Glenview Mansion

  1. CLOSURE ADVISORY

    Glenview Mansion, cottage, formal gardens, and the front lawn are closed on the following dates due to private rentals. Photography in these areas is prohibited. The surrounding parkland is open and available for public use

    • Monday, Jan. 20

    All other park visitors can access the tennis courts, Croydon Creek Nature Center, and the Recreation Services building via Avery Road, off Baltimore Road.

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.

Interested in renting? Contact: 

Glenview Mansion
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240-314-8660
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glenview@rockvillemd.gov
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603 Edmonston Drive
Rockville, MD 20851
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Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Features

Conservatory Hall at Glenview Mansion

The Interior

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.  

Art Gallery at Glenview Mansion

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. 
Formal Gardens at Glenview Mansion

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.

Inside of the Cottage at the Civic Center

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.