Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in Georgetown neighbourhood, Washington, and was once the residence of American philanthropist and diplomat Robert Woods Bliss and his wife Mildred Barnes Bliss. Within the compound sits the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, which was officially founded by the couple before its property ended up being handed over to Harvard University in 1940. The research institute that has emerged is hence dedicated to supporting academic research in fields such as landscape architecture, Pre-Columbian studies and garden design. The compound, which comprises of its gardens and museum collections is open to the public. Besides that, Dumbarton Oaks also hosts public lectures by famed academics as well as a concert series. This is truly a place where academia and culture intermingle.