Dumbarton Oaks

Faces of Rulership in the Maya Region

Register now for the 2021 Pre-Columbian Studies virtual symposium, in which scholars aim to better understand concepts of rulership and governance in Ancient Maya culture.

On Being Conquered in Byzantium

Register now for the 2021 Byzantine Studies virtual symposium, which seeks to better understand both how Byzantines themselves understood being conquered and, as importantly, what being conquered in Byzantium can mean for us now.

Virtual Bliss Symposium Awards

Apply now to attend Dumbarton Oaks’ virtual symposia.

Rare Book Collection Strengths

Discover the Rare Book Collection in a new descriptive tool that offers a detailed overview of the collection’s holdings and allows researchers to explore connections through broad thematic categories, such as travel, cartography, and technology.

Margaret Mee: Portraits of Plants

Centered on the paintings of botanical artist Margaret Mee, this exhibit explores the traditions of women botanical artists and illustrators primarily using materials from the Rare Book Collection.

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection supports research and learning internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships and internships, meetings, and exhibitions. Located in residential Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks welcomes researchers at all career stages who come to study its books, objects, images, and documents. It opens its doors to the public to visit its historic garden, designed by Beatrix Farrand; its museum, with world-class collections of art; and its Music Room, for lectures and concerts. The institute disseminates knowledge through its publications and online resources. Innovative programming has introduced students of all ages to the museum, garden, and collections.

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Dumbarton Oaks Response to COVID-19

As a public health precaution, the Museum and Garden are closed temporarily. All public events will be virtual.

We are closely monitoring developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and will update our website and social media accounts to reflect any changes to our operations and programming. Please check back for the latest information about our reopening timeline.

Upcoming Events

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Mar 04, 2021

Where Was Jim Crow? Living in Frank Lloyd Wright’s America

Dianne Harris illuminates architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s role in the history of the divided and segregated American city. Mabel Wilson, Professor of Architecture and Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia University will join Dr. Harris in a discussion following the lecture.

Mar 19, 2021

Humanistic Uses of Herbaria

This joint colloquium, hosted by the Humanities Institute, New York Botanical Garden, and Dumbarton Oaks in partnership with the William and Lynda Steere Herbarium, focuses on the history and contemporary relevance of herbarium collections.

Mar 25, 2021 - Mar 27, 2021

Faces of Rulership in the Maya Region

Through this three-day symposium, scholars aim to better understand concepts of rulership and governance in Ancient Maya culture.

Research

Dumbarton Oaks supports and publishes scholarship in the three areas of study supported by Robert Woods Bliss and Mildred Barnes Bliss: Byzantine Studies, including related aspects of late Roman, early Christian, western Medieval, Slavic, and Near Eastern Studies; Pre-Columbian Studies of Mexico, Central America, and Andean South America; and Garden and Landscape Studies, including garden history, landscape architecture, and related disciplines.

Studies Programs Fellowships & Awards Library & Archives Publications