Dumbarton Oaks Park R St NW Washington DC United States
A short walk from Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown delivers you far from the madding crowds to Dumbarton Oaks Park. Here you’ll find 10 acres of formal and informal gardens, a museum devoted to Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, and a research center and library.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand, the park is one of the most significant historic landscapes in Washington DC. Take a walk around this park and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sights and inspiring stories.
History
Dumbarton Oaks Park R St NW Washington DC United States is a historic landscape, managed by the National Park Service. Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, it was created as part of Dumbarton Oaks, a historic home and garden owned by Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss from 1920 to 1940.
In 1940 the Blisses donated their mansion, outbuildings, and formal gardens to Harvard University (Robert Bliss’s alma mater). The 27-acre property, referred to as Dumbarton Oaks Park, was later donated to the National Park Service.
The Park is a rare example of an early 20th-century garden designed by Beatrix Farrand, considered one of the greatest landscape architects of her time. She planned a series of garden rooms that transitioned from complex terraces near the mansion to a rustic valley in the outer periphery of the estate.
The Park’s naturalistic gardens and built features are an exquisite and memorable experience for visitors today. However, the upkeep on this historic landscape has been difficult over the years due to resource limitations faced by the National Park Service.
Location
Located on the northwest side of Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks Park is an oasis of greenery and natural beauty. Its open fields, hiking trails and organized nature area make it a great spot for families to enjoy.
The site of one of America’s ten greatest garden ensembles, Dumbarton Oaks is a landmark in the history of landscape architecture. It was designed by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand in the 1920s for Ambassador Robert and Mildred Woods Bliss.
As a result, the property has long been associated with international cultural and political events. For example, the first discussions about the United Nations Charter were held here in 1944.
The property is also home to the world-class Dumbarton Oaks Museum, which features collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. The museum’s music room was used for many important concerts, including those by Igor Stravinsky and Nadia Boulanger. The museum is always free and takes about an hour to tour.
Parking
Dumbarton Oaks Park is a beautiful park with a very unique history. It is a great place for a stroll, picnic or to study the nature around you.
The park is a great spot to see Cherry Blossoms. However, it can get crowded during peak bloom times and therefore is best for viewing in the afternoon.
There are also a number of other parks in the area that offer excellent views of the blooms without the crowds. Some of these include the National Arboretum, National Botanical Garden and the Washington Water Gardens.
The easiest way to reach Dumbarton Oaks Park is via public transport. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority runs buses from Union Station, Red Line Center Platform to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, every 10 minutes. Alternatively, the tourist friendly DC Circulator stops at Wisconsin Ave. / R St., one block to the entrance of the Park. It is an inexpensive and convenient way to travel to Dumbarton Oaks.
Admission
Located in residential Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks welcomes researchers of all careers and career stages to its garden, museum, and collections. Its mission is to support research in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies and to disseminate knowledge through innovative programs.
Admission is free for adults and children. However, visitors are required to bring their ID and a photo.
If you plan to visit the park during peak times, parking is limited, and you may need to purchase a ticket to gain access. There are also overflow parking lots for visitors on busy days.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil place to enjoy the blossoms, consider visiting Montrose Park, which is adjacent to Dumbarton Oaks. It’s a lovely spot to take a stroll with your family while enjoying the cherry blossoms. There is also a playground here for the kids to play and have some fun. It’s an excellent place to add to your list of things to do while in Washington DC.
