Anderson House (Society of the Cincinnati)
The basics
Visitors can explore the first and second floors of the 50-room mansion on a self-guided or guided tour. During the visit, learn more about Anderson and his diplomatic work (which included positions as Ambassador to Belgium and Japan); admire the Andersons’ impressive collection of arts and furnishings amassed on their European and Asian travels; and see artifacts from the American Revolutionary War.
As well as offering a peek into aristocratic life at the turn of the century, exhibitions also provide insight into the work of the Society of the Cincinnati, the prestigious male-only organization for descendants of American Revolutionary War officers, of which Anderson was a long-time active member.
Things to know before you go
- The Anderson House is a popular destination for history buffs and those interested in the American Revolutionary War.
- The on-site library includes a register of American Revolutionary War officers.
- Admission to the Anderson House Museum is free and includes a guided tour.
- The house is wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
Anderson House is located at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue (or ‘Embassy Row’) in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington. The closest metro station is Dupont Circle station (Red Line), from where it’s a 5-minute walk to the house.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The house is open daily except on Mondays and public holidays. Tours are typically held in the afternoons, starting at 15 minutes past the hour.
Gilded Age Treasures at Dupont Circle
The Anderson House is located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, an area that became renowned during the Gilded Age. Former residents include Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, art collector Duncan Phillips, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and Evalyn Walsh McLean, who once owned the Hope Diamond. Today, the tree-lined boulevards are lined with elegant mansions and grand townhouses, many of which house museums, art galleries, and international embassies.