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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Media Contact Only: |
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FABULOUS HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES AT Washington, D.C. - Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens will be decked out for the holidays with garlands and floral arrangements from Hillwood’s own greenhouses. Throughout the Mansion, topiaries of poinsettia, herbs, and fruit create a festive atmosphere celebrating the season in the spirit of Hillwood’s founder, Marjorie Merriweather Post. The holidays at Hillwood begin Thanksgiving weekend with a special family program on Sunday, November 25. Visitors can meet Gail Buyske, author of the children’s book How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus, hear readings from the book, and participate in a hands-on art activity. Hillwood’s holiday decorations are also unveiled Thanksgiving weekend. In addition to flowers and greens throughout the estate, objects in the Mansion are also changed to reflect the holidays. The Dining Room table will be set with a service decorated with red enameled moiré silk ribbon that was ordered by Catherine the Great and used in the Winter Palace. The extraordinary eighteenth-century Russian chandelier in the Breakfast Room will be complimented by a Jacob Petit Paris Porcelain table service and poinsettia accent plants in the window bays. As fall turns to winter, the gardens at Hillwood reveal another aspect of their beauty. Conifers such as the blue atlas cedar and false cypress show off their evergreen boughs throughout the estate, while holly and witchhazel provide bright spots of color in the gardens. Visitors seeking respite from the winter wonderland outside can explore Hillwood’s greenhouse, home to an extensive collection of orchids. In December, visitors can register for one of the six workshops on seasonal greenery arrangements, including a special workshop for families. The Russian Winter Festival, December 15 and 16, celebrates Russian holiday traditions. Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden will visit Hillwood and share Russian folk tales. Other performers will present winter-themed music. This family-friendly event also includes a self-guided family tour of Hillwood’s Russian art collection and a hands-on art project. The holiday season at Hillwood draws to a close on December 30 with a Family Fun Sunday celebrating the New Year. Visitors will see a costume from the 1903 Boyar Ball held at St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace by the Russian imperial family. Children can create part of their own boyar costume in a hands-on art activity. Throughout the holiday season, Hillwood’s Museum Shop features a variety of decorations and unique gifts including Russian-style fur hats and handbags, handmade ornaments from John Toole Designs, Matreshka (nesting doll) ornaments, and luxurious tableware from L’Objet. Get a jump on holiday shopping at the annual Sidewalk Sale (November 17, 10 am – 5pm) with great deals on jewelry, scarves, books, neckties and more. Holiday merchandise will be featured in the Christmas Sale (December 17-30) along with 2008 calendars and stationery. Visitors can also start their own holiday tradition with Royal Tea at Hillwood’s Café. Royal Tea includes a savory chicken salad sandwich and cheeses along with cookies, cream and scones served with champagne. A la carte tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also available throughout the day. HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5 pm; Sunday, November 25, Sunday, December 16, and Sunday, December 30, 1 – 5 pm. Please note, Hillwood will be closed Thursday, November 22 for Thanksgiving and Tuesday, December 25 for Christmas. Hillwood is also closed the month of January. COST: General estate donation: $12; $10 for age 65 and over; $7 for full-time students; $5 for ages 6 to 18; Estate donation waived for visitors under age 6. Horticulture workshops require reservations and have fees ranging from $5 to $35. Russian Winter Festival admission: $18, $12 Friends, $7 Students, $5 Children ages 6–18, free for children under age 6. WHERE: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Metro: VanNess/UDC (20 minute walk) Call 202.686.5807 or visit www.HillwoodMuseum.org for more information.
NOTE TO EDITORS: High resolution images are available from 202-243-3918 or jcarpenter@HillwoodMuseum.org. |
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Art Collections
Gardens
Marjorie Merriweather Post
Hillwood in Focus
Restoration
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