Monticello and the University of Virginia

Approx. Time: 4 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Thomas Jefferson gave form to the nascent United States by his writings, his service to the country and more literally his architecture. Between 1784-1809 he designed, built and then remodeled his home, Monticello, perched atop a hill in the Piedmont of Virginia. A low, red-brick structure with a white dome and doric portico, served as a laboratory for his ideas and reflected his interest in the neo-classical style, an architectural movement that he learned about during his years as American Ambassador in Paris. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia to provide educational opportunity for all. His design for the campus included a central domed Rotunda, which served as the library with classrooms, and two rows of Pavillions containing student rooms and faculty lodgings on either side of the "Lawn." He modeled his buildings on the Roman republic. Thomas Jefferson was a man of creative genius whose writings and architecture embody ideals of universal freedom, self-determination and self-fulfillment that continue to inspire humanity. Monticello Hours:
March 1 - October 31: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November 1 - February 28: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Open every day of the year, including Sundays, except Christmas.