russian treasures, the Pavilion, where guests were treated to drinks and movies, and 1950s gem of a Kitchen and Pantry - it was like a film set!
Hillwood has a great gift shop and restaurant, and it's the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon looking at the Mansion's treasures before a leisurely stroll through the wonderful gardens and orchid house.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is located at 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008. For opening hours and further details click here.
Author's Own |
No comments :
Post a Comment