Monticello welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year. We want your visit to be enjoyable and safe. To ensure the best experience for every guest, we ask that you review and observe the following guidelines and regulations:

Monticello's Code of Conduct

Monticello is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all guests, and we ask for your cooperation. We have a zero-tolerance policy for verbally abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening statements and behavior of any kind. Failure to comply may result in removal from Monticello property.

What You Can Do at Monticello

  • Tour the Monticello main house at the time reserved on your ticket. Staff are available to help get you started.
  • Learn about accessibility resources.
  • Explore the gardens and grounds, including Mulberry Row, the main street of the 5,000-acre Monticello plantation.
  • Enjoy a ride up on one our shuttle buses or hike the walking trail from the Visitor Center to the main house and/or back down to the Visitor Center.
  • Non-flash photography or videography for personal, educational and non-commercial use is permitted on the property inside and outside the house. Visit our page on Photography at Monticello for more information. For more information about professional and commercial photography, please see our Filming and Photography Guidelines.

What You Cannot Do at Monticello

The safety of our guests and staff and the preservation of Monticello is our first priority. To that end, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has developed a variety of safety and security measures:

  • All bags, purses, backpacks, diaper bags, waist packs, etc., will be examined. Bags and containers larger than 11” X 15” X 6” (28 X 38 X 15 cm) are prohibited beyond the Visitor Center and on the mountaintop. Please follow staff directions to prepare for bag checks and avoid delays.
  • Monticello and all of its grounds are a non-smoking facility. This includes electronic smoking products.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) on Foundation property is strictly prohibited.
  • Eating, drinking, chewing gum, and photography with flash are prohibited in the main house and all exhibits.
  • Please refrain from bringing outside alcoholic beverages.
  • All weapons, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects are strictly prohibited. A security officer will assist you in securing these items if you are observed with them anywhere on the property.
  • Appropriate clothing, including footwear, is required.
  • Two wheeled scooters, powered or unpowered, including Segways, are not permitted on the property.
  • The use of sporting equipment is strictly prohibited.
  • Guests may not display or carry placards, signs, or banners, including flags on poles, that cannot be stowed in a small bag. Clothing that contains offensive or abusive language or symbols is not permitted.
  • Guests may not engage in disorderly conduct or participate in unauthorized assemblies.
  • Solicitation or advertising is not permitted.

Additional Safety Information

  • Inclement weather: in the event of sudden thunderstorms or threat of high winds, our security officers are authorized to suspend our regular operations until conditions allow for a safe resumption of tours and programs. If a tour or program is suspended due to inclement weather, we will ensure that every ticketed guest will have the opportunity to experience the reserved tour or program or receive a full refund.
  • Guests may be subject to other screening or security measures, including metal detection.
  • We use a variety of methods in keeping Monticello safe including uniformed security officers and various forms of video surveillance monitoring throughout our property.

Additional Accessibility Information- Click Here

Additional Considerations

  • Reservations and tickets are valid only on the date specified. There will be no refunds unless the tour is canceled by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.
  • Some wheelchairs may be too large for use in the main house. Approved-size wheelchairs are available from staff for use in the main house.
  • Small strollers are allowed in, and may be borrowed for use while in, the main house.
  • Dogs are allowed on the grounds of Monticello, if leashed, except for certain special events and programs. Please check individual event details online.
  • Service animals are welcome at Monticello, which follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA requirements for service animals. Guests are not allowed to bring emotional support animals into the Monticello house, in buildings, or shuttle buses.   
  • If you are considering a musical performance at Monticello, please consult our Musical Performance Policy.