From the Grounds Up: Thomas Jefferson's Architecture and Design

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) occupies a central position in American history as the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. One of his most important legacies was his role as a designer and advocate for the creation of an iconic architectural identity for our fledgling country that still endures today. Jefferson’s architectural vision for the United States is explored in this special exhibition. 

From the Grounds Up: Thomas Jefferson’s Architecture & Design at The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia investigates and illuminates Jefferson’s many architectural accomplishments as well as the classical tradition to which his architecture was aligned. The exhibition consists of drawings, prints, paintings, photographs and building and construction artifacts, among other archival materials.

As a designer, Jefferson is primarily known for his home, Monticello, and the University of Virginia, established by Jefferson 200 years ago – both UNESCO world heritage sites – but his architectural career encompasses much more. He designed other houses and major public buildings that helped define American architecture, including extensive city plans for Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Capitol. Jefferson traveled extensively throughout Europe during his tenure as American minister to the French court. As a result, European architecture and garden design deeply informed his design ethos, and can be seen in several of his iconic buildings. Jefferson understood that as the U.S. grew, its built environment would need to be designed and that quality architecture would be of primary importance to the future of the country.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website