Exhibit
South Pavilion and Martha Wayles Jefferson
The South Pavilion, probably begun in the summer of 1770, is believed to be the first brick building completed on Monticello mountain.
Wings and Pavilions
Wings and Pavilions
Monticello's wings served dual purposes. Offering sweeping views of the surrounding area from the terrace level, they extend and connect the main house to the North and South Pavilions, echoing the design of neoclassical Italian villas that Jefferson admired.
They also housed essential services -- tucked out of sight -- such as kitchens, storage, and dwellings for enslaved laborers, supporting the plantation's daily activities, while allowing the main Jefferson family living spaces to remain focused on comfort and elegance.
Gallery of the North and South Wings
The South Pavilion at one end of the South Wing was one of the earliest buildings constructed at Monticello.
The boardwalk terrace of the South Wing connects the main house with the South Pavilion and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The lower level of the South Wing includes exhibits on Sally Hemings, Monticello's kitchens and cooks, the descendants of the plantation's enslaved community.
The North Terrace connects the North Pavilion and the main house and features a recreation of a Spherical Sundial described by Jefferson as well as views toward Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.
The lower level of the North Terrace houses the mountaintop Farm Shop, restrooms, Monticello's Ice House, and a reconstructed privy.
Go Deeper into Monticello's Wings and Pavilions
-
![A dress form with a brown dress with a large lace collar draped over it.]()
-
![A sign for the Granger Hemings Kitchen with a painting of a woman descending the stairs that once led from the Jefferson's living space above.]()
ExhibitGranger/Hemings Kitchen
Monticello's first kitchen
-
![A woman's dress form stands in front of projected shadows depicting Sally Hemings coming her daughter's hair while two boys play the violin]()
ExhibitThe Life of Sally Hemings
This exhibit relies on the words of Sally Hemings’s and Thomas Jefferson’s son, Madison, to explore her life and the legacy of freedom she achieved for her family.
-
![Shelves with copper pans and cooking utensils like the walls of Monticello's restored kitchen, which features a brick floor, a large hearth, a large preparation table, and a row of stew stoves along the left wall.]()
Exhibit1809 Kitchen
Monticello’s later kitchen incorporated all the newest and best cooking technologies available at the time.
-
![]()
ExhibitGetting Word
Since 1993, Getting Word has been recording oral histories of the descendants of Monticello's enslaved community.
-
![The exterior of the Monticello Farm Shop in the North Wing of the main house with an ice-cream cart adorned with an umbrella out front.]()
PageFarm Shop
Located under the North Terrace on the mountaintop, the Farm Shop provides casual fare and refreshments throughout the day.
-
![Image of a child drawing at the Mountaintop Activity Center]()
ProgramMountaintop Activity Center
Enjoy family-friendly activities for children on select days this spring, summer, and fall that explore history, science, and daily life at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
-
![The Monticello Ice House restored to its original flat-roof design.]()
EncyclopediaIce House
Thomas Jefferson designed Monticello's ice house. It stored ice or snow harvested from the Rivanna River to use for refrigerating fresh dairy and meats or to make delicacies like ice cream throughout the year.
Next page in
What is Monticello?