Dumbarton Oaks - unique combination of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian collections and gardens

Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard-affiliated research institute, museum, and historic estate in Georgetown that is notable for its paired strengths: a highly regarded collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art and a world-famous historic garden. The house and grounds were developed by Robert and Mildred Bliss in the early 20th century and donated for scholarly research and public study; the property includes formal gardens designed by landscape architects including Beatrix Farrand. Dumbarton Oaks operates a research library and sponsors conferences and fellowships in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and garden and landscape studies, making its combination of institutional missions and collections distinctive.