| For | Pricing | When |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 7+ |
$95
Mornings and Early Afternoons
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Mornings and Early Afternoons
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Have you always wanted to go upstairs at Monticello? This exclusive pass 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.
Please note: This tour is not accessible and involves climbing steep stairs. Children must be able to climb and descend stairs unassisted by an adult. These tours are recommended for adults and children 7 and older.
Because of high demand during our peak visit seasons, we recommend making your reservation online.
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.
Guide to Your Visit
A Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes a guided tour of Monticello's 1st, 2nd & 3rd floors, including the iconic Dome Room!
Monticello is a big, beautiful, thought-provoking place. Leave time to explore it (most guests spend about 3.5 hours), and please arrive 30 minuties prior to your tour time.
A visit starts at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center where you'll find exhibits on Jefferson and Monticello, an introductory film, and food and shopping.
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Our visually-rich introductory film, “Thomas Jefferson’s World,” describes Monticello’s central importance to Jefferson’s life and work, his consequential accomplishments and core ideas about human liberty, and explores Jefferson’s paradox as a slave owner.
Explore the Wings of the House, including Monticello’s kitchens, cellars, and slave dwellings. Here you will also find exhibits on the life of Sally Hemings and the Getting Word oral history project featuring descendants of Monticello’s enslaved community.
Explore Mulberry Row, where many enslaved individuals lived and worked (included with admission).
Enjoy Monticello's gardens on your own, or take a seasonal Garden and Grounds Tour (included with admission).
The Contemplative Site, located along the walk to Jefferson's grave, is a space to reflect upon their lives and legacies of the 607 enslaved African Americans held by Jefferson in bondage.
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Visit Jefferson's gravestone at the Monticello Cemetery.
Visit the Burial Ground for Enslaved People, a final resting place for more than forty of Monticello’s enslaved community. Jefferson enslaved more than four hundred African Americans at Monticello.
Look for one-of-a-kind gifts at our Shops. The main Shop is in our visitor center, and there's a Farm Shop in the House's North Wing.
Refuel at the Monticello Farm Table café, where the menu reflects Thomas Jefferson’s enthusiasm for local agriculture, his love of seasonal produce and his reputation for hospitality.
With native hardwood forest, deep ravines, elevated walks and spectacular views the Saunders-Monticello Trail is Central Virginia's most popular park.
