Montalto

Montalto

MONTALTO PROVIDES A SPECTACULAR LOCATION for the Foundation’s world-class education center. The “high mountain,” as Jefferson also called it, rises 410 feet above Monticello. Jefferson started negotiations for the land in 1771 to preserve the view from Monticello, and it was one of his first land acquisitions.

Robert H. Smith Center at Montalto 

This center provides a sublime setting to engage a global audience in a dialogue with Jefferson’s ideas and to illuminate Jefferson’s continued relevance in the modern age.

The 11,000-square-foot house atop Montalto and the core of the Robert H. Smith Center, is a place for inspired conversations and memorable celebrations. Restored by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 2011, it is a gracious 1908 American Country house imbued with a sense of retreat and possibility. From a small meeting in the boardroom or a large lecture in the conservatory, to a corporate retreat or wedding, Montalto is the premier, distinctive, and memorable destination for your special event.

Venue Highlights

  • Guest Capacities: 10-300
  • Exclusive access to the entire venue
  • 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)
  • Exclusive location for your event up a scenic private drive
  • Mountain views 
Additional Info and Event Inquiry Form

Montalto Spaces

The Conservatory

The largest room in the house, the Conservatory overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and Charlottesville. The Conservatory is beautiful in both form and function, and is ideally suited for elegant corporate dinners, cocktail parties, academic discourse, and educational programming. With two retractable projection screens and advanced audio and visual equipment, this room can be transformed to accommodate your every need.

The Parlor

Consistent with the original design intent of the historic house, the Parlor offers a place for comfortable respite. The Parlor features original design elements including heart pine floors, a distinctive mantelpiece, and millwork.

Dining Room

The dining room is ideal for working lunches and functions beautifully in tandem with the parlor and conservatory for reception and dinner events. With period reproduction furnishings and a welcoming hearth, the room is warm and inviting.

Lockhart Boardroom

Designed with your meeting needs in mind, the 22-seat boardroom will impress the most discerning of clients with its state-of-the-art technology and well-appointed design.

Lawns

Montalto, rising 410 feet above Monticello, offers unparalleled views in every direction: Jefferson’s “sea view” to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Charlottesville city views to the west, and of course, the incomparable view to Monticello.

Terrace

The multi-level Terrace offers 2,000 square feet of space to entertain guests for cocktail hours, dinners, or commemorative and educational ceremonies. The Terrace offers unparalleled sunsets for your memorable event.

Photo Gallery

A bride laughs next to a groom, under a floral arch on Montalto with a western view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

The Repose manor house, sailcloth event tent, and lawn on Montalto.

A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle with a beautiful arbor and mountaintop views in the background. Venue: Montalto Lawn; Credit: Jen Fariello Photography

Venue: Montalto Lawn; Credit: Jen Fariello Photography

A bar and appetizers station are set-up on the Montalto Terrace. Credit: Jack Looney Photography

Venue: Montalto Terrace; Credit: Jack Looney Photography

People gather at a long board table in the Montalto Lockhart Boardroom

Venue: Lockhart Boardroom

A bride, groom, and bridal party sit under a lush flower arbor on Montalto with views of the Blue Ridge mountains in the background.

Venue: Montalto Lawn; Credit: The Mallorys Photography

Venue: Montalto Conservatory. It is set-up with round tables and chairs for a dinner reception.

Venue: Montalto Conservatory

Other Venues

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].

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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