Welcome back! We hope you all are as excited as we are for Hillwood to reopen to the public tomorrow, Saturday, February 3. Exciting developments and programming are afoot at Hillwood. Please read on for important updates about renovation projects, mansion updates, and the upcoming exhibition.

Visitor Center Restroom Project

Please excuse our appearance as we refresh our restroom facilities in the visitor center. This renovation is projected to be completed in the spring. In anticipation of upcoming high visitation days, we have added temporary restroom facilities just outside the front door, on the parking deck. These temporary restrooms will be on site from Hillwood’s reopening on February 3 through at least February 14, at which point they may or may not remain. Restrooms are also available in the horticulture offices, located to the right upon leaving the building. We are excited to refresh the restrooms in the visitor center, which will serve as a fabulous upgrade to the facilities and is also necessary in keeping with Hillwood’s mission to be welcoming for all.

Volunteer Lounge Update

While we initially anticipated a move-in date to the Butler’s House volunteer lounge close to our reopening, we have adjusted our plans to an early spring move. Volunteers will use the existing volunteer lounge in the mansion until further notice. Stay tuned for future communication from the volunteer management team, as we will provide you with the exact spring move-in date. We are excited to welcome you into a more inclusive and accessible space for all Hillwood volunteers.

Please note that the transition to the new lounge in the Butler’s House is currently underway. As part of this transition, the volunteer resource library has been relocated to the new lounge. If you would like to access any books from the catalog, please reach out to Jordan Hansen at volunteers@hillwoodmuseum.org for further assistance. In the interim, a selection of Hillwood publications will still be available in the mansion volunteer lounge for your reference.

Mansion Display Updates

In preparation for the upcoming exhibition Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris and the refreshed second floor gallery space that will reopen in late March 2024 with a new name, Second Floor Gallery: Understanding Post’s Legacy, there have been numerous mansion display changes. To catch up with these mansion display updates, please check out this post on the volunteer website.  Additional information regarding the mansion display changes is forthcoming.

 Additionally, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility during these room closures:

• Breakfast Room
  The breakfast room will remain closed to the public for repairs until Friday, February 9. The room will reopen with a new table setting on Saturday, February 10. 

• Massage Room
  Hillwood closed the massage room during our recent closure for repairs. It will be closed until further notice.

Upcoming Exhibition: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris

Travel to France with Marjorie Merriweather Post in this upcoming exhibition in the dacha, on display from Saturday, February 17 until Sunday, June 16. Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post was a dedicated Francophile, passionate about French culture, design, and artistry. A regular in Paris, she patronized iconic hotels; attended the theater, opera, and social events; and frequented art galleries, antique shops, haute couturiers, and luxury department stores. As with all aspects of her life, Post’s time in Paris was characterized by her signature style and grace. Experience the City of Light through Post’s eyes.

Wednesday, February 21 (6 p.m.)
Virtual Volunteer Lecture: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris                   

Join Hillwood on Wednesday, February 21 at 6 p.m. for a virtual volunteer lecture on our newest exhibition, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris. The exhibition will be on view in the dacha from Saturday, February 17 through Sunday, June 16. A Zoom link with the meeting instructions will be emailed closer to the program date. Please note the exhibition label text and display information are forthcoming.

Hillwood is kicking off February with a variety of public programs and member events. Be sure to visit the Events & Program page to stay up-to-date on these exciting opportunities to further engage with Hillwood.  

Again, we are looking forward to our volunteers to return to Hillwood! Thank you for the time and energy you dedicate.