The Upstairs of Monticello

The UVA School of Architecture’s Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) organized a special visit focused on the upstairs spaces of Monticello, an area of historical preservation and nuance that had so much to reveal.

I’ve visited Monticello before, and each time I’ve come away surprised by how much there is to learn, not just about the history, but about the thinking behind it. This visit, however, shifted the focus away from presentation and toward process. We weren’t just looking at rooms. We were looking at how things were built, how they’re maintained, and how decisions made centuries ago continue to shape the building today. (Well, and history too!)

Seeing the house from above reframed my understanding of it. Structural systems, circulation, and hidden moments of adaptation became visible. The tour moved beyond Jefferson’s ideas as abstract concepts and into the reality of construction and upkeep. Questions of why certain choices were made felt more immediate when paired with how those choices had aged, been repaired, or adjusted over time.

What stayed with me most was how intentional the architecture felt, even in places not meant to be seen. These spaces revealed a different layer of the building, one less about image and more about problem-solving. It was a reminder that architecture isn’t only what’s presented to the public, but also the systems, decisions, and labor that allow a place to endure.

The only question that remained in my mind was… why did Jefferson hide away an absolutely beautiful dome room!?