Hillwood Museum and Gardens

Washington, D.C., United States

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Hillwood Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C., was the residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist known for her extensive collection of decorative arts.

She purchased the estate in 1955 and transformed the 1920s neo-Georgian mansion and its surrounding 25 acres into a showcase for her world-class collections of 18th-century French furnishings and Russian imperial art. The gardens, designed by several prominent landscape architects, include a French parterre, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden, and woodland areas with greenhouses that house thousands of orchids.

The estate opened to the public in 1977, offering visitors a glimpse into Post’s refined style, her passion for art, and meticulous garden design. Hillwood continues to serve as a cultural and educational institution, preserving Post’s legacy of gracious living, philanthropy, and art appreciation.