Guided Tours

Gardens

A brief introductory tour of the gardens takes place daily at 2.10 pm (except Mondays). Please meet the docent across from the guardhouse, just inside the entrance at R and 31st Streets.

Docent-led tours are offered to groups of 10 to 45 people in the mornings and after 2 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday by advance reservation and for a fee of $8 per person.
A $35 non-refundable deposit is requested to confirm the reservation and is applicable to the total payment. Call 202-339-6409 for information or contact the Docent Coordinator, Christine Blazina.

Museum

Docent-led tours are offered to groups of 10 to 45 people on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday by advance reservation and for a fee of $8 per person.
A $35 non-refundable deposit is requested to confirm the reservation and is applicable to the total payment.

The tour lasts approximately ninety minutes and it can be adjusted to fit the group's interests or needs. For further information or to book a tour, call the Docent Office at 202-339-6409 or email the Docent Coordinator, Christine Blazina.

Historic Rooms

A guided 30 minute special tour of the first floor non-public historic rooms of Dumbarton Oaks—including the hall, Founders' Room, Study and Oval Room—is offered on Saturdays at 3:00 pm for up to 15 people. To join the tour, please sign in at the front desk and meet your docent in the Bliss Gallery (adjacent to the lobby).

Please note:

  • The facilities and gardens of our private, historic property are not available for the activities of outside groups or individuals.
  • Photography, videotaping, and recording for personal, non-commercial use are allowed; please do not use tripods, easels, or bulky equipment. Wedding photography is prohibited.
  • Picnicking is not permitted. (Picnicking is permitted at Montrose Park, a public park, to the east on R Street.)
  • Visitors may not bring pets into the gardens.
  • The spring season (March–May) and fall season (Sep–Oct) are our busiest months. Dumbarton Oaks does not cap admission but visitors should expect lines on the weekends, especially at 2 pm. Please plan accordingly.
  • Prices, open hours, and closings are subject to change without notice.

Accessibility

For information on accessibility, please call 202-339-6410 during business hours.