Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles

Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles is the first exhibition at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens devoted entirely to the textile arts, drawing on the extensive collection assembled by Marjorie Merriweather Post. Running from June 2026 through early January 2027, the show explores the artistry, technical mastery, and cultural significance of textiles across centuries, showcasing pieces that range from Russian Orthodox liturgical vestments and 17th-century lace to the elegant garments Post herself wore. It also includes works by contemporary fiber artists Manca Ahlin and Sophia Narrett, whose embroidery and lace-making reflect a 21st-century resurgence of these techniques. The exhibition is organized into four sections—historical textiles, the act of creation, form and function (including lace, embroidery, needlepoint, and quilts), and commemorative textiles that serve as relics of the past—and invites visitors to consider textiles as expressions of identity, devotion, innovation, and craftsmanship.

When: June 6, 2026, through January 3, 2027, during regular Hillwood Estate hours (check website for current hours of operation).

Tickets: Admission pricing is not provided; visit Hillwood’s website or call for current ticket information.

Venue: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, Washington, D.C.

Exhibition Highlights: The exhibition features a 17th-century point de France lace panel with ornate iconography, an 18th-century embroidered Russian liturgical textile trimmed with pearls and glass beads, and examples from Post’s own wardrobe, including pieces she repurposed. Also on view are contemporary works by Manca Ahlin and Sophia Narrett that explore embroidery and lace-making.

Ages: Not specified; the exhibition is designed for general museum audiences and is likely suitable for all ages.

Note: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal collection includes textiles preserved from her girlhood, pieces created by her mother, aunt, and grandmother, and handmade lace and Russian Orthodox vestments. The exhibition addresses changing attitudes toward textile art, including the legacy of unnamed, often marginalized creators. A full list of Hillwood’s objects on view is available online (loan objects are not included). Lead support is provided by The Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation and other funders.