The Dumbarton Oaks House is located in residential Georgetown at 1703 32nd Street Northwest. The Federal-style house was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Woods Bliss in 1920.
In 1929, the Music Room was added to the building and in 1940, the wing to house the Byzantine collection was added. The same year they gave the house, gardens, and collections to Harvard University. Since then, the institution is administered by the Trustees for Harvard University.
In 1963, the Pre-Columbian wing, designed by Philip Johnson, and the Garden Library were added to display Mr. Bliss’s collection of Pre-Columbian art.
The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library contains more than 200,000 items and public lectures are offered regularly, held in the Music Room.
Admission to the Museum is free. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Sunday, year-round, from 11am to 3pm (last entry at 2:45pm). Guided tours by pre-arrangement to 202-337-2288. Holiday schedule varies so check www.DumbartonHouse.org for current schedule.
Jonathan, Innkeeper
American Guest House in Washington DC
