Dumbarton Oaks, Washington D.C.

Dumbarton Oaks, Washington D.C.

Perched atop the historic Georgetown neighborhood, Dumbarton Oaks stands as a must-visit destination within Washington, D.C. This sprawling 53-acre property is the enduring legacy of philanthropists and art enthusiasts Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred.

In the year 1920, following an extensive and meticulous search, the Bliss couple acquired an old-fashioned Federal-style country house nestled amidst somewhat neglected grounds. By 1929, they expanded the estate by adding a Music Room, and in subsequent years, constructed a wing to house their renowned collection of Byzantine art. Another wing was subsequently built to showcase Mr. Bliss's assemblage of Pre-Columbian art.

In 1921, the Blisses enlisted the talents of renowned landscape designer Beatrix Farrand to craft an English garden enveloping the entire property. Over nearly three decades of close collaboration, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand meticulously planned every aspect of the gardens, including terraces, benches, urns, and borders, ultimately fashioning a stunning urban oasis.

By 1940, the upper sixteen acres of the estate were bequeathed to Harvard University for the establishment of a research institute dedicated to Byzantine studies, Pre-Columbian studies, as well as the history of gardens and landscape architecture. Concurrently, a Garden Library was established to house Mrs. Bliss's collection of rare books chronicling the history of gardens.

Presently, the entire estate operates under the auspices of Harvard University's Trustees. Its impressive art collection has been on extended loan to the National Gallery of Art.

Why You Should Visit:
The Museum is home to a world-class collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art; the old music and rare books rooms are fascinating to walk through. From the tapestries and paintings in the Renaissance-inspired Music Room to the graceful lines and natural sunlight of the Philip Johnson Pavilion, visitors can admire art dating back to antiquity, as well as innovative special exhibitions.
You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the gardens and discovering every hidden corner.
Everything is well-kept up – space, lighting, staff, historical rooms, terraces, gardens, and security.

Tip:
Make sure you get the booklet and follow the suggested garden route as it helps to understand the layout. Also look out for birds and small mammals.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Washington D.C.. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Dumbarton Oaks on Map

Sight Name: Dumbarton Oaks
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
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The historic military necropolis – the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. – the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons – had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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