Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

06/09/2021

We are excited to welcome walk in visitors again beginning Saturday, June 12. Hillwood is no longer requiring advance reservations for timed entry to visit. We hope to see you soon!

Please note: As spring is our busiest season, we still encourage visitors to book tickets online in advance to ensure a smooth check in.

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

We are excited to welcome walk in visitors again beginning Saturday, June 12. Hillwood is no longer requiring advance reservations for timed entry to visit. We hope to see you soon!

Please note: As spring is our busiest season, we still encourage visitors to book tickets online in advance to ensure a smooth check in.

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

06/08/2021

It’s #NationalGardenWeek! Hillwood has 13 acres of formal gardens, carefully designed by the visionary Marjorie Post and dedicatedly maintained by Hillwood’s horticulture staff. Which garden is your favorite?

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

It’s #NationalGardenWeek! Hillwood has 13 acres of formal gardens, carefully designed by the visionary Marjorie Post and dedicatedly maintained by Hillwood’s horticulture staff. Which garden is your favorite?

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

06/07/2021

Beverage in hand, ready for the week ahead. Are you team coffee or tea?

📷: Woman with a Cup of Postum, William H. McEntee, 1917. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 51.203.

Beverage in hand, ready for the week ahead. Are you team coffee or tea?

📷: Woman with a Cup of Postum, William H. McEntee, 1917. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 51.203.

06/05/2021

#DidYouKnow pearls are the birthstone for June? Marjorie Merriweather Post had an affinity for pearls, collecting pieces such as this pearl necklace with a diamond clasp. Created by Cartier, the necklace features four strands with 188 cultured pearls and an intricate diamond clasp with 408 diamonds (and 140 more diamonds in the tassels!).

📷: Necklace, Cartier, 1936-63. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 17.69. Photographed by SquareMoose, Inc.

06/04/2021

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features peonies, oak leaf hydrangeas, penstemon, nigella, lilies, and verbena.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features peonies, oak leaf hydrangeas, penstemon, nigella, lilies, and verbena.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

06/04/2021

If you’re craving your favorite dish from Merriweather Café, look no further! We are excited to share a few classic recipes with you. 🥐 Enjoy a Hillwood favorite: the coronation chicken salad. Check out the recipe below! And don’t forget, Merriweather To Go is open during your visit.

Ingredients:
3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3 stalks Celery
1 cup Dried Apricots
½ cup Shaved Almonds
1 ½ tbsp Chives
1 ½ cup Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Curry Powder
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly coat chicken in olive oil or vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Place chicken on a nonstick sheet pan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. Let the chicken cool and slice into small ½” pieces.
2. Finely dice celery, chives, and dried apricots.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, celery, chives, dried apricots, shaved almonds, and curry powder.
4. Stir in mayonnaise and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Scoop chicken salad onto your favorite bread (we suggest a butter croissant or brioche) and enjoy! (Serves 6)

📷: DOLA Photography | Constellation

If you’re craving your favorite dish from Merriweather Café, look no further! We are excited to share a few classic recipes with you. 🥐 Enjoy a Hillwood favorite: the coronation chicken salad. Check out the recipe below! And don’t forget, Merriweather To Go is open during your visit.

Ingredients:
3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3 stalks Celery
1 cup Dried Apricots
½ cup Shaved Almonds
1 ½ tbsp Chives
1 ½ cup Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Curry Powder
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly coat chicken in olive oil or vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Place chicken on a nonstick sheet pan and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F. Let the chicken cool and slice into small ½” pieces.
2. Finely dice celery, chives, and dried apricots.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, celery, chives, dried apricots, shaved almonds, and curry powder.
4. Stir in mayonnaise and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Scoop chicken salad onto your favorite bread (we suggest a butter croissant or brioche) and enjoy! (Serves 6)

📷: DOLA Photography | Constellation

06/03/2021

#TBT to this garden tea Marjorie Post held on the Lunar Lawn in the spring of 1969. Post hosted hundreds of guests at these receptions for not only the political and social elite of Washington but also the groups representing her philanthropic efforts.

#TBT to this garden tea Marjorie Post held on the Lunar Lawn in the spring of 1969. Post hosted hundreds of guests at these receptions for not only the political and social elite of Washington but also the groups representing her philanthropic efforts.

06/02/2021

“A feast for the eyes 😍” — @its_dc_darling

Don’t miss these beautiful orchids showing off in the greenhouse! And, tag #HiFromHillwood for a chance to be featured.

“A feast for the eyes 😍” — @its_dc_darling

Don’t miss these beautiful orchids showing off in the greenhouse! And, tag #HiFromHillwood for a chance to be featured.

06/01/2021

Rabbit, rabbit—June is here!

Head to https://tinyurl.com/47db6j59 to see what Hillwood has planned this month.

📷: S***f Bottle, China. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 61.43. Photographed by Brian Searby.

Rabbit, rabbit—June is here!

Head to https://tinyurl.com/47db6j59 to see what Hillwood has planned this month.

📷: S***f Bottle, China. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 61.43. Photographed by Brian Searby.

05/31/2021

Happy Memorial Day! Sending heartfelt thanks to all those who have served. 🇺🇸

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

Happy Memorial Day! Sending heartfelt thanks to all those who have served. 🇺🇸

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

05/30/2021

Among the treasures in Hillwood’s collection are two imperial Easter eggs, created by Peter Carl Fabergé, born #OnThisDay in 1846. While running the Firm of Fabergé from 1882 to 1920, he made fifty of these eggs, reflecting all manner of styles and often including surprises inside.

📷: Alex Braun

Among the treasures in Hillwood’s collection are two imperial Easter eggs, created by Peter Carl Fabergé, born #OnThisDay in 1846. While running the Firm of Fabergé from 1882 to 1920, he made fifty of these eggs, reflecting all manner of styles and often including surprises inside.

📷: Alex Braun

05/29/2021

Memorial Day weekend mood, courtesy of Marjorie Merriweather Post 🎉 Cheers to the long weekend!

Memorial Day weekend mood, courtesy of Marjorie Merriweather Post 🎉 Cheers to the long weekend!

05/28/2021

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features allium, forget me nots, larkspur, mock orange, and itea from the cutting garden.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features allium, forget me nots, larkspur, mock orange, and itea from the cutting garden.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

05/27/2021

It’s getting warm out there! Time to unpack your sundresses, like these Marjorie Merriweather Post wore in the early 1960s. She typically paired day dresses with matching short jackets, often purchasing the same outfit in multiple colors.

📷: Renee Comet

It’s getting warm out there! Time to unpack your sundresses, like these Marjorie Merriweather Post wore in the early 1960s. She typically paired day dresses with matching short jackets, often purchasing the same outfit in multiple colors.

📷: Renee Comet

05/27/2021

Woof! Are you team dog or team cat? 🐾 Marjorie Post loved dogs and had many throughout her life, including Scampi, her last schnauzer. This photograph of three schnauzers is on view in mansion.

Woof! Are you team dog or team cat? 🐾 Marjorie Post loved dogs and had many throughout her life, including Scampi, her last schnauzer. This photograph of three schnauzers is on view in mansion.

05/26/2021

Peony Floral Arranging with Ami Wilber

Peony season is here! Join Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer, as she creates a beautiful floral arrangement featuring peonies, mock orange, and sweet pea greens from Hillwood.

05/25/2021

#DidYouKnow? Emerald is the birthstone for May. This Indian-style brooch, created by Cartier in 1923 but remodeled in 1928, features a variety of stones, including seven carved 17th-century Mughal emeralds that weigh a combined 250 carats. Marjorie Post wore this piece as both a pendant and a brooch, as seen in this portrait of her with a young Dina Merrill from 1929. View both the brooch and the painting next month in the special exhibition “Roaring Twenties: The Life and Style of Marjorie Merriweather Post.”

📷: Pendant Brooch, Cartier, 1928. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 17.75. Photographed by SquareMoose, Inc.

📷: Portrait of Mrs. Hutton and Daughter Nedenia Hutton, Giulio de Blaas, Italy, 1929. Hillwood Estate, Museum & gardens, acc. no. 51.146.

05/24/2021

The pretty pavilion hallway ✨ #DidYouKnow? It houses many small hardstone objects of different colors and materials, including quartz, agate, lapis lazuli, and more!

The pretty pavilion hallway ✨ #DidYouKnow? It houses many small hardstone objects of different colors and materials, including quartz, agate, lapis lazuli, and more!

05/23/2021

It’s #WorldTurtleDay! 🐢 Hillwood is home to many animals, including a variety of turtles, such as Cecilia, the red-eared slider pictured here, who resides in the Japanese-style garden. Have you spotted a turtle at Hillwood?

It’s #WorldTurtleDay! 🐢 Hillwood is home to many animals, including a variety of turtles, such as Cecilia, the red-eared slider pictured here, who resides in the Japanese-style garden. Have you spotted a turtle at Hillwood?

05/22/2021

Save the date – Roaring Twenties: The Life and Style of Marjorie Merriweather Post opens on June 12! Explore the Jazz Age through the lens of an icon.

Hillwood founder Marjorie Post was a prominent tastemaker during the Roaring Twenties. One hundred years later, Hillwood celebrates Post's effect on the period—her impeccable attire, impressive art collection, and sumptuous design that made her one of the most influential women of the 1920s. Head to https://tinyurl.com/4fua968w to learn more!

Save the date – Roaring Twenties: The Life and Style of Marjorie Merriweather Post opens on June 12! Explore the Jazz Age through the lens of an icon.

Hillwood founder Marjorie Post was a prominent tastemaker during the Roaring Twenties. One hundred years later, Hillwood celebrates Post's effect on the period—her impeccable attire, impressive art collection, and sumptuous design that made her one of the most influential women of the 1920s. Head to https://tinyurl.com/4fua968w to learn more!

05/21/2021

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features allium, peonies, foxglove, and itea, all from the cutting garden.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

Happy #FlowerFriday! This week’s #VCArrangement features allium, peonies, foxglove, and itea, all from the cutting garden.

📷: Ami Wilber, Hillwood’s floral and event décor designer

05/21/2021

Clara Barton founded the #AmericanRedCross #OnThisDay in 1881. This Red Cross uniform belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was very involved with the organization, particularly during WWII.

The yellow uniform was purchased from a commercial vendor and altered for Post. It features a brass pin inscribed with “American Red Cross Volunteer.”

📷: American Red Cross Volunteer Uniform, The Uniform Shop, 1941-42. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 48.98.1-4.

Clara Barton founded the #AmericanRedCross #OnThisDay in 1881. This Red Cross uniform belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was very involved with the organization, particularly during WWII.

The yellow uniform was purchased from a commercial vendor and altered for Post. It features a brass pin inscribed with “American Red Cross Volunteer.”

📷: American Red Cross Volunteer Uniform, The Uniform Shop, 1941-42. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, acc. no. 48.98.1-4.

05/20/2021

Bzzzz! It’s #WorldBeeDay 🐝 At Hillwood, we love bees. They not only aid with pollination but also feed on bad insects, such as aphids.

Species extinction is a severe threat to the world, and while bees may not be a “keystone” species, they are native and have their role to play in the environment. Last year, after taking into account visitor safety, a large native beehive was left undisturbed and allowed to thrive.

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

Bzzzz! It’s #WorldBeeDay 🐝 At Hillwood, we love bees. They not only aid with pollination but also feed on bad insects, such as aphids.

Species extinction is a severe threat to the world, and while bees may not be a “keystone” species, they are native and have their role to play in the environment. Last year, after taking into account visitor safety, a large native beehive was left undisturbed and allowed to thrive.

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

05/19/2021

Wednesdays with Wilfried

Join Wilfried Zeisler, chief curator, as he explores objects in Hillwood's collection. Learn about objects from the collection of the Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

05/19/2021

Coming this July! Head to https://tinyurl.com/y424nvp9 to learn more.

Dance Place and Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens are thrilled to announce the recipient of a site-specific, movement-based performance commission and presentation to premiere at Hillwood. Congratulations to Krystal Collins/new growth collective!

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More about Krystal Collins/new growth collective: Hailing from the Midwest, Krystal Leniece Collins (she/they) captivated their first audience in the produce section of the local Moo & Oink (may the beloved Chicago grocery chain rest in power). A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (BFA ‘18), Krystal has performed in many works during their matriculation and throughout the DMV area. They have performed with Contradiction Dance Theatre, darlingdance, Heart Stück Bernie, A.J. Collabs and ReVision Dance Company. new growth collective is a decentralized movement and dance education incubator that champions fluidity, world building and movement as mutual aid.

This summer, from July 21 – 25, 2021, Krystal Collins/new growth collective will present a movement-based performance work that is in dialogue with incoming sculpture installation Rich Soil by Kristine Mays, a California-based sculpture artist.

The exhibition features 29 life-size sculptures capturing bodies in motion. Mays said her sculptures were inspired by Alvin Ailey’s famed work, Revelations, and the way Ailey explored the historical African American experience through movement.

Stay tuned for more information on the physically distant gathering, including show dates, times, and ticket information.

Photo Creds: JHsu media

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The selection committee for this commission was comprised of:

Ronya-Lee Anderson, dancer, choreographer, scholar, singer, songwriter and educator & recipient of past Dance Place physically distant commission

Ben Levine, Director of Production at Dance Place

Jessica Malcom, Hillwood Grants Manager

Ashlee McKinnon, artist, teacher, company manager for BREatheDance Project; Exhibition Committee member for Rich Soil at Hillwood

05/18/2021

It’s #InternationalMuseumDay! Hillwood strives to be a place of inspiration, learning, beauty, and community. We are so thankful for our wonderful visitors, members, staff, and volunteers who make all of this possible. What do you love about Hillwood?

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

It’s #InternationalMuseumDay! Hillwood strives to be a place of inspiration, learning, beauty, and community. We are so thankful for our wonderful visitors, members, staff, and volunteers who make all of this possible. What do you love about Hillwood?

📷: Erik Kvalsvik

05/17/2021

These springtime glasses are the perfect way to bring the outside in! If you can’t go out to enjoy nature, bring the flowers to you.

📷: John Dean

These springtime glasses are the perfect way to bring the outside in! If you can’t go out to enjoy nature, bring the flowers to you.

📷: John Dean

05/16/2021

Marjorie Merriweather Post presented the National Society of Arts and Letters Scholarship Awards (Washington Chapter) to winners in art, music, literature, and dance #OnThisDay in 1956. Here, she is pictured with Barbara Chesney Schmir and Ildiko Pulvari who received the dance award.

Marjorie Merriweather Post presented the National Society of Arts and Letters Scholarship Awards (Washington Chapter) to winners in art, music, literature, and dance #OnThisDay in 1956. Here, she is pictured with Barbara Chesney Schmir and Ildiko Pulvari who received the dance award.