Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens; - (Home of Marjorie Merriweather Post)

 

In 1955, Marjorie purchased Hillwood as her home and spent 2 years of renovation and expansion, - creating it as a place that suits her lifestyle as well as a museum to display her extra ordinary art collections.

Marjorie Post was one of the richest women of her time (1887-1973). She is a great collector of French and Russian arts for her enjoyment as well as for the education purpose of future generations.

Hillwood Estate covers 25 acres of landscaped gardens and natural woodlands; it remains Marjorie's most important legacy, including the artistry of its collections and beautiful gardens that continue to inspire. It is now one of the premier art collector's museum in the US.

This Georgian-style mansion is filled with the most modern conveniences that money could buy, including her elegant French drawing room, the efficient and "high-tech" kitchen and pantry, and the many personal touches that made Hillwood one of Washington's most memorable homes.

In 1977, Hillwood Estate & Gardens opened to the public. Today, it continous to show vibrant special exhibitions, programs, events and garden displays.

You can spend time on your own exploring the 13 acres of exquisite formal gardens, - don't miss the French parterre, the rose garden and the Friendship Walk. It also includes a Japanese-style garden, and a modern greenhouse rebuilt and renovated in 1996 on the original site, containing an extensive collection of exotic orchids and tropical plants.

Tudor Place - Reliving America's Story

 

Tudor Place is worth the visit if you're around the D.C. area, and love to learn about part of America's history.

It is also a house full of various impressive collections of various artifacts, antiques and many more and a garden - all rolled into one!

The visitor entrance is located at 1644 31st Street NW, Washington DC, between Q & R Streets. It's 2 blocks east of Wisconsin Ave. and a 20-minute walk from Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom or Rosslyn MetroRail stations.

Tudor Place is full of history, - from the estate house, to the family, the collections, the helpers and the garden. This home estate was owned by a couple, - Thomas Peter and Martha Custis, - the granddaughter of Martha Washington.

THE HOUSE:

It is considered as a house of architectural distinction owned by a single family for six generations. They hosted several famous figures who shaped American history like Pres. Andrew Jackson, John Calhoun, Daniel Webster, Robert E. Lee, and Marquis de Lafayette.

The house was designed by architect Dr. William Thornton, overlooking the Potomac River and port of Georgetown. Today, as a National Historic Landmark, it is considered as a premier example of American neoclassicism, - reflecting its full-round portico as a unique American residential architecture. 

Since it was completed in 1816, Tudor Place was owned by the Peter family until 1983.

THE COLLECTION:

Tudor Place contains an impressive collection of American, European and Asian items dating from the 18th-20th centuries. Currently, it holds more than 15,000 objects from fine decorative arts like 19th-20th century silver jewelries to daily household collections as well as architectural and archaeological collections.

This house turned museum also displays moret han 200 items belonging to Martha and George Washington.

THE GARDEN:

It includes an expansive historic gardens covering an area of 5.5 acres, preserved by the Peter family for over 2 centuries. The present garden used to be an agrarian estate, but now reflects a beautiful ornamental garden with centuries-old trees, beautiful plantings, fountains and sculptures.

The impressive landscape include green lawns, formal garden rooms, natural woodland, intricate Box Knot, English Boxwood Circle and antique roses.

DOMESTIC HELPERS:
The Peter family owned and inherited a lot of enslaved men, women and children, who served the family, tended the household, farmed and cultivated the garden.

Free African-Americans and European immigrants performed the same task between 19th-20th centuries.

The Museum of the Bible (Washington D.C.)

 

The museum opened its doors to the public on November 17, 2017, expanding to a 430,000 sq. ft. museum of the Bible. Its vast area provides guests with an immersive and a well-personalized experience as they explore the narrative history and impact of the Bible.

The museum is also considered to give its guests unparalleled experiences by using cutting-edge technology to bring the Bible to life. It will span time, space and cultures, inviting everyone to engage with the Bible. It is a world-class museum that shows amazing features such as;

The 40-feet tall bronze doors at the entrance.

A rooftop Biblical garden.

A 150-feet long LED ceiling displays of biblical art and scenes; - and everything in between.

Visitors can enjoy their lunch at the Milk & Honey Cafe, featuring a grab-and-go type of food like salads and sandwiches. The Manna Restaurant also offers Mediterranean, fast-casual style food.

Visiting Highlights:

1. The History Floor -  exhibits of greatest discoveries associated with Biblical text, which includes some of the earliest known writings which date to the time traditionally associated with Abraham. Other artifacts can be seen such as dead Sea scroll fragments, some-early known New testament writings, numerous historical manuscripts and first-edition Bibles.

2. The Narrative Floor - encompasses 50,000 sq. ft., telling the stories of the Bible. It will connect 21st century audiences to the Bible by taking them on a journey, inviting them to be a part of its stories.

3. The Impact Floor - the Bible's immense influence is fully expressed in this area,-not only on cultures and aspects of civilization, but on the lives of individuals as well. Topics covered are the Bible's influence on the arts, science, government, education, family, pop culture and American history.

There are other attractions available as well such as walk-throughs, theater shows (with tickets, but some are free). 

Please note that shows and exhibits are being updated and different at times.

Guided Tour of the US Capitol

This tour starts at the US Capitol Visitor Center. Please be aware that security screenings are done prior to going in. You are not allowed to bring liquids (including water), food, pointed objects and other potential weapons.

It starts by watching a 13-minute film called "Out of Many, One" in one of the visitor center's orientation theaters, It shows a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduces you to the magnificent building which houses the Congress. The parts that will be visited are the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.

The Crypt

At the Rotunda is a captivating painting on the ceiling

The US Capitol Visitor Center is the newly added building to this historic complex. It almost measures 580,000 sq. ft., considered to be the largest project in the Capitol's more than 2 century history and is approximately 3 quarters the size of the Capitol itself. This entire facility is located underground on the east side of the Capitol.

The US Capitol is considered to be a symbol of the American people and their government and the meeting place of the nation's legislature. It also houses an important collection of American art and is among the most architecturally symbolical and impressive important building in the world.

It functions as a working office facility as well as a tourist attraction visited by millions of tourists every year.

Our Guided Tour of the Pentagon

I've been wanting to visit the Pentagon ever since, so that when Rill's Bus offered the tour, I and my husband signed up for it.

It takes a while before you can get in due to security checks and all, but it was worth it! :)

The tour was approximately an hour duration with a walking distance of about 1.5 miles through all the Pentagon's corridors and staircases. So, there was a lot of walking. You need to wear shoes that are comfy.

The tour is a dynamic one; - it highlights the mission of the Department of defense, explains and shows the historical facts pertaining to each of its branches of service, and showcases numerous displays that highlight and depict those significant moments in military history.

The highlight of the tour was a visit to the memorial placed inside the Pentagon near the Sept. 11th Memorial Chapel. 

The Hall of Heroes can also be seen wherein names of all the recipients of the Medal of Honor are on it, as well as an up-close look at an actual Medal of Honor.

Take note however that what you see inside, stays inside, which means strictly no photos allowed!

Another heads up...every visitor is subject to security screening. You need at least one proper ID which must be current with a clear, recent photo, such as US passport or US passport card, DL, State ID, etc...

No large bags, pointed instruments and other potential weapons that can inflict bodily harm. Cameras and cellphones are permitted but should be turned off.

Cameras are allowed at the lobby/visitors area though, so get a good photo there ;).

We had our photo souvenir taken! :)

The Pentagon is one of the world's largest office buildings and is the headquarters of the Department of Defense.

Note:

Before taking a Pentagon tour, all visitors are required to provide their full name, address, DOB and SSN. For non-US citizens, your citizenship and the name of your country should also be provided.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica is one of the most visited church in Washington DC area due to its renowned beautiful sacred art and unique architecture. It is considered to be the patronal church of US catholics and America's preeminent Marian Shrine. It is also the largest Roman Catholic church in the US and in North America, and one of the 10th largest churches in the world.

In 1913, the Catholic University of America suggested building a national shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary, wherein the archbishop of Baltimore laid the foundation stones on September 23, 1920 after the building designs were completed by the two architects, - Maginnis and Walsh of Boston who were then the chosen ones as the architects of the shrine. The construction stopped when the bishop died in 1932. It was during the year 1953-54 (Marian Year) that the American Catholic Bishops started to lead a fund raising effort. It was then dedicated on November 20, 1959 as a National Shrine and was elevated as a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on October 12, 1990.

There are numerous chapels, statues, shrines etc.that are to be seen both at the Upper Church and at the Crypt level.

Guided tours are conducted daily including group tours as well. Audio tours are also available if you prefer it more convenient. All tours are free. :)

The Grand Architecture & High Tea at the National Cathedral & Basilica-Washington DC Tour

Me 

A few years back, I remembered myself walking inside the Washington National Cathedral for a self-guided tour. It still continues to amaze me when I came back for the second time with a group tour. No major changes, except that part of the cathedral's architectural designs were destroyed by an earthquake that occurred in August 2011.

The National Cathedral is more than just a church. It always opens its doors to the public regardless of your religious background and faith.

Every year, thousands of visitors and worshippers come here to experience not only to find inspiration and peace and strengthening their faith but to witness and experience witnessing the cathedral's extraordinary art and architectural designs.

Washington National Cathedral is considered to be the 6th largest cathedral in the world uniquely designed and built with Inidiana limestone. The building has a cross-shape design with a long nave - a 10th of a mile, and characterized with 2 shorter transepts.

The architectural style is considered to be Gothic due to its pointed arches, boss stones, large windows, ribbed vaulting and flying buttresses.

Its decors such as stained glass large windows, wood and fabric art are captivating and considered to be more than just beautiful decorations. Behind them are symbols and images purposely designed to teach Christian beliefs as well as they pay tribute to the country's values and history.

There are two levels that are worth visiting inside the cathedral; - the Main level (the Nave) where you can see the "must-see" highlights of your tour and the Lower level (the Crypt).

Other areas are outdoors such as the Cathedral Close, the Bishop Garden and Olmsted Woods.