Visitor Center

Visitor Center

THE DAVID M. RUBENSTEIN VISITOR CENTER stands as a beautiful gateway to Jefferson’s timeless Monticello. Located on the lower slope of Monticello mountain, the center is comprised of five pavilions situated around a central courtyard. The three-level, LEED Gold-certified, 42,000-square-foot center offers spaces to convene conversations and gatherings.

To inquire about hosting your event at one of our venue spaces, please fill out the Event Inquiry Form or contact us at 434-984-9821 | [email protected].

Venue Highlights

  • Guest Capacities: 10-225
  • Onsite staff support including a member from our events, security, and custodial teams
  • Tables and chairs available for use
  • An exclusive on-site caterer to handle all of your food, beverage and rental needs (price of food, beverage and rentals is separate from venue rental fee)
  • Ample parking in our main parking lot
  • Centrally located to the Monticello Mountaintop for tours and other visitor amenities, such as galleries, shopping and dining 
Fill Out an Event Inquiry Form

Visitor Center Spaces

Courtyard

Located in the heart of the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, the courtyard is a picturesque outdoor venue space. Modern, natural design elements define the courtyard, which is available for evening events once Monticello is closed to the public. The Courtyard can be tented and heated and is an ideal gathering space for larger groups.

Robert H. and Clarice Smith Gallery

Available for after-hours private viewings, the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Gallery houses four innovative exhibitions offering Monticello visitors fresh perspectives on Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson's life and ideas. Using interactive technologies, the exhibits present the famous words of Jefferson, the art and architecture of Monticello, and Jeffersonian ideals.

Howard and Abby Milstein Theater

The Milstein Theater, located directly off the courtyard, features audio-visual capabilities and is ideally suited for talks, receptions, and dinners. The theater is often used in conjunction with the courtyard for evening events to accommodate larger groups, or dinners following after-hours tours.

Classrooms

Perfect for lectures and meetings, the Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center contains three multi-purpose classrooms. Fully equipped with audio-visual equipment, the classrooms are ideal for hosting workshops, lectures, board and business meetings, and luncheons.

Gallery

Other Venues

As a Site of Conscience, we are committed to engaging our guests with a deeper understanding of Monticello’s history as a plantation. Out of respect for the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and labored here, we do not allow private, non-educational events on the West Lawn, Mulberry Row, or elsewhere on the mountaintop.

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Private Events /Venues

Jefferson Vineyards