Glenview Mansion, one of Rockville’s most recognizable landmarks, turns 100 this year. The City of Rockville is commemorating the centennial with a slate of public programs that invite residents and visitors inside the historic estate in new and creative ways.
The celebration begins on Sunday, March 1, when professional photographers are invited inside Glenview Mansion and the Cottage for a one-day-only opportunity. From 8:30am to 5:30pm, photographers may take interior photos free of charge. Advance registration and reserved time slots are required, and the program is limited to professional photographers.
On Thursday, May 14, from 7pm to 8:30pm, a walking tour and speaker program will explore the mansion’s architecture and the lives of the Lyons family, who once lived there. The program highlights both the beauty of the building and the more personal stories tied to the estate. The event is free, open to the public, and includes light refreshments.
Visual artists will have their own opportunity on Sunday, July 19, from 9am to 5pm, when Glenview Mansion and the Cottage open for a full day of sketching and painting. Artists are encouraged to create work inspired by the building’s interiors, architecture, and surrounding grounds, which have served as a cultural anchor for a century.
A behind-the-scenes historical tour follows on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10am to 1pm. The guided experience includes rarely seen areas such as the Lyons family safe, attic spaces, private closets, staff offices, and crawl spaces. Visitors will also view historic documents, enjoy refreshments, and explore the formal gardens while celebrating 100 years of the mansion’s history. The tour is free and open to the public.
The centennial year wraps up in November with an immersive theatrical experience. Performances run Nov. 6, 7, and 8 at 8pm, with matinees on Nov. 7 and 8 at 2pm. Set in 1928, the interactive murder mystery places guests inside a speakeasy-era funeral filled with secrets, suspects, and audience participation. Prizes will be awarded for the best roaring twenties costume, with ticket options that include show-only admission or packages with a buffet or brunch.
Per the City of Rockville: Built in 1926, Glenview Mansion sits at the heart of Rockville’s Civic Center, overlooking 28 acres of landscaped grounds and ornamental gardens. The property originated as part of Judge Richard Bowie’s farm, known as Glen View, before being purchased in 1917 by Irene Moore Smith. After marrying Dr. James Alexander Lyon, she commissioned prominent Washington architects Lochie and Porter to design the neoclassical home, which became a popular destination for Washington-area socialites. The estate once featured formal boxwood gardens, marble floors, fountains, and a collection of exotic birds. In 1936, a small playhouse was built for their daughter, later becoming what is now known as the Civic Center Cottage.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a local historic landmark, Glenview Mansion’s centennial offers a rare chance to experience the property from multiple perspectives, from art and architecture to history and live performance.
