Charlottesville, VA

Monticello

Built 1772Neoclassical

Behind the front door

A place in history.

Situated on a mountaintop outside Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello,a 5,000-acre plantation, was the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. Monticello is the only historic house in the U.S. on the United Nations' World Heritage List.

Listed in our directory as a National Register property.

Before you go

Plan your visit.

House Tour and Grounds Ticket
 
Daily, year-round
 
Tours run throughout the day.
 

Get an intimate look at the extraordinary house Thomas Jefferson built and furnished for himself and his family. See the furnishings, art, books, gadgets and other objects that reveal Jefferson's unique mind. The guided House Tour covers the rooms on Monticello's first floorand lasts about 35 minutes.

Also included:

  • Plantation Community Tour
  • Gardens and Grounds Tour (April-October)
  • Seasonal Mountaintop Activity Center
  • Exhibitions, Film, and Griffin Discovery Room at the Visitor Center

Group Tours: Special rates are available for adult groups of 25 or more, and for youth/student groups. Call 434-984-9880 for more information and to make reservations.

House Tour Schedule Tours are scheduled to run throughout the day, and last approximately 35 minutes.

Behind the Scenes Tours
 
Daily
 
10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
 

Have you always wanted to go upstairs at Monticello? These exclusive, daytime tours take you behind the scenes: to bedrooms once occupied by members of the Jefferson family on the second floor; to the iconicDome Room on the third floor; and to the new, interactive "Crossroads"exhibition under the house.  You'll see unique interior architectural features, learn about ongoing historic restoration efforts, and gain insight into what one of Jefferson's granddaughters called "the bustle and hurry" of life at Monticello.

Also included:

  • Gardens and Grounds Tours (April-October)
  • Plantation Community Tours (April-October)
  • Film, Exhibitions, and Griffin Discovery Room at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center

Scheduling a Behind the Scenes Tour

Tickets for these tours typically sell out in advance.  To make your reservation online, please click on the tickets icon above.

Please plan to arrive at Monticello at least 30 minutes before the time of your reservation. Be sure to c

Hours, admission prices, and visitor access can change. Confirm current details with the property before traveling.

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