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Gardens Rules

By purchasing a ticket and/or entering this property, guests agree to adhere to these rules:

Guests must respect the historic and fragile nature of the garden by treating it as an outdoor museum space.

Visitors are welcome to sketch in the gardens with pencil or charcoal on pads no larger than 12” x 18”. 

  • NO commercial or professional photography/videography (this includes engagements, weddings, and other special events)
  • NO tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, lights, or other bulky photographic equipment
  • NO artist easels, open containers, paints, solvents, or other art supplies
  • NO food, drink, picnicking, or hosting of private events
  • NO littering
  • NO climbing on or hanging from trees
  • NO picking flowers or other plants
  • NO touching, climbing, or sitting on fountains, sculpture, or garden walls
  • NO smoking or vaping
  • NO pets, except trained service animals 
  • NO bicycles, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, or hoverboards
  • NO weapons of any kind

Please leave the garden as you found it, use only benches and chairs for sitting, and be courteous of other guests and Dumbarton Oaks staff. We hope that you have a wonderful visit!