TOUR: Anderson House
Anderson House, Private Docent-Guided Tour
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008
Registration Required
Our Tour:
Join OLLI members for a private, docent-guided tour of Anderson House, the magnificent Beaux-Arts mansion of diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife, Isabel. Built between 1902 and 1905 as their winter residence on Embassy Row, the home offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a world of elegance, global travel, and cultural refinement.
Throughout the mansion, richly appointed rooms reveal an exceptional collection of European and Asian fine and decorative arts. Painted murals evoke classical themes and grand European interiors, while marble staircases, gilded ceilings, and ornate architectural detailing reflect the influence of French academic design. Sculpture, ranging from classical figures to finely crafted decorative pieces, enhances the artistry of the home. Portraits of the Andersons, their contemporaries, and figures connected to early American history further animate the spaces, creating a dialogue between personal legacy and national heritage.
As headquarters of The Society of the Cincinnati, Anderson House also preserves the legacy of the American Revolution through significant artifacts and narratives of the nation’s founding generation.
Following the tour, members may explore exhibitions featuring Revolutionary War artifacts, rare books and manuscripts, and rotating displays drawn from the Society’s collections. Weather permitting, you may also enjoy a brief visit to the intimate formal garden, a quiet extension of the home’s elegance. In April, Anderson House hosts its annual Art in Bloom celebration, when floral designers create arrangements inspired by works in the collection. Mark your calendars!
Join us for this opportunity to experience one of Washington’s most exquisite historic homes from the inside where art, architecture, and history come together in a magnificent setting.
Arrival and Check-In:
Please plan to arrive by 10:45 AM. Meet OLLI’s tour coordinator, Elena Vejarano, at the reception desk. Our docent will begin our tour promptly at 11:00 AM.
Location and Transportation:
Anderson House is located along Embassy Row in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Street parking is limited; rideshare services are recommended. The closest Metro station is Dupont Circle (Red Line), approximately a 10-minute walk to the house.