Hillwood Estate, Museum &amp; Gardens

Where to Enjoy Extravagant Afternoon Tea Around D.C.

"D.C.’s dreamy Hillwood Estate, the former home of art collector Marjorie Merriweather that’s adorned in 18th-century French elegance, is the gorgeous site of afternoon tea service for groups of 10 or more. The family-style feast includes miniature scones, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, sun-dried tomato hummus with sourdough, chocolate Nutella tarts, and lemon-lavender sugar cookies with a choice of hot or cold Dammann Frères teas. The price: $38 per person, with $10 supplements like mini quiche. Call to reserve." - Tierney Plumb

The Best Museums in Washington, D.C.

"The Life of an Heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post was a wealthy American socialite and heiress to the Postum Cereal fortune. Her Washington home is now a museum, and the home’s original furnishings have been maintained alongside all the near-priceless collectibles that Marjorie amassed during her lifetime. Thanks to a curator friend who trained her eye to identify pieces worthy of collecting, Marjorie filled Hillwood with museum-quality pieces of furniture, works of art, Russian icons, rugs, and tapestries as well as fine porcelains, glassware, and jade carvings. The collection also includes two rare diamond-studded Fabergé eggs. Every inch of wall is decorated, and luxurious fabrics drape the windows. Some visitors might find it all a bit too ostentatious; others will think it simply exquisite. To say that Marjorie was an obsessive collector is an understatement, and the best way to take it all in is to go on the Mansion Tour.The gardens are as well dressed as the interiors; there are several interconnected garden “rooms,” and each is of a different style, such as French Parterre or Rose Garden. On nice days, you’ll see people picnicking on the grounds."

D.C. Hidden Gems and Treasures

Where to Find Museum Food That Doesn’t Suck - Eater DC

"This opulent estate of cereal heir Marjorie Merriweather Post allows guests to feast their eyes on a mansion full of Russian art. The rest of the feasting is done on a menu fit for a 20th century millionaire. The Merriweather Cafe menu features borscht,, an apricot chicken salad sandwich, gnocchi, and a smoked salmon tartine. There are also seasonal desserts, and an afternoon tea runs on Sundays for $32 per person." - Hanna Nakano

Merriweather Café Review - Forest Hills - Washington DC - The Infatuation

Jacek Popielas

Google

Beautiful place to visit, make sure you take tour with one knowledge tourers. There's so o much stuff to learn about it people who live here. You need 30 minutes or more to enjoy walking at garden, there is many spots to sit down and relax.

Heather bM

Google

Such a beautiful hidden treasure right next to the Smithsonian Zoo! It is wonderfully arranged, easy to get around, the gardens are gorgeous. Since it is an older building, wheelchair accessibility is understandably a challenge. The atmosphere and food in the tea shop is a nice treat after walking the gardens. Food is great. The greenhouse is spectacular!!!! You can tell that the docents and everyone who works there loves the building, collections and want to share with visitors.

Elizabeth Martel

Google

Incredible estate, i recommend bringing a picnic and spending 4 hours here, just the water garden itself deserves a good 30 min at least to enjoy the serene beauty, the mansion, gardens and greenhouse will take up a good amount of time, start the tour by watching the 10 min video in the small theater on the main floor, it will inspire you. I should have donated more than the 18$ admin fee, the estate is immaculately preserved, this place is a must see on your trip to DC. We used bike share to get there and walked after docking, the way back to metro we used scooter by Lime, it was hot and we were tiered otherwise it would be a 12 min walk to metro. Easiest is getting here by car if you're able to.

Katherine Hedrick

Google

The best place to bring visitors in the DMV! Marjorie Post’s house is such a delight in every season of the year. In Spring, the flowers offer solace from the rest of the city. In Summer, the shaded gardens provide a respite from the heat. In the fall, it is lovely to sit in the cafe area with a good book. In the Winter, the house provides a lovely afternoon activity with heat, plenty to look at, and learn. I bring friends and family here frequently and it never gets old. I highly suggest reading The Marvelous Lives of Marjorie Post before visiting, it provides a lot of wonderful information that you can pull out of your brain when walking through the house! The staff and docents are also very knowledgeable and kind, unlike many house museums in the area. I cannot recommend it enough!

ISTITUTO MONDO ITALIANO Centro di cultura italiana

Google

An estate that you will transport into the elegance and sophistication of a Palace in Europe. Everything is highly curated. A gem in DC not to be missed!

Shannon Myers

Google

Fantastic Museum and Gardens! Everything was pristinely clean and well organized, and all the tour guides were top-notch with facts and information. The Cafe was the best museum Cafe I have ever been to, and the food was delicious. I recommend taking a bottle of water and a hat or parasol for the planned garden tours, or if you are touring on your own. Each tour is about 1 hour, so plan your time accordingly.

Michelle Barnes

Google

Beautiful and diverse gardens for a springtime visit! The estate itself is very ornate and well decorated but the gardens are the real stars of the show. The orchid greenhouse was particularly spectacular in late March! My other favorite gardens were the French parterre and Japanese garden.

Martin M

Google

This is such a beautiful property to have a nice weekend stroll around. Very Eclectic collection on display and awesome scenery every where you turn. There is a nice cafe you can relax at and plenty of spots around the grounds as well. I will definitely be back.

Jacek Popielas

Google

Heather bM

Google

Elizabeth Martel

Google

Katherine Hedrick

Google

ISTITUTO MONDO ITALIANO Centro di cultura italiana

Google

An estate that you will transport into the elegance and sophistication of a Palace in Europe. Everything is highly curated. A gem in DC not to be missed!

Shannon Myers

Google

Michelle Barnes

Google

Martin M

Google

Abe K.

Yelp

What everyone else said. This place is a hidden gem, great for dates, families, or just solo to see the gardens and the grounds. There are different exhibitions throughout the year and of course all the seasonal plants. It's really great coming here in all the different seasons.

Marianne C.

Yelp

I love the estate and the grounds. I always try and support this organization and am a member. I also enjoy dining at the cafe. They make it very difficult to support them. I've had several problems through the years. Again this week I called and signed up for a lecture. The lady I spoke to was supposed to send me an email to confirm. She didn't, so I called the next day and I couldn't get through to anyone. I called two days later now and the event is full. Again, poor Member Relations. I am so disappointed I had to write this review.

Angelica D.

Yelp

I visited Hillwood Museum and Garden and I'm already thinking of going back. The grounds are absolutely beautiful. The yard was extremely friendly and helpful throughout the tour. My most favorite part was the Japanese garden but I also enjoyed walking through the greenhouse. After we did the tour, we had lunch and it was so scenic on the patio. There were so many flowers and plants. The food and drinks were amazing. You can spend hours here because there is so much to do. Can't wait to go back

Annie B.

Yelp

I came here with my mom a few months ago and I will never forget the day we had it as was truly memorable. This is a stunning property in the middle of D.C. and it catches you by surprise. The parking is pretty easy, but beware it's a busy spot. We were told when we arrived that they were booked for reservations in their restaurant, but I found one a couple on Open Table and made one for 30 minutes later. We meandered around the property for a while to pass time, looking at all of the roses as Marjorie had quite a big garden on the property. We also checked out the greenhouse which was beautiful but crowded. When it was time for lunch I was pleasantly surprised as the food and service were great. They even had items made with ingredients from the garden like lavender lemonade. We then toured the glass exhibit which was stunning, the outside, and finally we did the tour of the house. You truly could spend all day here. The house tour was awesome! Our docent was incredibly knowledgeable and I loved seeing Marjorie's artifacts from Russia as well as the vintage kitchen. She has so many artifacts that I think you could come back a few times and still not have seen them all. When we left I wanted to learn more about Marjorie so we watched the Food that Built America episode where she and her father make an appearance. If I lived closer I might invest in a membership because it's a fun place to walk around and admire. The golf course, the per cemetery, the friendship walkway.. so much to see! It would also be a fun place to take out of town guests to lunch. If you're looking for a fun cultural day trip, definitely go!

Maggi R.

Yelp

How fortunate are we that Marjorie Merriweather Post had the foresight to leave her home and all of its belongings for us to enjoy. Mrs. Post was an astute business woman, socialite, philanthropist, and avid collector of decorative arts. She was one of the richest women in America during her lifetime. She was the sole heir to the Post Cereal Company, which later became General Foods. Make sure you take the time to watch the movie in the theater and the TV monitor on the second floor of the Visitor's Center to learn about Mrs. Post. We always make the trip from Baltimore at Christmas time to see the home decorated for the holidays. They really know how to make the season come to life. We were not disappointed this year. Each room sparkled from the Entry Hall to the French Drawing Room on the first floor and all the rooms on the second floor. It is like stepping back to a more elegant time. Each room has a story to tell. Until the mansion closes on January 14, you can see the current exhibition called "Glass: Art. Beauty. Design."

Alexis B.

Yelp

Hillwood is a GEM. I visited for the first time a month or so ago, and I know it'll be a place I take visitors to DMV (we live in Baltimore, but Hillwood is worth the drive)! Hillwood is the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist, and art collector, who bequeathed the estate to a foundation upon her death so her home and its grounds could be open to the public as a museum. The house is a 36-room Georgian Colonial estate. It is beautiful. But its the collection found on the walls and floors and rooms of the house that are highlight of a self-guided or guided tour of the house! The museum houses 17,000 objects, many of which date to the Romanov period of imperial Russia (including Faberge eggs, portraits of Russian czars/czarinas, tapestries, ceramics, jewelry, and more! The grounds are also incredible - the Japanese garden, orchid greenhouse, cutting garden, and the representational Russian dacha (which houses temporary exhibits) were some of the highlights of the grounds for me. Hillwood is a incredible. Well worth a visit if you like art, architecture, grand homes, or gardens! It just became one of my favorite places in the DC area!

Linda O.

Yelp

Hillwood is a carefully maintained American socialite's home that's a sensational repository of "things". Lots and lots of blingy things. I find myself saying "wow" a lot when here. The socialite, Marjorie Merriweather Post, was one of the wealthiest women in US history and wanted her neo-Georgian mansion to go to the Smithsonian Institution for posterity. The Smithsonian declined. Instead, a non-profit organization called Hillwood Estate runs the place and has done a great job of transforming the mansion into a world-class museum. While watching a film about Post, I learned that when she was in-residence at Hillwood (she had 3 homes in the US), she wanted to "see beauty wherever she looked". I do recommend viewing this film, entitled Hillwood Orientation, particularly for first-time visitors. See it before touring the estate. The film is 10 minutes long and plays continuously in the visitor center. Here's what fascinates me about this museum: -Dishes, glasses, utensils -Kitchen (ahead of its time) -Necklaces with big gemstones -Lace -French and Russian art -Outdoor spaces and gardens -Greenhouse (orchids galore) -Museum Shop Do consider a having meal at the Merriweather Café (indoors) or at least get a cup of coffee from the take-out window, and enjoy it at one of the many outdoor tables provided for doing just that. You'll need a break of some sort; this is a perfect spot.

John B.

Yelp

It was not so far from here that I lived for several years, and I've been by this area innumerable times without any awareness that this spot was here. The mansion and grounds are open for tours with a suggested donation (I noted them offering to waive it for someone who only had Apple Pay, which they couldn't accept, so the donation would seem not to be heavily pushed and is really a voluntary donation). The small parking area was packed and me and others were redirected to park on neighboring streets and walk in to join the hoi palloi. There were some interesting sights and the grounds were well maintained, but to me there was something icky about the tone. Like, "I can't believe how strong and determined this person was to...inherit a fortune and spend it on Faberge eggs". Don't get me wrong, the eggs are cool, but trying to use some sort of social justice language as apologia for a ultra-privileged rich person's hagiography is just ethically bankrupt. As a purely aesthetic experience, the gardens and various indoor spaces hold some intrigue, but I didn't find an enormous amount of overlap of artistic tastes between myself and the curator. There were some nice pieces, but a lot of staid uninteresting ones. To their credit, this place keeps up its Russian collection (focused on the pre-Bolshevik era), which was apparently a significant focus for the mansion's former owner. The grounds are dynamic, but not huge, and while they do serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of this part of the country, there are other ways to experience that.

Ben T.

Yelp

Really awesome museum with great art and gardens. This had been on my list of places to check out for years and it did not disappoint! You could hang out here for hours and even picnic there.

Samantha L.

Yelp

After afternoon tea at Merriweather Cafe, I enjoyed the estate grounds and gardens of Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens. I enjoyed looking at all the flowers that have bloomed. My favorite parts of the gardens were the picturesque Japanese garden and indoor greenhouse orchids.

Tim P.

Yelp

Absolutely stunning. Although this is a mansion, it was a home as well. Beautifully decorated and history galore. The gardens are spectacular. You should go now while everything is in bloom. There is a garden cafe for refreshments. The Japanese Garden was splendid. Go early so that you can get parking. A great value for the money.

Stephanie G.

Yelp

Beautiful gardens and house. At the visitors center it's suggested pay, so don't be shy about coming. There's a good-sized parking lot, but it got full so come early. There's a video about Marjorie Merriweather Post at the visitor center for good background, then a selected tour time. They had an app for an audio tour around the gardens, so we did that before the house tour. It's worth a look around at the well-maintained grounds. The house was a combination on Post's life and her love of art collecting. She had a passion for French and Russian art, including 2 Faberge eggs. Her living spaces were exquisite, and her collection was all interesting and beautiful. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and after the tour, we were allowed to wander back through to get a second/closer look at some objects. They actually had another exhibit space, but we didn't have time to see it. They change some of the decor seasonally so I would come again. This seems like an overlooked museum in the midst of everything else in DC but it's definitely worth the visit.

Daniel R.

Yelp

When you come to DC, you expect to see breathtaking displays at the numerous Smithsonian institutions. What you may not be expecting is the stunning hidden gems. The Hillwood may be the crown jewel of these hidden gems! The museum, the former house of the heiress to the Post Cereal fortune, is perfectly maintained with centuries-old relics throughout the sprawling estate. The gardens are tranquil as all get out, and the grassy areas are plentiful--perfect for a picnic or just a quiet day to sit, read, and enjoy the world around you. The restaurant on campus is also a very tasty treat! You can also bring your own food. How nice! The staff are extraordinarily kind and eager to answer any questions you may have. Memberships are affordable and come with four guest passes per year. Check this place out and become a member NOW!

Sarah F.

Yelp

Hillwood is a wonderful smaller museum with a side of botanic gardens, a small cafe restaurant, and some amazing collections from Marjorie Post. I wasn't expecting much from my visit and tour, but was sufficiently blown away by the collections here. The property itself is very well maintained, the gardens are small and walkable, there is so much to see, a whole day would be enough to get to everything, but their membership is about $80 and you could keep coming back again and again to see new things. All credit for how enjoyable the day was goes to V (Vee?) our tour guide, the best, most energetic, insightful tour guide I've ever followed around for two hours. She was magnificent and knew every little thing about Hillwood, where there are countless little things to know. She made our visit amazing. If you are interested in plants, art, architecture, houses, porcelain, jewelry, tableware, woodwork, diplomacy, religion, fashion -- this is the place for you! I would love to return.

Shafiq A.

Yelp

This is the historic estate of Marjorie Meriweather Post who is the heir of Post foods now General Food Corp. It's a beautiful museum and gardens! The place is so quiet and serene. There's a lot of history here with a lot of French and Russian art (Pre-Soviet era). Great to explore especially since it's in DC! The cafe also has amazing food! Definitely worth checking out!

Lei S.

Yelp

Worth going and visiting! Very nice place to spend a day there. If you book reservations online ahead of time, you get discount. My wife enjoys the collection, building, and the garden! She wants to visit again in the spring! It's much better than the ten dollar building museum we visited last time

Austin G.

Yelp

For a peaceful and inspiring off-the-National Mall experience, head to a Northwest neighborhood called Forest Hills to a 1950s estate called Hillwood. Once the property of the wealthiest woman in the country during her time, the Hillwood Museum and Gardens preserves her mansion, gardens, and art collections. Here's what you can expect: 1) Admission: The museum and gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There's a free parking lot by the visitor center. Admission is a suggested donation between $0-$15 depending on your age, student status, etc. 2) Museum: Exhibits can be found in the mansion and a few smaller houses on the property. The permanent collections are inside the mansion where you can find dishware, Russian and French art, etc. You can also learn how the estate was run and more about Marjorie Merriweather Post, a cereal company heiress. 3) Gardens: Spend at least an hour wandering through the gardens, finding the Japanese-style garden, wooded trails, French courtyard, greenhouse, and sculptures. 4) Staff: Throughout the mansion are staff/volunteers more than willing to answer any questions/tell you more about the estate's history.

Jackie V.

Yelp

So beautiful this time of year! At 10:45 AM the parking was almost full and there were big tours of folks going through the main house. I really loved the gardens and would bring a picnic next time (outside food is allowed). They also sell food on site. Admission was worth the price! Dogs are allowed on the outside grounds.

Hannah C.

Yelp

Lovely historic house museum in northwest DC with delightful gardens. The house's collection focuses on French and Russian "decorative arts" (furniture, dishes, etc), although there are also some lovely paintings. Docent tours are offered several times a day and are free (get tickets from the information desk) and last about an hour and a half. They curate their own rotating exhibits - currently it's about porcelain and they do a lovely job incorporating the exhibit into the mansion as well as the separate gallery space. They have several small themed gardens, which are lovely and take about half an hour to explore. They have a lot of benches and chairs outside for folks who just want to hang out and enjoy the spaces, as well as a small on-site cafe offering coffee and snacks. Overall, a nice "off the beaten path" option for folks who like art and history, takes about an afternoon to see it all.

Sonya H.

Yelp

This is an overly racist and intolerant place. The staff is rude and and entitled even though they are making less than the guests. I am taken aback by the overt discrimination and lack of acknowledgement as a patron. I'm not sure where these employees get off treating paying customers with obvious racial disdain. I see many other reviews like this so it's obvious that they care very little about how they are perceived as an institution. I honestly would appreciate a refund for the stress of dealing with such an uneducated and under exposed group of employees. I think a call would be worthless as I know that this attitude probably runs upward in the organization. I expect a bs email from the museum about discussing it further but let's be honest, you've done nothing to improve since the last review so it's obvious someone needs to go a bit further with their complaints.

Mike C.

Yelp

If you are not into History and come here there is a good chance you will be a fan of it by the end of your tour. The Estate of Majorie Post (Heir to Post Cereal brand among many other endeavors) is a dedication to Russian / French art, and a peek into the living quarters of the billionaire club. I urge you to go to the Hillwood Estate website as I can not talk this experience up enough. Items that are located here were comissioned by Kings and Queens, Russian Czars, British Royalty. It is a real marvel that this property exists nestled away in a local neighborhood a part of the Tri-County Region (Washington, DC) and not isolated closer to Buckingham Palace! As always people SYOY!!!

Lena H.

Yelp

Nice place to visit on a spring day! FYI the admission charge is a donation, so you can give whatever feels right.

Maddy D.

Yelp

Just viewing the two Imperial Faberge Eggs alone was worth more than the cost of admission. There is much to see, enjoy and learn about at Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens. Marjorie Post lived a fascinating life and clearly inherited her father's business sense and acumen. This heiress loved to collect fine art, and her estate museum exhibits her exquisite taste. The gardens are a joy. This "hidden gem" is a lovely way to spend the afternoon learning about this fascinating and generous woman.

Katie A.

Yelp

Amazing place!! I toured the mansion using the app, and found it quite easy to navigate. You can listen to as much as you want it that way, so you could really dig into detail or not. The art in the house is just amazing. Then of course I spent time wandering the gardens. They are just dropdead gorgeous, and the landscaping has so many lovely little touches to it. They also don't mind if you just hang out, so I had brought a book and spent some time sitting out in the garden and a lovely day, reading my book.

C C.

Yelp

This place is fab, there's so many amazing events planned. You won't tire of visiting. A wonderful spot to meet friends and spend time catching up while sharing an experience.

Clarice H.

Yelp

Hillwood is beautiful property with many gardens and a great history to it! I visited for the first time back in 2020 and earlier this year I brought my mom along. She really loved everything about Hillwood so we both decided to become members. Their gardens change out through the years and it's nice to see what they plant and how they grow through the months. This year, they opened a new exhibit featuring the gowns and outfits of the late Grace Kelly. I was really excited for this exhibit that my mom and I made a day of it! We saw the exhibit (a bit small but all the gowns and outfits were amazing) and then later we had lunch at the cafe. The cafe is a nice little place with a small menu offering. I think I've had almost everything on it at this point lol They do tend to have specials off the menu so I definitely would ask if you go to see if they are offering other food options than what is on their menu. This goes the same for their dessert menu. They also have a to-go window where you can order food and have a picnic near the gardens. This a great choice if the weather is right and you have a large blanket in hand. They have a good amount of events for both members and non-members. Their prices are pretty decent so you don't have to worry about digging into your wallet. I'm excited to see what they have going for the holidays this year. Definitely a great place to check out if you are into history and beautiful landscapes. The mansion itself a mini museum with so many pieces of art and jewelry. Marjorie Merriweather Post definitely has style and can we talk about her pink bathroom? lol

Helen Z.

Yelp

I reserved timed tickets online to enter and was kind of bummed that they weren't free, but after coming here I don't regret it at all. There is a cute visitor center you walk through to get to the grounds with maps and brochures to guide you. We did watch the intro video before coming about the life of Marjorie Merriweather Post. We went through the gardens first and they were absolutely spectacular. Several greenhouses full of a huge variety of orchids and other tropical plants in full bloom. Outdoor gardens filled with dogwoods, tulips, azaleas, etc. that were all so well maintained and colorful. We walked through the Japanese garden with multiple ponds and waterfalls, the bountiful cutting garden, and sat at the rose garden (sadly no roses right now) where Marjorie Post's ashes lay at the center under a pink marble monument. We came a little late and were not able to explore the entire place, but what we saw was beautiful and well thought out. At 4 it was time to enter the mansion. There were not too many other people there due to timed entries. The mansion was not as big as I expected but every room and wall was filled with art, including paintings, portraits, tapestries, an impressive collection of china, and many porcelain flowers by an artist whose name I'm blanking on. There are a couple of faberge eggs gifted to Ms. Post and a room for Russian art. I feel like I enjoyed walking through this place perhaps more than I would have liked going to some of the smithsonian museums (bitter that they were all closed during our trip lol), and I would definitely come again. This is a great place to take your parents/grandparents to walk around.

Kenneth L.

Yelp

Great place to explore a different side of DC. Donation based (although the front desk people will give you a weird look if you "donate" anything less than the standard recommendation) and a great outdoor space to take pictures, enjoy the architecture and learn more about Post's history. Give oneself 1/5 hours to 2 hours to truly enjoy the spaces. This place is easiest to get to by car, but public transit isn't THAT bad. I took the metro and walked 20 minutes to get to the estate.

Brooklyn C.

Yelp

Such a beautiful hidden gem. I visited to do a photoshoot and It was amazing. I wish the weather was warm so the rose garden could have actually had roses lol. Nonetheless, DC has so many beautiful places that a lot of people don't know about. I will be back to actually take in the scenery and the mansion as well.

Sabrina S.

Yelp

This was a hidden gem. I was able to take the guided tours in the mansion and the gardens. I had also downloaded the audio tour and listened to those before hand so I knew what I was going to see. What a fascinating life Majorie created and left for us to enjoy. As many have mentioned the parking is limited so plan your arrival accordingly. I read the book The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post which I loved and that is what prompted me to search out Hillwood. If you are a reader I suggest reading the book before your visit !!

Bloss C.

Yelp

Washington DC has many very nice museums, but Hillwood exceeds even DC's high standards. Hillwood is a rich lady's house that was outfitted in 1955 and frozen in time and filled to the brim with pretty things, the owner collected art and various tchotchkes. And portraits of herself; I cant imagine anyone having more portraits of themselves than Marjorie Post. And I enjoyed looking at every single one. Aside from all the beautiful objects in the house, the house itself is a very cool time capsule of 1955. Everything has been maintained, including the staff kitchen and lounge, and all of the state of the art kitchen technology. The "downstairs" parts of the home were some of my favorite parts of the tour, as well as the wall of photos of her dogs by her hair salon. Ms. Post knew how to live! Which brings me to the grounds, the grounds were amazing! There are fountains, a peaceful Japanese garden, lawns for picnicking, a pet cemetery, and a greenhouse.

Bob C.

Yelp

Beautiful gardens/greenhouse and a wonderful cafe. Mansion is not to everyone's taste, to some it will seem an ostentatious homage to an out-of-control ego but to others a tribute to earned wealth and the American dream. A fascination with the French and Russian royal families overlooks the brutality and oppression behind the immense wealth of these nobles that resulted in both their executions. Why these two were fetishized by Mrs Post versus other equally wealthy European royals is open to speculation but it seems more than coincidental. But if you can put that behind you as "what's past is past," it will be an enjoyable day at a reasonable cost. There is no pressure to pay a truly voluntary donation.

Maria A.

Yelp

Being from Russia this place is amazing to visit... as soon as you step inside you are surrounded by paintings and collectibles from Russia. Absolutely worth visiting to anyone appreciating Russian and French art of late 1800s - early 1900s. Greenhouse is full of plants and flowers. They have a cute gift shop that is full of amazing findings at reasonable prices. Worth visiting and highly recommend.

Janice T.

Yelp

Hillwood is exquisite in taste and charm, tucked away in an actual neighborhood. It is a mansion which Marjorie Merriweather Post purchased, with the purpose for it to later become a museum of her extensive Russian and French Art collection opened to the public. Coming to the Hillwood Museum is like paying to check out an open house with extreme opulence that you very well know you can't afford, but curiosity took over. Once you step inside you have a glimpse into the life of a socialite, but who also was a philanthropist. Marjorie Merriweather Post acquired quite a collection of Russian Imperial art including icons, chalices, and porcelain. Her Russian Imperial Art collection is the largest outside of Russia. She became a hoarder of these pieces when she was living in the Soviet Union with her then husband, Davies. He was the second Ambassador to represent the United States in the Soviet Union. Among the extensive art collection you will encounter many intricate porcelain flowers, chalices, crowns and her faberge egg collection. It is very interesting and there is a lot to see. However, make sure you explore her many gardens! It's quite peaceful and serene. One can even choose to picnic on the beautiful grounds as if it was your own residence ;-) Seriously, you can bring your own picnic, although they do have a cafe. Throughout the grounds are a Japanese tea garden, a putting green, a rose garden in which her ashes lay within the column you see in the center, a French parterre, a dog cemetery, a log cabin and so much more. If you are a botanical gardens member, this is one of the participating botanical gardens/museums in which you receive reciprocal admission. Dogs are permitted in the gardens but I'm not sure if it's only on specific days. Some of the grounds and areas of the museum are wheelchair/walker, knee scooter accessible but not all. There is an elevator in the visitor center where you enter to access the gardens and the museum. To enter the mansion, there is a ramp but I don't belief there is an elevator to the second floor ( I could be wrong). There are even small tiers of steps once you reach the second floor. Throughout the gardens there are some main paved paths, but a lot of them don't have paved paths inside the specific area, especially the Japanese gardens. There is a ramp in the front of each greenhouse, but you have to enter and exit the same way if you need to use the ramp, otherwise you have to descend some steps.

Ifeoma I.

Yelp

I don't know why it took me this long to visit this beautiful property! I learned of the museum through some online research for outdoor spaces currently open and practicing social distancing, and the pictures made me eager to see for myself. Hillwood Museum & Gardens is a decorative arts museum and outdoor center in the Van Ness area of DC that was the residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post who was a businesswoman, socialite and philanthropist. Her portraits and notable paintings are sprinkled around the property. Due to the pandemic, you'll have to register for times passes to see 3 main indoor areas of the museum. However while you wait in between for your reserved time there is so much beautiful plants and gardens to see! Unfortunately it's not free, but there are discounts for kids, senior, and students. I drove over and once you check in at the gate based on your timed reservation, you will be directed to the ample parking. Some of the most memorable areas I noted during my visit were the French Parterre, the Mansion itself that had so many beautiful collectibles (mainly Russian and French), and the Japanese-Style garden. The Rose garden lies the final resting place for Post, but unfortunately it didn't seem like it was blooming season and it looked a little barren. The greenhouse was also so beautiful to see, and there are more collectibles spread throughout some other exhibits. I highly recommend this trip to nature lovers who also have an appreciation for beautiful spaces preserved over time.

Melissa S.

Yelp

This museum is such a DC gem. We enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing all the gardens. We will come back in the spring because we know it would be absolutely beautiful.

Jess L.

Yelp

As someone who grew up in the DC area, I was astonished I had never visited Hillwood before. It's a beautiful, green, and elegant oasis from the city. On a nice day, you can find some limited seating on the grounds and bring your own food, hang out for a while. I'd recommend the area near the Japanese Garden, which, itself, is really beautiful and worth walking through. The museum inside the mansion is quite impressive. I don't always like looking at "old stuff," but there was so much to look at and admire. There were guided tours and the physical pamphlet, but you could whip through the whole thing pretty quickly if you wanted to. There were placards with some descriptions of the rooms or unique pieces in the rooms themselves. I feel like I've really lost time not having come before this past summer. I'd recommend for families, out-of-town adult guests, and anyone looking for something a little more tranquil in the busy city.

Sandra A.

Yelp

Beautifully maintained historical estate in Washington DC where you can stroll, have something to eat, learn about it's history and see Russian and European treasures that will wow you. Bring a friend or two and enjoy the lovely gardens together. This is a place to explore and learn about something different.

Heather W.

Yelp

A must see in DC! My absolute favorite place in the city. Such tranquility, beauty, and elegance. The azaleas are a must see! April to June are the best months to visit due to blooming schedules, though it's nice to picnic on the lawn any time of year.

Sherry S.

Yelp

I'd give this 10 stars if I could. After living here nearly 4 years, I finally made it to Hillwood Mansion. What a treasure! The grounds....beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, and extensive. The mansion.....exquisite, something from a bygone era. The special Grace Kelly exhibit is small and well worth the visit. The cafe was so relaxing , with delish curry chicken salad. I plan to take every visitor here, and I will be returning again and again. Very highly recommended.

Lilia L.

Yelp

It is a hidden treasure that everyone should visit! I recommend to start from the orientation 10 minutes film at the visitor center. It describes Marjorie Post passion of art and her collection. Plan for 3 hours visit. The Hillwood museum supports Ukraine and promotes diversity. Save on buying tickets online!

Janette N. G.

Yelp

On a short trip to DC, we made a point to see Hillwood, a dream of mine. Unfortunately it is closed on Monday. At the gate, a very kind estate worker didn't want me to leave disappointed, and allowed me to walk the beautiful gardens. I hope he knows how much his kindness meant to me. I hope to have the chance to see the inside one day.

David C.

Yelp

A definite must-see urban oasis, entrenched in the middle of our nation's Capitol; and yet all but invisible in sight, and unknown and untraversed to even some locals (myself included until a recent visit). Free admission and parking is great. The quality of the exhibits and grounds coupled with its free admission induces a feeling of it being worthwhile to donate; something resoundingly rare indeed. Spending time on the estate is as exhilarating as it is tranquil.

Aarti B.

Yelp

I LOVE Hillwood as it's a hidden gem and tucked away in Rock Creek Park from the throngs of Smithsonian crowds, it's my favorite museum and well worth a visit! You've got to check out Majorie Post's impressive collection of Russian and French works of art. From precious ceramic cutlery to enormous oil paintings and marquetry intricate wood furniture carvings, the estate is decked out from floor to ceiling with masterpieces. The docet curates the tour and explains the story behind the most exquisite pieces. Majorie Post lived in a vibrant life as she managed Post Cereal/General Foods and quite the entertainer! It was interesting to hear "herstory" as well as her travels to acquire her collection. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that her staff beloved her as she treated them very well and known for her philantrophy. I highly recommend doing the free tour offered in the morning and afternoon with a docet (highly trained guide). I was surprised at how much I learned in a hour. As there aren't many signs in the rooms, the tour makes a big difference and I'm glad I came back for it. The true hidden gem is the special exhibit on the Russian imperial Fabrege eggs until Jan 13th! The 5 eggs are so ornate with intricate designs and meticulous craftmanship. Although the "surprises" are missing inside the eggs, I was dazzled an in awe by their beauty. The history of Faberge imperial eggs is quite endearing as Catherine the Great's son commissioned Faberge to craft these eggs for his mom and his wife on Easter. He also gave his mother a special navy egg when his father had passed filled with small portraits of the family. Besides being fun and colorful, on a broader context, I learned that eggs symbolize rebirth and hence are given during Easter. In addition to the eggs, there are beautiful Faberge jewelry boxes, picture frames, and cutlery using beads and other unique materials. Lastly, make sure to take time to meander around the luscious gardens and fun trails. You'll discover a nice pet cemetery and a stunning Japanese garden. The garden is magnificent with waterfalls, cute footbridges and koi ponds. My husband and I spent an hour walking around the manicured gardens and ran out of time. The greenhouse has some unique flowers and worth checking out! Hillwood is divine in the fall and covered in foliage with pickets of yellow, orange, and red everywhere. It's truly breathtaking and one of my favorite places to go in DC in autumn. The Hillwood estate isn't gilded, it's beautiful both inside and out with a rich story of Majorie Post vibrant and philanthropic life to match her vast collections and magnificent grounds. Hillwood is truly a wonder to see!

Karen P.

Yelp

Came once by myself and liked it so much bought a membership and brought the family today. The garden s have very unique and pretty flowers. The Japanese garden is so picturesque. I noticed all the azaleas so planning to come back in the spring. Make sure you watch the intro movie behind the information desk and sign up for a free tour of the mansion. Our tour guide was so pleasant and shared interesting facts in the different rooms. Made me want to learn more history on my own. Planning to go back when dogs are allowed on a Sunday morning.

Boon C.

Yelp

Marjorie Post bought Hillwood in 1955 and has the vision to turn this Estate to museum. She is very particular to host many dinner and events in the Estate. She is very punctual on her invitation no matter who come to visit. The dinner or cocktails are start right on time. After dinner she take her guests to see her collection. Today the estate and garden was use as museum. It is just outside of D.C. Area. The museum collection has very comprehensive collection of Russian imperial art, china, vase, painting. Very impressive. Each table set is formally displayed as high society living. The Estate has two impressive gardens. The Japanese garden and french parterre. The Japanese garden is detail with cascade water falls. The french parterre has two waterway drain to the center. Very symmetrical layout. Visit required 2 hour minimum. We guided tour may need 4 hours. But they have the ear phone with area recording messages to explain each location.

Connie C.

Yelp

Wow, what a beautiful home and garden. First of all, they do a great job with reservations and limiting the number of visitors to maintain social distancing. Felt very safe walking around the grounds and all other guests had masks on too. The outdoor gardens are spectacular. Each one is an immersion into a different style: japanese Zen garden, the rose garden, the French style garden, and there was even a wilderness hike/path. We also enjoyed the flower garden where they produce their own cut flowers. So impressed by the organization and thought put into each section of the outdoor areas. As for the private collection inside the house, we were speechless. The house was packed full of highly valuable artifacts including Faberge eggs and literal crown jewels. To see so many exquisite items in such a short visit made the experience feel even better than some large national museums. I also appreciated the fact that the estate was owned by a woman. I had such a wonderful time here! Perfect COVID safe, summer activity. We saw some folks hanging out on the lawn with blankets with books which is a must do for next time!

Mary D.

Yelp

Impresssive collection of French and Russian art that is worth an afternoon to explore the home and gardens. We have been to DC several times so this museum felt far away from the usual DC monuments and government buildings.

Belle A.

Yelp

Paradise abounds throughout this beautiful estate and the wonderful gardens!! We went on a beautiful Thursday morning! The best time to visit is early before the crowds start to roll in. If you have a membership, you get in an hour before the public. And even if there are crowds, they maintain and enforce COVID safety rules to keep everyone safe. The grounds are sprawling and absolutely exquisite! They are beautifully tended and meticulously manicured. It's a great way to unwind and be one with nature! This place is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, yet close to the National Zoo. It's a welcome oasis in the busy metropolis of DC. So if you crave a quiet moment of solitude, wander around the stately gardens and around the magnificently appointed abode Marjorie Merriweather Post so lovingly created and graciously shared with the general public! Her extremely generous and charitable spirit is evident in her bequest to share this amazing establishment and in her tireless efforts to spread her love lifting up all of humanity, especially the destitute, through generous grants in support of advancement for girls and people of color, as well as support for the Boys Club of America. Her exquisite tastes for Russian and French art permeate throughout her lavish estate. My favorite is the Fabergé eggs on display. She has quite an extensive collection, as well as her Sèvres collection of fine china! As you wander into the mansion, you're greeted with a magnificent grand staircase and an imposing chandelier, surrounded by uniquely framed portraits of her friends, many of who were major dignitaries and one grand portrait of Catherine the Great, whom she admired for her strong character! Honestly, I can't even begin to list all the amazing things about this place! All I can say is GO!!! This estate is not only steeped in rich history, but depicts timeless beauty of a bygone era of the life of a lady in the truest sense. Marjorie Merriweather Post was a true lady in the way she lives her life! She was well-educated, a highly-intelligent and successful business woman who supported women's and minorities' rights and truly lived up to lifting up humanity, regardless of socioeconomic background. For an inspiring and uplifting experience, come visit and gain a sense of the rich history of this remarkable lady and her legacy!! It's amazing!!!

@infatuation

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