Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington DC

This is the former estate, or one of the former estates, of Marjorie Post who was quite a collector and socialite. Her dad was one of the founders of General Foods in which she was an active participant on the board. She was an active collector of decorative arts even before she married her third husband who was the ambassador to the Soviet Union, which is when she started her Russian period. The mansion and gardens are impeccably maintained. The collections and the gardens are exquisite. The docents were very knowledgeable and a pleasure to listen to for the hour tour (each) for each the mansion and gardens. Our mansion tour was led by a tall, gray-haired gentleman (?Len) who was excellent; I do not recall the name of the garden docent but she was just as good. We had lunch at their cafe where the service was attentive and prompt, the food was great, and it was all reasonably priced. The lunch was better than at some pretentious in-vogue restaurant in the city. I will look forward to returning.

I never heard of Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden or of Marjorie Post. This place is breathtaking between the gardens, the art collection and the beautiful estate I was so pleased. I think that this place is underrated or deliberately hidden. Nonetheless I do find it sad. I am not trying to place blame on any entity but I stumbled upon this place because I saw it on Google maps. I studied history and I naturally gravitate to museums whenever I travel. Ms. Post was a fascinating woman and my tour guide was amazing. Her knowledge of Ms. Post's life and background, Russian and French loyalty and the art pieces were amazing. I think the next time I visit D.C. with friends, I will suggest this place. I never saw a Faberge egg in my entire life and learned about their existence in high school. My only regret was not coming to the museum earlier to explore the estate, gardens and the gift shop. Thanks to all of the warm, friendly and attentive staff!