Homepage
Welcome
The Rotunda at the University of Virginia was designed by Thomas Jefferson as the architectural and academic heart of the University’s community of scholars. He named the University’s original buildings the “Academical Village.” As the phrase suggests, the Academical Village is based on the Jeffersonian principle that learning is a lifelong process, and that interaction between faculty and students is vital to the pursuit of knowledge.
Jefferson modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon, a second-century temple in Rome. Construction began in 1822 and was completed in 1828, two years after Jefferson’s death on July 4, 1826. Built at a cost of almost $60,000, it was the last structure to be finished on the Lawn. Together with Monticello, the Academical Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hours of Operation
The Rotunda is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Historical Tours: Historical Tours of the University of Virginia are offered daily when courses are in session, with the exception of home football game days. These tours cover the original University and Lawn area, and they begin in the Lower East Oval Room of the Rotunda, Sunday - Friday at 11 a.m., and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Additionally, a History of African Americans tour will be offered each Sunday at 3 p.m. Tours are free of charge. No reservation necessary.
Student Study Hours: During fall and spring semesters, the Rotunda is open to students for studying from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday - Tuesday, and until midnight during exams.
For more information about visiting the Rotunda, please call 434-924-7969.
In the News
UVA Architecture: Thomas Jefferson's Architectural Masterpiece – The Lawn at UVA
Each year, thousands of students and faculty members flock to the University of Virginia to learn and educate amongst this historic community.
Photos: Not Just Fiddling Around
What once was entertainment enjoyed at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello plantation again took center stage Sunday at the University of Virginia’s Rotunda.
From President Ryan: The Rotunda Remains the Vibrant Heart of UVA
As this edition of Virginia Magazine reveals, there are a lot of exciting building projects underway across Grounds. From the new School of Data Science, to the Karsh Institute of Democracy, to plans for a new biotech building, UVA is in the midst of creating the physical spaces that will house
Events
October 18, 2023
-
-
5:30 p.m.
Dome Room
“What is the greatest strength of our American democracy?"
Join us for the third-annual UVA Student Oratory Competition in the historical Rotunda Dome Room on UVA's Grounds.
Student participants
October 19 - 21, 2023
-
-
Charlottesville, VA
Democracy360 brings together thought leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, activists, artists, and students of all ages to imagine how we can collectively shape a thriving democratic future
October 27 - 31, 2023
-
-
Rotunda
Over the course of Halloweekend, each day will be filled with a fun display on the Rotunda along with an activity.
Related Links
This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.