Location: David M. Rubenstein Visitor 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.

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David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center

Visitor Center 
Aerial of Monticello's David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center, which feature several smaller buildings connected around a central courtyard.
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 
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 selection of one-a-kinds gifts and mementos of your visit.

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, especially his core concepts about liberty, and highlights Monticello's central importance to his life and work.

Thomas Jefferson’s World Film 
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 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 

Stairs to Shuttle and Jefferson statue

Visitors can use a set stairs take a selfie with a statute of Jefferson and catch the Shuttle Bus to the historic mountaintop, or take an elevator inside the galleries building.

Visiter Center Courtyard

A welcoming outdoor gathering space at the visitor center, the courtyard is a place to relax and connect — and throughout the year, it occasionally hosts special outdoor events and exhibits.

Image of accessible parking and entrance to Monticello classrooms.

Accessible Parking and Classrooms

Just around the bend from the visitor center is accessible parking and classrooms that house field trips.

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

Learn More 
Two dogs on leashes sit next to a sign at the start of the Saunders-Monticello Trail

Path to the Saunders-Monticello Trail

The Saunders-Monticello Trail winds its way to Monticello and back in a very manageable 4 miles. A maximum grade of 5% keeps it accessible to walkers, cyclists, and those in wheelchairs.

Learn More 

ADA Parking

Monticello’s David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center Location has accessible parking, restrooms, family restrooms, and elevators.

More Information 

David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center

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 
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 selection of one-a-kinds gifts and mementos of your visit.

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, especially his core concepts about liberty, and highlights Monticello's central importance to his life and work.

Thomas Jefferson’s World Film 
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 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 

Stairs to Shuttle and Jefferson statue

Visitors can use a set stairs take a selfie with a statute of Jefferson and catch the Shuttle Bus to the historic mountaintop, or take an elevator inside the galleries building.

Visiter Center Courtyard

A welcoming outdoor gathering space at the visitor center, the courtyard is a place to relax and connect — and throughout the year, it occasionally hosts special outdoor events and exhibits.

Image of accessible parking and entrance to Monticello classrooms.

Accessible Parking and Classrooms

Just around the bend from the visitor center is accessible parking and classrooms that house field trips.

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

Learn More 
Two dogs on leashes sit next to a sign at the start of the Saunders-Monticello Trail

Path to the Saunders-Monticello Trail

The Saunders-Monticello Trail winds its way to Monticello and back in a very manageable 4 miles. A maximum grade of 5% keeps it accessible to walkers, cyclists, and those in wheelchairs.

Learn More 

ADA Parking

Monticello’s David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center Location has accessible parking, restrooms, family restrooms, and elevators.

More Information