Faberge Egg Family Festival at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens April 12 and 13th

From a press release:

“With spring finally in full swing, Hillwood’s Fabergé Egg Family Festival celebrates its arrival in traditional Russian style on Saturday, April 12 from 10 am to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Spring bulbs will be blooming across the estate, with Hillwood-grown pansies bringing an array of color to the Lunar Lawn just in time for this annual family favorite, featuring programs, music, art, and activities for all ages. The Fabergé Egg Family Festival is funded in part by the Bonnie Mapelli Youth Education Fund. All of Hillwood’s 2014 festivals are supported by a grant from the Sally Foss and James Scott Hill Foundation.

Tsar Alexander III first commissioned a Fabergé Easter egg for his wife in 1885, initiating an extraordinary series of imperial Easter egg gifts that lasted for over 30 years. Two of these imperial eggs, both gifts from Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, to his mother, are part of Hillwood’s notable Fabergé holdings and serve as inspiration for the weekend’s festivities.

This year, Adventure Theatre applies their clever stagecraft to the Fabergé story with the new play, “Fabergé’s Treasures: A Hunt for the Easter Treasures of a Tsar.” A favorite for all ages is the fun of stepping into “Fabergé’s Workshop.” With the beautiful display Passion, Playfulness, Process: Decorated Eggs by Bonnie Mapelli, as a backdrop, guests use ribbons, gems, and appliqués to create their own delicate works of art in the style of Fabergé. Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble takes visitors back to Old Russia as they perform on traditional instruments, including the balalaika, accordion, domra, and guitar. Kalinka Dance Ensemble performs Russian folk dances. And centuries-old Russian springtime games like egg-rolling and egg and spoon racing will entertain children of all ages. All activities take place throughout the day.

Two special audio tours focus on Hillwood’s collection of imperial Russian fine and decorative arts, the largest representative collection outside Russia. Stories of Hillwood’s Russian Treasures lets children and their families experience the collection through the perspective of Russia’s rulers, while Treasures and Traditions provides an in-depth tour of the Russian collection for adult visitors.

The special exhibition Passion of the Empress: Catherine the Great’s Art Patronage, will be open in the Dacha. A leisurely lunch in the Café or picnic in the gardens and a stop in the Museum Shop for matreshka (Russian nesting dolls), other Russian-related items and gifts, and an array of children’s books and toys round out the immersive day at Hillwood.

General Information

When: Saturday, April 12 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The estate will remain open until 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Cost: $15
$12 Seniors
$10 Hillwood members and college students
$5 children (6-18)
Free for children under age 6

Where: Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Metro: VanNess/UDC Red Line (20 minute walk)

Free parking”