Hillwood Museum and Gardens is the former estate of art collector and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heir to the Post cereal fortune. The Museum was remodeled in 2000 and now showcases one of the most comprehensive collections of 18th ? and 19th ? century Russian imperial art outside of Russia.

Marjorie Merriweather Post purchased Hillwood Estate in 1955. At one time, she was the richest woman in America, having become the owner of Postum Cereal Company (Post Cereals) at age 27, when her father died. She hired a number of prominent landscape architects to design the gardens - including Umberto Innocenti and Richard Webel. There is a parterre, Japanese-influenced pleasure garden, circular rose garden with a pergola and pet cemetery. The estate was bequeathed to the public on her death.

Hillwood Museum & Gardens offers a variety of programs throughout the year including lectures, garden walks, workshops, and musical and theatrical performances. Visit the Museum Shop and find a great selection of books, jewelry, stationery, and other gifts. The Museum Caf? offers a selection of salads and sandwiches. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.