Dumbarton Oaks

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.

Ancient Art at Dumbarton Oaks

In this online exhibit, explore a selection of ancient Mediterranean art in the collection, which offer an opportunity to consider the continuities and changes in artistic production from the classical to the medieval period.

Virtual Tour of the Garden

Discover more about the Dumbarton Oaks Garden, including details on trees and plants, inscriptions, furniture, and ornaments

Virtual Backgrounds from Dumbarton Oaks

Use images from our museum and garden as your own custom background for virtual teaching, learning, or meeting.

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. In addition, for the remainder of the summer, as well as the fall term, all public events will be virtual.

We are closely monitoring developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and will update our website to reflect any changes to our operations and programming.

Upcoming Events

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Sep 01, 2020 - Sep 01, 2020

Hagia Sophia: The History of the Building and the Building in History

This webinar will cover historical facts, Dumbarton Oaks’ involvement, and the issues related to the recent reconversion of the monument.

Jul 01, 2020 - Sep 14, 2020

Segregation and Resistance in America’s Urban Landscapes

This virtual symposium addresses the everyday spatial practices through which marginalized communities resisted oppressions and constructed alternative or counter narratives and spaces.

Oct 09, 2020 - Oct 10, 2020

Faces of Rulership in the Maya Region

Through this two-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