A taste of Russia

The Pavilion’s contents are largely Russian in origin. Flanking the entrance, elaborate dishes used for the Russian custom of greeting newcomers with bread and salt contribute to this space’s dramatic function. On top of the piano are photographs of Russia’s last imperial family—Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children. Portraits of other emperors and empresses also look on from areas of the room.

Two large-scale paintings dominate the Pavilion. Together they reflect a major shift in Russia’s artistic expression and national identity over the course of the 19th century. The Countess Samoilova and Her Foster Daughter by Karl Briullov, overflowing with rich textures and opulent colors, represents a time when Russia aspired to European tastes and values. In contrast, A Boyar Wedding Feast by Konstantin Makovskii embodies the Russian revival style that celebrated Russian culture prior to Peter the Great’s emphasis of Westernization.

Fun filled evenings

Marjorie Post knew how to entertain. The Pavilion often acted as a movie theater, showing first-run films on the two state-of-the-art (at the time) projectors housed in a booth behind the balcony. In 1970, Marjorie hosted a dinner including a general, a baron, and the ambassador of the Soviet Union. The evening ended with a screening of Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book. The sofas  have pop-up trays for drinks and snacks, and the staff enjoyed these movies from the balcony.

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Angie Dodson

Chief Operating Officer and Director of Interpretation

As all of my colleagues know, square dancing is one of my favorite Hillwood stories. I love it because, turns out, I love square dancing but also because I think it gets at the heart of all that Mrs. Post was—yes, she was this heiress who collected art, but she was also this person who donned folksy costumes and invited her nearest and dearest to come do-si-do. It’s that balance of the expected and the unexpected that makes Hillwood such a pleasure for so many of us who work and visit here…

 

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Dancing was a major part of Marjorie’s life. This tradition continued at Hillwood. On a regular basis, all the furniture was removed and square and round dances were held. To protect the antique English wood floor, her staff provided rubber tips for the women’s high-heeled shoes.