We will be closed to events through March due to the construction of new ADA compliant parking and access. Civic Center Park visitors can access the tennis courts, Croydon Creek Nature Center, and the Recreation Service building via Avery Road (off of Baltimore Road). Tours are available for future events by appointment only.
A popular venue for special events, the Glenview Mansion sits at the heart of the Civic Center overlooking 28 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with ornamental gardens. Built in 1926, the elegant, Neo-Classical Revival home is on the National Registry for Historic Places and considered a local historic landmark.
The grounds were originally part of Judge Richard Bowie's farm, then called Glen View, when Heiress Irene Moore Smith bought the land in 1917. After she married Dr. James Alexander Lyon, they commissioned prominent Washington, D.C., architects Lochie and Porter to build the two-story home and it became a popular destination for Washington's socialites. The country estate touted formal boxwood gardens, exotic marble floored, holding fountains and Mrs. Lyon's collection of exotic birds.
In 1936, Dr. Lyon had a small playhouse built for their daughter, Betsy. Referred to as the dollhouse, now known as The Cottage, the one-story structure features bunk beds, sun room, stone fireplace and wooden gables.
Glenview Mansion is free and open to the public during visiting hours.
Celebrate the holiday season at the Fitzgerald!
Due to construction at Glenview Mansion, the Civic Center's annual holiday display is available in the lobby of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. Please enjoy our decorations Monday-Friday, 10 a.m - 6 p.m., and Saturday during normal box office hours.
The large main foyer opens up into spacious rooms including the grand staircase, Bowie Library, cozy sitting room called the Lyon Room, marble floored conservatory, walnut paneled dining room, sunny living room, and commercial kitchen. Two conference rooms and the main dressing room are located on the second floor.
The Art Gallery
A six-room art gallery, located on the second floor, features rotating exhibitions by local, national and international artists of all mediums. The spacious rooms open overlook the pristine formal gardens and front mall.
The Formal Gardens
A well-manicured garden opens into a spectacular view of the grounds. The intimate fountain, stone archways, and flagstone walkways and stairs reflects an oasis of old world charm.
The Cottage
The charming cottage features large windows with breathtaking views of the formal gardens. The stunning craftsmanship is highlighted by the wooden interior, detailed gables, and stone fireplace.
