Hillwood members have the opportunity for an exclusive first look at the exhibition Perfume & Seduction before it opens to the public!

Delight the senses in a world of glamorous surprises and everyday luxury. For centuries, sumptuous containers made of the finest materials were created to hold perfumes, oils, and cosmetics that became part of the lavish 18th-century French bathing and dressing ritual known as la toilette. Nearly 150 pieces from Hillwood's collection and the private collection of Givaudan, the Swiss manufacturer of fragrances and cosmetics, trace the captivating evolution of perfume bottles and accessories from the 18th through the mid-20th centuries, exploring the diverse forms and previous materials that were used for these objects of everyday luxury. 

Join Rebecca Tilles, associate curator of 18th-century French and Western fine and decorative arts, for an illustrated presentation on the world of la toilette. Presentations will be held at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Drew Asbury, horticulturalist, will be on station in the greenhouse from 11:30 a.m.-noon and 2:30-3 p.m. to answer any questions about Fragrant Botanicals, a display of plants complementing Perfume & Seduction.

Please note: The exhibition will be open all day to Hillwood members and their guests. Space is limited for presentations; advanced reservations are suggested. Call 202.686.5807 to reserve. 

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