The first is how to encourage people to come when its guest list is limited to 250 visitors a day, an accommodation that keeps the peace with its residential neighbors. Reservations are necessary and waits are common. The second quandary is how to diversify and attract a younger audience. Until now, most visitors have been older, highly educated and female. The museum braved focus groups to learn what it could do differently.
People come in with a chip on their shoulder.
Hillwood has tried to learn from the experience. New audio guides will offer eight hours of informed highlights about the collection. And the film at the visitors center puts the spotlight on art rather than wealth. Maybe so, but Post's satin party shoes still are lined up in Hillwood's dressing room. Post and Davies passed through two Washington residences before she landed on Linnean Avenue by herself.