Anderson House | Northwest Washington

Anderson House, also known as the Larz Anderson House, stands as a distinguished historic mansion nestled in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Constructed between 1902 and 1905, this grand Beaux-Arts residence was the winter home of Larz Anderson, a prominent American diplomat and businessman, and his wife, Isabel Weld Perkins, a noted author and philanthropist. Today, Anderson House serves as the headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati, a hereditary organization founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army, and houses the American Revolution Institute, dedicated to preserving the history and ideals of the American Revolution.

Architectural Design and Historical Importance

The mansion is a prime example of the Gilded Age’s architectural opulence, designed by the Boston firm of Arthur Little and Herbert Browne. Its Beaux-Arts style combines classical European influences with American grandeur, reflecting the Andersons' sophisticated taste and social standing. The 50-room residence boasts lavish interior details such as intricately carved wood paneling, gilded papier-mâché ceilings, detailed marble floors, and sumptuous furnishings that evoke the elegance of early 20th-century high society.

The Andersons were well-known for their lavish entertaining, and Anderson House was designed to impress and host prominent figures of the era. The home welcomed dignitaries including Presidents William Howard Taft and Calvin Coolidge, as well as international statesmen like British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. These diplomatic and social events underscored the Andersons’ significant role in Washington’s elite circles and the mansion’s place as a hub of political and cultural activity.

Following Larz Anderson’s death in 1937, Isabel Anderson generously bequeathed the house, along with much of its original art and furnishings, to the Society of the Cincinnati. The house was later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996, recognizing its architectural significance and historical associations.

The Museum Experience: Collections and Exhibitions

Visitors to Anderson House are transported back to the early 1900s, exploring a meticulously preserved domestic interior that showcases the lifestyle of America’s upper class during the Gilded Age. The museum offers guided tours of the first and second floors, where the original furnishings, decorative arts, and the Andersons’ notable art collection remain largely intact.

The collection includes:

Period furnishings that reflect the tastes and craftsmanship of the era, including exquisite carpets, tapestries, and carved furniture.

Paintings and portraits that provide a glimpse into the artistic milieu favored by the Andersons and their social network.

Personal artifacts and memorabilia related to the Anderson family and their diplomatic endeavors.

Military and Revolutionary War artifacts connected to the Society of the Cincinnati, which educates visitors about the founding of the United States and the contributions of Continental Army officers.

The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions in its dedicated gallery spaces, often focused on the American Revolution, the history of the Society of the Cincinnati, and other related historical themes. A research library accessible by appointment offers scholars a resource for the study of 17th- and 18th-century military and naval history.

Visiting Information and Accessibility

Location: 2118 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., in the historic Dupont Circle district, surrounded by embassies and other historic homes.

Hours:

From January 1 to March 15 (Winter Schedule): Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Rest of the year: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Admission: Free, making it accessible to the public and a valuable cultural resource.

Tours: Visitors can only explore the house through guided tours, which begin 15 minutes past each hour, starting at 10:15 AM and concluding with the last tour at 3:15 PM. This format ensures visitors receive in-depth information about the architecture, art, and history throughout the visit.

Accessibility: The mansion is wheelchair accessible, though strollers are not permitted to preserve the historic interiors.

Photography: Handheld personal photography is allowed during tours, encouraging visitors to capture the beauty of the interiors while respecting the property.

Food and Drink: Not permitted inside the museum to protect the historic furnishings.

Location and Transportation

Anderson House is conveniently situated just two blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro station on the Red Line, making it easily accessible by public transit. Additionally, multiple Metrobus routes service the area, including the D2, D4, D6, N1, N2, N3, and G2 lines, providing convenient options for visitors arriving from different parts of the city.

Special Events and Rental Opportunities

Beyond its function as a museum and historical site, Anderson House serves as an elegant venue for private events. Its first and second floors, which include a magnificent ballroom and one of Washington’s most exquisite formal dining rooms, are available for weddings, corporate gatherings, receptions, and photo shoots. The house’s refined ambiance and historical character make it a sought-after location for special occasions, while the outdoor garden space offers a picturesque setting for receptions and gatherings.

Significance and Legacy

Anderson House stands as a testament to America’s Gilded Age elegance, diplomatic history, and the legacy of the Society of the Cincinnati. It offers visitors an immersive experience into the lives of a prominent American family deeply involved in international affairs and cultural philanthropy. The mansion’s preservation and role as a museum provide valuable insights into early 20th-century social history, art, and architecture, as well as the enduring importance of the Revolutionary War’s heritage.

This distinguished landmark remains an essential destination for those interested in American history, architecture, and diplomacy, enriching Washington, D.C.’s rich tapestry of cultural institutions.