Marjorie Merriweather Post grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, and was the daughter of Ella Merriweather Post and Charles William Post of the Post Cereal empire. Throughout her life and privileged travels, she collected objects, works of art, literature, and other objets d’arts worldwide. Here collection includes a vast number of Faberge eggs and the most extensive collection of Russian Imperial era works of art outside of Russia. These are now on display at her former home, Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens. With the hope of collecting beautiful objects and creating enchanting gardens that would one day be displayed and enjoyed by the public, Ms. Post created an enduring legacy of natural beauty, history, and cultural exchange. We very much appreciated her collection on our inaugural visit to Washington D.C.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Location: Washington, D.C.
Address:4155 Linnean Avenue,
NW Washington, DC 20008
Admission: Purchase timed tickets here
Hours: Click here for up to date hours
Parking: Free parking on site
Handicap Accessible: No
Reservations are currently required to visit the estate & garden, and there are separate tickets for the mansion and gardens. We decided to stay here on a whim, and thankfully we could get in to see the gardens, but tickets for the manor were sold out for the day. I’d love to one day come back and see the entire property, but for now, I loved seeing the distinct gardens on the 25-acre estate, including the French knot garden shown above, the lunar garden, a Japanese-inspired garden, and an extensive rose garden.
The property also had a rather large glasshouse greenhouse with a vast array of colorful orchids, including several rare and challenging to cultivate varieties. I adore visiting gardens, and as you may have noticed, I make it a point to see at least one garden in each major city we visit. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens had one of the most lovely gardens we’ve visited in recent memory. There was even a cutting garden near the glasshouse, which the estate caretakers regularly take from to create floral arrangements displayed within the mansion.
Our experience here was lovely, and we enjoyed strolling the grounds, taking in nature, and admiring the gardeners’ expertise in crafting intricate floral and shrubbery displays. A giant topiary designed by the property’s gardeners was made from Ivy from Buckingham Palace in London, England, which was quite impressive. Parking was a breeze, and everything was easily walkable. We spent about 3 hours here and had an incredible time. If you love gardens, Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is undoubtedly a must-visit in Washington, D.C.!
Danielle Andries says
Gorgeous!