Previous Updates

Monticello to Temporarily Close, March 16-30 | Updated March 13, 2020

Like the rest of the country, we have been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation with great concern. While there are no confirmed cases connected to Monticello, the gravity of the situation—and the critical importance of slowing the spread of this virus—is clear.

For the safety of our community, Monticello will temporarily close to the public beginning Monday, March 16. If public health conditions allow, we intend to reopen on Monday, March 30. The Saunders-Monticello Trail will also temporarily close. All decisions regarding reopening will be made in close communication with state, local, and federal officials. 

During this temporary closure, all tours and public events are canceled or postponed. The Jefferson Library will also be closed to the public, and any orders placed with Monticello Farm Table are canceled. Provisions have been made for Monticello staff to work remotely when possible. We are encouraging everyone to stay healthy by observing the latest guidance from health experts.

Like the growing list of cultural institutions, athletic leagues, and businesses that have elected to close, we know this is the socially responsible thing to do. We must all do our part to flatten the curve.

We are committed to keeping you informed and will post updates as we have them.

Griffin Discovery Room Closed | Updated March 13, 2020

Over the past week we have significantly increased health and safety protocols across Monticello. This has included additional cleaning and sanitizing tactics in the Griffin Discovery Room, our hands-on activity space for children and families. Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily close this space, effective immediately. 

Monticello remains open to the public, and tours continue uninterrupted.

We are committed to keeping you informed as we receive additional information.

Monticello Preparation | Updated March 11, 2020

Monticello remains open to the public with normal hours of operation—albeit with heightened health and safety protocols.

How we are preparing:

Precautions are being taken to disinfect high-touch public and staff areas across Monticello.

• All surfaces and commonly-touched areas (light switches, door handles, touch screens) are disinfected with a multipurpose, alcohol-based cleaner each morning, night, and at intervals throughout the day. This includes all guest and staff areas around the Monticello campus.
• Public restrooms are cleaned with disinfectant every 45 minutes during operating hours, as well as additional cleanings each morning and night. Signage has been added in every restroom indicating the most effective technique to wash hands.
• Shuttle buses are thoroughly cleaned each day, and all railing surfaces are disinfected at minimum once an hour during operating hours.
• Instant hand sanitizer is available to all guests and staff in designated locations across the Monticello campus.
• For the safety of our staff and visitors, we have suspended business travel for Monticello, both international and domestic.
• We are instructing staff to stay home if they feel unwell, and plans are in place to support paid leave and telework from home.

How our visitors can prepare:

• Travelers should strongly adhere to healthy travel practices, similar to recommendations associated with the U.S. flu season: wash hands often, cough into your elbow, sneeze into a tissue, and avoid contact with people who may already be sick.
• If you feel ill or experience flu-like symptoms, we urge you to stay home and seek medical care.

Peace of Mind Policy:

We value your visit to Monticello, and want to make booking your visit as convenient as possible. Any purchased tickets that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for a future date within this calendar year. The full value of your ticket will be applied to the purchase price of a new ticket of equal or greater value. Simply select another date and pay the difference, if any. Note that some tours (like the Family-Friendly tour) are offered during select times of year and may not be available every day of the year. If you’re not ready to select a future date, you may hold onto your ticket and apply the value toward another admission ticket at any time through December 31, 2020. To exchange your ticket, please contact us at (434) 984-9880. We hope this allows you to continue planning for spring or summer break visits without concerns that your plans may change.