Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Opulent estate with 18th-century Russian Imperial & French decorative art, 13-acre gardens & cafe.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is rated 4.8 / 5 from 2,422 Google reviews and sits about 3.3 km (41 min walk) from Friendship Heights station.
General overview
About Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is the former Washington, DC home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, featuring an exceptional collection of Russian imperial art, 18th-century French decorative arts, a historic mansion, and extensive formal gardens. The information below is based on general/training knowledge and has not been live-verified.
- Marjorie Merriweather Post’s historic mansion and period interiors
- Russian art, including imperial objects and Fabergé-related works
- 18th-century French decorative arts
- Japanese-style garden, French parterre, Lunar Lawn, greenhouse, and woodland gardens
- Quiet, highly landscaped setting in northwest Washington, DC
Things to do here
Mansion and permanent collection
Tour the former residence and see rooms furnished with Russian and French decorative arts, paintings, furniture, and objects associated with Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Russian art galleries
View one of the museum’s major strengths: Russian imperial and decorative arts, including objects connected with the Romanov era.
Formal gardens
Explore the French parterre, Japanese-style garden, rose garden, lunar lawn, sculpture areas, and wooded grounds. Garden availability can vary by season or weather.
Greenhouse and plant collections
Visit the estate’s historic greenhouse complex and horticultural displays, subject to seasonal access and programming.
Temporary exhibitions and programs
Hillwood presents changing exhibitions, lectures, tours, demonstrations, and seasonal programs. Some may require separate reservations or fees.
Self-guided estate visit
A typical visit combines the mansion, exhibitions, gardens, greenhouse areas, and on-site amenities.
Arrive 10–15 minutes before the reserved entry time. The estate is in a residential northwest Washington neighborhood; allow extra time for parking or public transportation. Check access arrangements before visiting.
Advance timed-entry reservations are advisable, particularly on weekends, during peak garden seasons, and for special exhibitions or programs.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is about 3.3 km (~41 min walk) from Friendship Heights station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Clyde's of Chevy Chase
Restaurants · 4 min walk
★ 4.3
Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase
Hotels · 7 min walk
★ 4.2
Politics and Prose Bookstore
Restaurants · 17 min walk
★ 4.8
Residence Inn by Marriott Bethesda Downtown
Hotels · 34 min walk
★ 4.5
maman
Restaurants · 34 min walk
★ 4.8
Pisco y Nazca Bethesda
Restaurants · 36 min walk
★ 4.9
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens from Friendship Heights station?
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is about 3307 m (roughly 41 min walk) from Friendship Heights station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens rated?
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens has a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 2,422 reviews.
What's near Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Clyde's of Chevy Chase, Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase, Politics and Prose Bookstore.
Is Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom.
Is there parking near Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens?
Google lists these parking options near Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: free parking lot, free street parking.
Is Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens good for children?
Yes — Google lists Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens as good for children.
Where is Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens?
It is at 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, in northwest Washington near Rock Creek Park.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on about two to three hours, or longer if you want to explore the gardens carefully and visit exhibitions or programs.
Is advance booking necessary?
It is advisable, especially for weekends, peak garden seasons, and special programs. Confirm the current timed-entry policy before traveling.
Can I visit only the gardens?
Hillwood’s admission structure generally covers the estate experience rather than functioning as a simple garden-only ticket, but current options should be checked with the museum.
Is Hillwood suitable for children?
Yes. The gardens and educational activities can be appealing to families, although young visitors should be supervised around historic interiors and works of art.
Is the museum accessible?
Some accessible facilities and routes may be available, but the historic mansion, terraces, paths, and gardens can present limitations. Contact the museum in advance to plan an accessible visit.
Can I take photographs?
Usually some personal photography is allowed, subject to posted restrictions. Flash, tripods, and photography in particular galleries or exhibitions may be prohibited.
Are there places to eat?
Hillwood has historically offered café or seasonal dining options, but hours and availability can change. Verify before relying on on-site food service.
Is parking available?
There is generally on-site parking, but capacity is limited. Consider public transportation or rideshare during busy periods.
What days is Hillwood closed?
It is generally closed Mondays, with additional closures on some major holidays and occasional program or maintenance dates.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.