Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is a Research Library and collection area as part of the Harvard University. Studies are carried out through fellowships, meetings, exhibitions and publications. The library welcomes scholars to consult the many books and images available, and visitors are welcome to visit the garden, museum and the music rooms which host lectures and concerts.

The collections featured include specialized collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, located in the Music room are European masterpieces and a rotating program of special exhibits are also held in the Music Room. Docent-led tours are held for free during the week and group tours are welcome during mornings to view the museum and gardens. Visitors are also welcome to attends lectures in the Music Room, these are free of charge, but reservations are required.

The house and gardens were designed by Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, as a place with beautiful gardens, a library with rare volumes and the house to have fine art and music within. Performances are held in the Music Room from rising and established musicians.

Dumbarton Oaks is a Federal-style house that now provides a Research Library to support scholarships in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian studies and garden and landscape studies. The house, gardens and collections were given to Harvard University by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss in 1940 allowing students to take advantage of these resources to further their studies.