Hillwood, the former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post (of Post cereal fame) and her third husband, the ambassador to the USSR, contains the biggest collection of Russian imperial art to be found outside of Russia. Post amassed loads of Czarist swag, and her lavishly decorated mansion includes icons, paintings and a gorgeous collection of jewelry and Fabergé eggs. Post was also an avid collector of French decorative artwork, including exquisite 18th-century Sèvres porcelain, Louis XVI furniture and elaborate Beauvais tapestries.
As a bonus, the 25-acre estate incorporates some lovely gardens (which include Post’s dog cemetery), a greenhouse and a museum shop. The on-site cafe serves up light fare (quiche, French onion soup, salad Niçoise) and afternoon tea. For a richer experience, join a guided tour (held at 11:30am and 1:30pm Tuesday through Saturday). It’s a mile walk from the Metro to Hillwood.
