Visitor Center

The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Carl & Hunter Smith Education Center

The center serves as the gateway to Jefferson's timeless Monticello, with a shop, a café, and exhibits that prepare guests for their trips to the historic mountaintop. It's located next to Monticello's main parking lot and houses our ticket office as well as restrooms and small lockers for our guests' convenience. 

Exhibits at the Visitor Center

Food and Shopping at the Visitor Center

PLEASE NOTE: All visitors to the center must pass through a brief security screening upon arrival and may be subject to other screening or security measures, such as examination of bags. All weapons, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects are prohibited. A security officer will assist you in securing these items if you are observed with them anywhere on the property. See more of our Guest Policies.

Visitor Center Map

Aerial of Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, which feature several smaller buildings connected around a central courtyard.
Cups, books, t-shirts, and quill pens decorated with elements of the Declaration of Independence and on a display in the Shop at Monticello.

The Shop at Monticello

The shop at the visitor center a wide selection of offerings, including one-a-kinds gifts and mementos of your visit.

Learn More 
Upstairs exhibit gallery at the visitor center at Monticello, includes original Monticello artifacts and Thomas Jefferson objects,

Exhibit Galleries and Griffin Discovery Room

Exhibits and a hands-on discovery room that offer fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson's life and ideas.

Current Exhibits 
Two moms and two daughters clink their drinks over a table of food from the Monticello Café

Monticello Café

Monticello's Café menu rotates throughout the year, featuring grab-and-go options and made-to-order sandwiches, salads, shareable plates, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Learn More 
An actor portraying Jefferson is silhouetted by the sunrise as he stands in the Monticello Garden Pavilion looking out on a expansive, golden-lit view of the landscape.

Howard and Abby Milstein Theater

This 15-minute introductory film explores Jefferson's ideas and accomplishments.

Thomas Jefferson’s World Film 
A wide image of the wooded area surrounding the Burial Ground for Enslaved People at Monticello, showing the sites updated fencing and plantings from 2022.

Path to the Burial Ground for Enslaved People

The final resting place for more than forty of Monticello’s enslaved community.

Learn More 
Close of visitors buying tickets to Monticello at the ticket office counter.

Ticket Office and Security Check

All guests must pass through a security and bag screening before entering Monticello.

Guest Policies 

Stairs to Shuttle and Jefferson statue

Visitors can use a exterior stairs or take an elevator inside the galleries building to access both the Shuttle Stop and walking trail. Be sure to take a selfie with the statue of Thomas Jefferson.

Visitor Center Map

Cups, books, t-shirts, and quill pens decorated with elements of the Declaration of Independence and on a display in the Shop at Monticello.

The Shop at Monticello

The shop at the visitor center a wide selection of offerings, including one-a-kinds gifts and mementos of your visit.

Learn More 
Upstairs exhibit gallery at the visitor center at Monticello, includes original Monticello artifacts and Thomas Jefferson objects,

Exhibit Galleries and Griffin Discovery Room

Exhibits and a hands-on discovery room that offer fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson's life and ideas.

Current Exhibits 
Two moms and two daughters clink their drinks over a table of food from the Monticello Café

Monticello Café

Monticello's Café menu rotates throughout the year, featuring grab-and-go options and made-to-order sandwiches, salads, shareable plates, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Learn More 
An actor portraying Jefferson is silhouetted by the sunrise as he stands in the Monticello Garden Pavilion looking out on a expansive, golden-lit view of the landscape.

Howard and Abby Milstein Theater

This 15-minute introductory film explores Jefferson's ideas and accomplishments.

Thomas Jefferson’s World Film 
A wide image of the wooded area surrounding the Burial Ground for Enslaved People at Monticello, showing the sites updated fencing and plantings from 2022.

Path to the Burial Ground for Enslaved People

The final resting place for more than forty of Monticello’s enslaved community.

Learn More 
Close of visitors buying tickets to Monticello at the ticket office counter.

Ticket Office and Security Check

All guests must pass through a security and bag screening before entering Monticello.

Guest Policies 

Stairs to Shuttle and Jefferson statue

Visitors can use a exterior stairs or take an elevator inside the galleries building to access both the Shuttle Stop and walking trail. Be sure to take a selfie with the statue of Thomas Jefferson.

Near the Visitor Center