Field Trips: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden

*** RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER ***  to rain date of Sunday, April 16, 2023, 10am to 1pm

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It is our pleasure to introduce April’s field trip to the Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens.  This is a rare destination for our club to explore.  The estate is huge and we may not cover it all in one visit, but we’re certain you will end the day satisfied, already planning your next visit.

The former owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post maintained an extensive collection of orchids, so a visit to the greenhouse to see the orchids and other flowers maintained by today’s horticulturists is sure to be impressive.  Spring will be well underway and the Japanese style garden will be amazing despite the fact that the cherry blossoms will have past their prime.  The Lunar Lawn will also draw in photographers with rows of flowers lining the perimeter.  Sculptures and various other subjects will be discovered while wandering around the French Parterre and Four Seasons garden. 

There is so much to see outdoors you may forget about the lavishly decorated mansion and museum.  Inside you can tour the mansion’s collection of Imperial-era Russian art.  You’ll also find exotic French furniture, tapestries, and paintings as you wander through the rooms of the mansion. 

On the day of our field trip, we’ll start with the outdoors.  After we’ve paid our admission, we’ll break into smaller groups and spread out to the various gardens to take advantage of the soft morning light.  At or about high noon, we’ll gather around the Merriweather Cafe for a break.  They will have indoor dining as well as a to go menu which will allow us to eat and chat outside in the warm spring weather.  The light may be a bit harsh after our break so we recommend going indoors to snoop around for subjects.

Please be aware of Hillwood’s photographic policy linked below.  It states that tripods may only be used in the gardens, and flashes, reflectors, etc. are prohibited.

https://hillwoodmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/photography-policy

Tickets:

Visiting Hillwood requires paid admission.  Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online (https://secure.hillwoodmuseum.org/events) or in person.  Purchasing online ahead of time offers a small discount ($1).

Adult: $18
Senior: $15
Child (6-18): $6

Equipment:

• Most subjects will not be too far away so a standard lens will suit for most compositions.
• Consider bringing a macro lens to capture some unique details in either the flowers or decorations.
• Don’t forget to bring a polarizer.
• As mentioned in the photographic policy, tripods are only allowed in the gardens. If you bring a tripod, be prepared to walk back to your car and drop it off before going indoors.
• No flash photography.
• Weather is anticipated to be comfortably warm. Restrooms are available on-site. Benches and chairs will be scattered throughout the estate.

When:

Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain day)

Where:

You’ll will find our group on the edge of the parking lot leading to the visitor’s center / museum shop entrance.  We’ll meet in a little out of the way spot so we can visit and enjoy each other’s company before going through admissions.

Directions:

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008

Complimentary multi-level parking is limited so consider carpooling with your fellow club mates.  Should you want to use the Metro, the nearest stop is the Red Line’s Van Ness-UDC station.  From there, you’ll walk East for a mile past Howard University Law School and the Embassy of the Netherlands.

COVID precautions:

There is a lot to see and do at the Hillwood Estate.  If you plan to tour inside the mansion or the greenhouse, you should be aware that you will most likely pass by others who are unmasked.  We’re anticipating below average risk.  The Hillwood Estate is a somewhat popular destination, but it should not be overly crowded.

We hope you can join us!

Rena Schild and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2022-2023

* Photographs courtesy of Rena Schild and Steven Glintz