Hillwood Estate and Museum is the closest thing to Bridgerton in Washington, D.C. It was founded by Marjorie Merriweather Post, a DC sweetheart, businesswoman, and philanthropist and inspired by French palaces and nobality. After seeing gorgeous photos online, I knew I had to visit.

It’s a true hidden gem in the Van Ness neighborhood of Washington, D.C., overlooking Rock Creek Park. Landscape architect Willard Gebhart designed it but Marjorie is the brains behind all the decor.

Things To Know Before Going to Hillwood Estate and Museum

You’ll be doing a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. Also, make sure to check the website for special events and workshops. They are open on some holidays, but it’s best to verify. DC’s heat can be brutal, so don’t forget your water bottle. You can fill it up at the water fountains in the Welcome Center.

Hours & Admission

Regular adult tickets are $18, but admission for seniors, college students, and children is discounted. Hillwood Estate and Museum are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, but make sure to check their schedule. I visited on July 4th, and they were open.

Getting There and Parking

There are some parking spots on the grounds and a local metro station nearby exist. If taking public transportation, take the red line to the Van Ness/UDC station and walk less than a mile to the estate. I took an Uber and had no issues but the pickup wait was a bit long. Lucklily there’s a bench at the front gate.

Inside the Mansion at Hillwood Estate and Museum

The Hillwood mansion is the star of the show. Majorie was the epitome of class and opulence, and her Georgian mansion reflected that. She decorated it with collectible art, historical artifacts, and luxury in every corner.

The mansion’s library is cozy and filled with her favorite books. She would often spend hours reading and planning her next big project.

Here are some of the things I saw inside:

The French Drawing Room

The French Drawing Room is filled with elegant furniture and stunning tapestries depicting ancient stories. It was my second favorite room in the mansion. The swivel chair was made by a famous Parisian chairmaker connected to Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France.

The artwork and wall-sized tapestry stopped me in my tracks, and I couldn’t help but to think about all the interesting stories these walls hold. Imagine Marjorie and her closets friends sipping tea while discussing recent events or their spring plans. Overall, a gorgeous space.

Marjorie’s Bedroom and Closet

One of my favorite parts of the mansion was Marjorie’s Bedroom and Closet. Her walk-in closet had the cutest printed storage boxes and wallpaper. Her vanity desk was something out of a dream! Their are high ceilings and dreamy brocade fabric with unique draping styles. I also noticed a lot of intimate photos of her family members, dogs, and friends, which really helped to humanize the space.

Art Collection at Hillwood Mansion and Estate

As you can tell, Marjorie was a collector of fine art from all across the globe. Inside the mansion, you’ll find an impressive amount of Russian imperial art, including Fabergé eggs, French decorative arts, and stunning paintings. Every room is decorated with art. The Dining Room is another highlight, set as if a grand dinner party is about to occur.

There’s also the kitchen, a Russian Porcelain Room, and a dining room. I was surprised to see Ethiopian biblical artwork on her walls.

The Gardens at Hillwood Estate

Flowers were so important to Marjorie that in her will, she deemed her cutting flower garden would continue even after her passing. Therefore, all the cut flowers seen inside the mansion and around the grounds, are sourced from the estate itself. If you’ve ever kept a plant alive more than 2 months, you know that it’s quite an accomplishment.

People come from all over to explore her stunning gardens, each divided into different themed areas that feel more like rooms. And that intentional. Each garden has its own unique charm and offers visitors something special.

The gardens look magical in every season. In the spring and summer, flowers such as the blue and purple hydrangeas, ecuplatus, and Trumpet lilies are in bloom. I find Trumpet lilies to be one of the most beautiful native flowers in the area. They look like little elf hats.

The French Parterre

Marjorie Merriweather Post loved the French Parterre so much that she had her bedroom suite designed so that she could peak into it whenever she needed some inspiration. It was only a few steps away from the mansion, and Marjorie would often use it for writing letters, holding quick meetings, and reflecting.

The French Parterre was inspired by glamorous French palace gardens. It features a sculpture of Diana, the Roman Goddess of the moon, hunt, and nature. While the garden fountain and walls made of English Ivy create a whimsical experience.

The Rose Garden

Marjorie Merriweather Post had a soft spot for roses. The Rose Garden is not just a beautiful space for pink, white, and red roses. It’s also a memorial. A small amount of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s ashes lay in the base of a monument in the Rose Garden. There’s also a garden terrace with lots of hanging flowers and benches.

It’s best to visit during the rose blooming season, which is usually June through August. But it looks quite magical during winter as well. I went on a rainy, gloomy day, so check the weather forecast first.

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The Japanese-Style Garden

Hillwood’s Japanese-style garden was designed by Shogo Myaida and reflected a blend of American and Japanese motifs. It also celebrates Marjorie Post’s love of eclectic and beautiful items. There’s a gorgeous koi pond, tall Japanese Maple, and Japense lanterns.

The Greenhouse

Orchards were Marjorie Merriweather Post’s favorite flowers. When you walk into the Greenhouse, you’ll see many varieties of orchards and tropical flowers. It’s like walking into a tropical paradise in the heart of DC.

Eating at the Café

The cafe at Hillwood Estate and Museum serves snacks, breakfast, lunch, and Afternoon Tea. Their Afternoon Tea requires a minium of 4 people per reservation and reservations must be made 72 hours beforehand. Their Parisian Afternoon Tea is quite limited but I think the price reflects that.

Honestly, I found their lunch menu to be a bit limited. There weren’t any vegetarian entrees, but there was a small menu of classic options, including a few salads, entrees, and sandwiches. The café has both indoor and outdoor seating, but the heat and rain forced me to go inside. I was eyeing their coffee, but I came 30 minutes before the kitchen closed, and the staff seemed a bit tired, so I left for a nearby Ugyhuyrian restaurant.

If you’re not a fan of their menu, check out some nearby restaurants, which are less than ten minutes away.

Rules To Know Before Visiting Hillwood Estate and Museum

I found most of the staff to be very welcoming and informative. They encouraged us to take lots of photos and tag them on social media. Here are some of their guidelines:

No Videos Inside the Mansion

Photos without flash are allowed inside the mansion, but videography is not. It can impact the longevity and quality of some of the artifcats.

No Commercial Use

Visitors are welcome to take photos and videos to share with friends and family but photos can not be used for commercial products.

No Tripods

Hillwood Estate doesn’t allow tripods, lighting beams, or other professional gear. However, you can use cameras and smartphones.

Share the Space

Everyone deserves the right to enjoy their experience. A few ways to respect the experience of other visitors are to avoid blocking pathways, speak very loudly, or spend 15 minutes retaking photos in one spot.

Is Visiting Hillwood Estate and Museum Worth It?

I think it’s 100% worth visiting. It’s a gorgeous estate with lots of beautiful things to see. As an entrepreneur, I found Majorie and her home very inspirational. They reminded me to romanticize my life and incorporate beautiful things into every moment. I confirmed that after watching the short film about her life in the welcome center.

Visiting Hillwood Estate is like stepping into a romantic novel like Bridgerton. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a vintage lover, or just looking for a beautiful retreat, Hillwood has something for everyone. Enjoy your visit!

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