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Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville

United States of America
Date of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (i)(iv)(vi)
Virginia
N38 1 58 W78 30 14
Ref: 442

Brief Description

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), author of the American Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States, was also a talented architect of neoclassical buildings. He designed Monticello (1769–1809), his plantation home, and his ideal 'academical village' (1817–26), which is still the heart of the University of Virginia. Jefferson's use of an architectural vocabulary based upon classical antiquity symbolizes both the aspirations of the new American republic as the inheritor of European tradition and the cultural experimentation that could be expected as the country matured.

| F. Bandarin © UNESCO More pictures ...

Statement of Significance

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was a talented architect of neo-classical buildings, as well as author of the American Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States. He designed Monticello (1769–1809), his plantation home, and his ideal 'academical village' (1817–26), a few miles away, which is still the heart of the University of Virginia. Jefferson's use of an architectural vocabulary based upon classical antiquity symbolizes both the aspirations of the new American republic as the inheritor of European tradition and the cultural experimentation that could be expected as the country matured. Monticello also shows that Jefferson was conscious of the relationship between architecture and the natural landscape.

Criteria

(i) Both Monticello and the University of Virginia reflect Jefferson’s wide reading of classical and later works on architecture and design and also his careful study of the architecture of late 18th century Europe. As such they illustrate his wide diversity of interests.

(iv) With these buildings Thomas Jefferson made a significant contribution to neo-classicism, the 18th century movement that adapted the forms and details of classical architecture to contemporary buildings.

(vi) Monticello and the key buildings of the University of Virginia are directly and materially associated with the ideas and ideals of Thomas Jefferson. Both the university buildings and Monticello were directly inspired by principles, derived from his deep knowledge of classical architecture and philosophy.

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