Dumbarton Oaks, Washington DC
Most famous for its role in 1944, when world leaders convened here to draw up the United Nations charter.
Most famous for its role in 1944, when world leaders convened here to draw up the United Nations charter. But that's not why you should come. The extensive gardens are the biggest draw; they are extraordinarily beautiful - almost palatial-and peaceful, uncrowded. The best time to come is a Spring weekday, when the gardens are practically empty, and the trees are budding with bright pinks and purples. The mansion, built in 1800 for John Calhoun (one of the most powerful senators in American history), houses an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. And rest assured a stroll around the mansion would be worthwhile even without the exhibits. Don't thank Sen. Calhoun for all this though; he was rather a boor. The second owners, the Blisses, a wealthy couple from the U.S. Foreign Service, are responsible for the magnificent landscaping and collections. If you are up for a little homework, look for Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, commissioned by Mrs. Bliss for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Hours
Sun
14:00
17:00
Mon
Closed
Tue
14:00
17:00
Wed
14:00
17:00
Thu
14:00
17:00
Fri
14:00
17:00
Sat
14:00
17:00
Dumbarton Oaks and Nearby Sights on Map
Tudor Place
A stately mansion built in 1815 by the son of the first mayor of Georgetown, and the step-granddaughter of one George Washington
Oak Hill Cemetery
The Gothic chapel and gates were designed by the same architect who designed the Smithsonian Castle
Georgetown
Georgetown is a historic neighborhood on the banks of the Potomac River which is home to the Georgetown University
Everett House
Designed by George Oakley Totten, Jr
City Tavern Club
Built in 1796 as a neighborhood pub, the City Tavern is the oldest commercial structure in the city, and the second oldest building following the Old Stone House
Woodrow Wilson House
President Woodrow Wilson moved here for a quiet retirement after the disastrous setbacks of his late presidency, and lived here for little over 3 years before he died (he was buried in the National Cathedral)
Textile Museum
An extraordinarily elegant small museum that few Washingtonians have heard of, the Textile Museum is fabric heaven
Old Stone House
Built in 1765, this is the oldest original structure in Washington, D
Georgetown Waterfront Park
A new 10-acre National Park that traces the path of the Potomac River from the Key Bridge to the Washington Harbor Complex
Exorcist Steps
Made famous by the movie, the 'Exorcist Steps' run between Prospect and M St just west of where the Key Bridge deposits people into D