Tour
Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour
This tour of Monticello reveals how Jefferson and Adams became allies in revolution, bitter rivals in politics, and friends again in retirement.
Behind the Scenes Tour
Find out what’s upstairs at Monticello
This 90-minute exclusive experience takes you behind the scenes: through the first floor of Monticello and up the narrow staircase to explore the private quarters on the second and third floors, including the iconic Dome Room. Along the way, you will see unique architectural features and visit newly restored spaces that reveal the complexities of family life at Monticello. Learn about the Jefferson, Hemings, and Randolph family, as well as other free and enslaved people who lived and labored in the house. The Behind-the-Scenes tour provides a fuller picture of life at Monticello, and a better understanding of the complex world surrounding the man who authored the Declaration of Independence.
Because of high demand during our peak visit seasons - booking your tickets online, in advance is recommended.
Every person on the Behind the Scenes tour, regardless of age, must be able to climb and descend stairs unassisted by an adult. These tours are not recommended for children under 7 or individuals who may have difficulty climbing or descending as many as 75 stairs unassisted.
Guests should plan to arrive at the visitor center 30 minutes prior to their tour start time to allow time to pass through a security screening and travel from the visitor center to the mountaintop.
You'll have access to: | |
|---|---|
| -Free Parking | -The Shop at Monticello |
| -Free Wifi and Monticello Mobile Guide | -The Farm Shop on the Mountaintop |
| -Gardens and Grounds | -The Monticello Café |
Programs included with your ticket
Helpful Information
Monticello Membership Program
Monticello is a nonprofit that depends on the support of visitors like you. Commemorate America's 250th with a Monticello Membership and enjoy year-round access, exclusive perks, and member-only benefits. Includes a free standard-rate house tour every time you visit!
Additional Tours
See all tours-
![Closeup of the bodies of two men in late 18th-century clothing, both pointing at a newspaper one of them is holding.]()
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![A tour guide leads a small group of visitors with a dress form representing Jefferson's wife, Martha, in focus in the foreground right.]()
TourWomen at Monticello Tour
This one-hour and 15-minute guided tour focuses on the experiences of women, both enslaved and free, who lived and labored at Monticello.
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![Costumed historical interpreter Bill Barker, dressed as Thomas Jefferson, leads guests through the Library and Cabinet rooms in Monticello.]()
TourJefferson Remembers the Declaration
Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a special guided theatrical experience through the Monticello house featuring Thomas Jefferson, as interpreted by Bill Barker.
