Mansion Open to Members Starting June 23

With the District of Columbia entering Phase 2 of reopening, certain businesses can reopen and activities can resume under specified conditions outlined at http://coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo. Hillwood is pleased to share below the next stage of our reopening plan, including an update regarding volunteer service.

Reopening Stage 2: Indoor Spaces Open

Hillwood is excited welcome back members and frontline workers to Hillwood’s mansion and other indoor spaces, beginning Tuesday, June 23. In addition to the gardens, the mansion, the museum shop, and the special exhibition, Natural Beauties: Exquisite Works of Minerals and Gems, will be open for viewing.

On Saturday, June 27, Hillwood is thrilled to expand our capacity and begin welcoming the broader community. We thank you for your patience during this time.

Advance reservations and temporary visitor guidelines are still in place to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff. Details on how to arrange a visit to Hillwood can be found further in this email.

Volunteer Service Update

We are delighted to announce the Horticulture department has launched a small pilot program of outdoor garden volunteers to assist with ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the gardens. To ensure the safety of all on campus, the small trial group of outdoor garden support volunteers will focus their work outside only, adhere to new safety guidelines for on-site service, and schedule shifts in advance through Volgistics.

Following government and health authority guidance regarding indoor spaces, Hillwood will continue to temporarily minimize or limit face-to-face interactions across campus and, as such, all indoor and interpretative volunteer services and activities will continue to be suspended and all non-essential staff will continue to work from home. We know many of you are eager to return to Hillwood and, trust us, your support and enthusiasm has been greatly missed these past few months. We are excited to take this first step in returning to active service with the Horticulture pilot team and will continue to closely monitor when and how we can reinstate the remaining volunteer roles.

Advance Reservations

To minimize physical contact and practice social distancing, reservations must be made in advance. No reservations will be taken on site. Reservations are by timed-entry and are limited in order to manage safe capacity. Visitors are required to make their reservations in advance. Day-of reservations are not available. To ease the process, we strongly encourage you to make your reservation online, as staffing for phone reservations is limited.  

Please note: You are required to select a garden visit entry time to access the estate. You may also select an optional mansion and/or exhibition entry time. If you do not select a mansion and exhibition entry time you will be unable to enter these buildings during your visit.    

Merriweather To Go is offering a delightful array of sandwiches, salads, and beverages. Order ahead or purchase at the To Go window for a lovely picnic.

Temporary Visitor Guidelines

The health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers is of the utmost importance at Hillwood. In line with the latest guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Presentation (CDC) and the District of Columbia related to COVID-19, Hillwood kindly requests that visitors adhere to the following protocols.

Please note: Hillwood’s policies may change as we continue to follow local and national recommendations.

  • Stay at home if you are sick, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have had known exposure to the virus.
  • Face masks are required at all times in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Hillwood does not provide masks.
  • Adhere to posted social distancing guidelines and garden, building, and restroom capacities. In all indoor and outdoor spaces, stay at least six feet away from other visitors, staff, and volunteers.
  • Follow visitor flow path as posted on signs and visitor map.
  • Refrain from approaching Hillwood horticulture and facilities staff working in the gardens and around the estate.
  • To ensure your continued safety while at Hillwood, follow all instructions from our security team and other staff members during your visit.
  • Visitors not following requirements may be asked to leave.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support as we adjust to this new environment and gradually welcome visitors back on the estate. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at volunteers@hillwoodmuseum.org.

Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands, and keep yourself and your families safe.