April is beautiful at Hillwood

Spring is here! Wander the gardens as they burst into bloom and explore beautiful displays on view. This month, Hillwood has something for everyone, both in person and from home.

On View

Marjorie Merriweather Post's Paris
Through June 16, 2024

Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post was a dedicated Francophile, passionate about French culture, design, and artistry. A regular in Paris, she stayed in 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 grade. This special exhibition highlights Hillwood’s renowned French collection, tracing Post’s collecting and her trips to Paris in the 20th century. 

Experience the city of light through Post’s eyes, as a celebrated collector with an eye for elegance and a passion for history. Explore a treasure trove of French artistry and creativity through fashion, jewelry, luggage, portraiture, decorative arts, and more.  

Programs

Enjoy a variety of programming in person and from home. Learn more and register below!
All virtual programming is free for members. Not a member? Join or renew today!

Girl Scout Shapes in Nature Badge Workshop
Saturday, April 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Calling all Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts! Explore shapes and patterns in Hillwood's spectacular gardens, and create your own nature-inspired art, while earning your Shapes in Nature badge.

Guided Forest Bathing Walks
Sunday, April 7, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Friday, April 12, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 14, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Friday, April 26, 2024, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Slow down, awaken your senses, and connect with nature as you experience a forest bathing walk in Hillwood’s gardens and grounds.

Preschool Program | Making Music
Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Experience the wonder of Hillwood with your preschooler! Explore a new theme in the mansion or gardens each week through make-believe, hands-on art-making, and imaginative play.

Gardener's Focus Tour | The Spring Garden
Tuesday, April 9 and 16, 2024, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Friday, April 12 and 19, 2023, 2:30-3:15 p.m.

Explore Hillwood’s magnificent spring displays with Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture, and learn about the design process that led to this year’s unique design.

 

Dinnertime Documentaries

Enjoy spring evenings at Hillwood with documentaries that highlight French history and culture at the turn of the century! Before the film, tour the mansion, gardens, greenhouse, special exhibition Marjorie Merriweather Post's Paris, and eat a delicious meal at Merriweather Café.

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018)
Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Film begins at 7:30 p.m.)

Experience the amazing story of the first Black superstar, from dancer to activist and more.

Paris 1900: The City of Lights (2019)
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Film begins at 7:30 p.m.)

Journey back in time to La Belle Epoque, with incredible restored and colorized footage capturing the magic and euphoria of Paris.

Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (2018)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 5:30-9:15 p.m. (Film begins at 7:30 p.m.)

Explore the full life and work of cinema’s first female director, screenwriter, producer, and studio owner, and trace the circumstances by which this extraordinary artist faded from memory and the path toward her reclamation.

 

Virtual Floral Design | Welcome Spring
Friday, April 12, 2024, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Follow along with Ami Wilber, floral and event décor designer, to create a glorious spring floral arrangement.

Earth Day Celebration
Friday, April 19, 2024, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

This Earth Day, meet members of Hillwood’s Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and learn about environmental stewardship initiatives.

Preschool Program | Tree-mendous Trees
Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Experience the wonder of Hillwood with your preschooler! Explore a new theme in the mansion or gardens each week through make-believe, hands-on art-making, and imaginative play.

Gardener's Focus Tour | Woodland Path
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:30-3 p.m.
Friday, April 26, 2024, 2:30-3 p.m.

Join Marshall Paquin, senior gardener, to explore the beautiful woodland path, created in 2016.

Onsite Cocktail Container Workshop
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1-2 p.m. and 4-5 p.m.

Join Jessica Bonilla, director of horticulture, and Michael Rollinson, garden section manager, to plant a container with a variety of delectable herbs and vegetables that pair with cocktails to enjoy at home.