Woodlawn (Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)
Just south of Washington, D.C., two distinctive historic homes stand on the same property, showcasing contrasting architectural styles. One is a 19th-century Federal-style mansion, once part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, while the other is a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Join Bill Keene, a lecturer in architecture and urban studies, for an exclusive tour of these architectural gems—the only public Wright house in the Washington, D.C., area and its elegant neighbor, Woodlawn.
Begin the day at the Pope-Leighey House. This modest 1,200-square-foot home turned historic site is one of the earliest Usonian homes designed by Wright. On the same property sits Woodlawn, a 126-acre estate and former plantation whose main house was designed by the architect who also designed the Capitol. Enjoy private tours of each of the storied homes (the properties are closed to the public for the season) before a boxed lunch onsite.
Continue the exploration of historic homes with a walking and bus tour of Hollin Hills led by a member of the Hollin Hills Civic Association who discusses the community’s history and architecture and the challenges faced by homeowners in historic areas. Known for its Modernist architecture, this community was the first in the Washington, D.C., area to be entirely made up of contemporary homes and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The day concludes at the National Building Museum for a look at “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania.” This special exhibition features both realized and unrealized projects designed by Wright for the region in the 1930s to the 1950s, presented through 3D models, architectural models and drawings, and historical photographs that bring his visionary concepts to life.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St., SW (corner of 6th and C Sts., SW); no pick-up stop.
- Boxed lunch is included in this tour.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, March 7, 2025.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
