Guests entered the Entrance Hall when arriving at Monticello. This room highlighted Jefferson’s wide-ranging interests and dedication to learning about the world around him. In this room, visitors viewed artifacts of American natural history, western civilization, and American Indian cultures while they waited for a chance to greet the former President. Showcasing the objects in this room demonstrated Jefferson’s belief that “knowledge is power, knowledge is safety… knowledge is happiness,” And that knowledge should be shared among the people in a democratic state.

Virtual tours of this room

This room is included in all tours of Monticello.