Explore Shangri La, the idyllic paradise of philanthropist Doris Duke, in this beautifully illustrated lecture.

Hear the complete story of Longwood Gardens over the past century, from the planting of the original arboretum by a Quaker family, to Pierre du Pont‘s creation of the gardens, conservatory and fountains, to its transformation from a private estate to one of the world’s greatest horticultural showplaces.

In the 1880s, America’s millionaires had money to spend. The acquisition of grand houses with equally grand gardens became their passion. By the turn of the century, and over the next four decades, estate gardens ranging in size from dozens to thousands of acres swept the nation.

While British painters who painted Catherine the Great during her lifetime occupy a very modest place in history, engravings of the empress made by British masters were on sale either as separate prints or as illustrations in books about her and her Russia.  It was, however, Catherine's misfortune to rule when some of England's greatest caricaturists were at the height of their powers and it was the images (one hesitates to call them likenesses) that they produced that proved the most influential.

Discover the secret world of the Hermitage cats!

In a richly illustrated lecture, Dr. Wilfried Zeisler, Hillwood’s Curatorial Fellow will look at the Hillwood 19th century works of art with a Franco-Russian history and provenance. This fascinating topic is closely linked with Dr. Zeisler’s forthcoming book: French Objet d’art and luxury goods in Russia (1881-1917).

Hear from landscape architect Rodney Robinson, who is working with Hillwood to edit and enhance some of the most mature garden beds across the estate.

Join costume collector Martin Kamer to learn more about his collaboration with artist Isabelle de Borchgrave and his extensive collection of European costumes dating from 1700 to 1915.

Immerse yourself in stunning design, with vivid descriptions and magnificent photographs that evoke Fortuny's timeless luxury.