“I am particularly attracted by the beauty of an object, its craftsmanship, history …” — Marjorie Merriweather Post
There is an indefinable logic behind many people’s desire to peer into the charmed life of the wealthy, to become part of — even for a few short hours — the blissful luxury of a life that will never be theirs to own.
Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post Cereal fortune, must have known that instinctively, when — upon her death in 1973 — the prolific art collector and philanthropist bequeathed her Washington, D.C., Georgian estate (purchased in 1955) to the public as a museum.
Here, she would not only live until her death, but also share with the world her comprehensive collection of 18th- and 19th-century Russian Imperial art, along with an extensive collection of 18th-century French decorative arts. Within multiple, palatial rooms of marble flooring, fine wood moldings and gleaming chandeliers of crystal, a captivated public can view such collection highlights as a diamond crown worn by Empress Alexandra, two Imperial Easter eggs by Carl Faberge and a very personal collection of costumes worn by Post or her family.
“The mansion at Hillwood has 36 rooms, [and] the public can see Post’s bedroom, dressing rooms, library, dining room, drawing room, kitchen and more,” said Lynn Rossotti, director of media relations at Hillwood.
Rossotti also notes that while the gardens are the most popular in the spring season, most visitors come to Hillwood for the gracious and immersive experience.
“The Hillwood experience enables guests to set their own agenda, [to] explore the home or just relax among the serene gardens and lawns,” she added. “Visitors are advised to plan for at least three hours, or to indulge in a whole day.”
This indulgence, of course, begins with the orientation film, “An Introduction to Fabulous.” Royal teas and lunch are served in the cafe. Audio tours of the garden and mansion, as well as written tours in English, French and Russian, are available, as are docent-guided tours.
Harold Schafke has been a volunteer docent since 2004.
“I enjoy learning something new about the collection, sharing that knowledge with our guests, and watching them light up,” he said. “No matter what kind of day I’m having, once I’m at Hillwood, it’s all worth it.”
If you go:
Hillwood Museum & Gardens
Where: 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW in Washington
Distance: 40 Miles from Baltimore
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed during January)
Info: Info: 1-800-HILLWOOD; www.hillwoodmuseum.org
